# Pharmacological management of hypertension and outcome among patients on hemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study in Tanzania found that most hemodialysis patients with hypertension have poor blood pressure control, and more frequent dialysis may help.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into hypertension management and blood pressure control among hemodialysis patients in an African setting.

## Key findings

- Only 16.9% of patients had controlled pre-dialysis blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medication.
- Patients with fewer than three dialysis sessions per week were more likely to have uncontrolled blood pressure.

## Abstract

hypertension is prevalent among patients attending hemodialysis. However, published information on hypertension management among patients on hemodialysis in African countries is scarce. This study assessed antihypertensive medication prescribing patterns and blood pressure control among patients with hypertension on hemodialysis in Tanzania.

an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam from April to June 2022. The study population consisted of patients with hypertension undergoing hemodialysis. Data on demographic, clinical characteristics and the antihypertensive medications used by the patients was collected using a structured questionnaire. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 26. Uncontrolled pre-dialysis blood pressure determinants were assessed using a modified Poisson regression model. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

out of 314 participants, the majority (68.2%, n= 214) were male, and the median age was 52 (interquartile range: 42, 60) years. Only 16.9% (n= 53) of patients had their pre-dialysis blood pressure controlled. The most frequent antihypertensive medications prescribed were calcium channel blockers (73.2%, n= 230). Patients with less than three dialysis sessions were 20% more likely to have uncontrolled blood pressure than those with three sessions in a week (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.2).

most patients on hemodialysis with hypertension had poor blood pressure control, according to the study. Patients with hypertension should be strongly encouraged to adhere to at least three hemodialysis treatments to achieve optimal blood pressure control.