# Reducing intradialytic hypotension with intermittent pneumatic compression during haemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

This study shows that using intermittent pneumatic compression during dialysis helps reduce low blood pressure episodes and improves blood pressure stability in patients.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence that intermittent pneumatic compression during hemodialysis reduces intradialytic hypotension.

## Key findings

- IPC significantly reduced changes in blood pressure and heart rate during dialysis.
- The incidence of intradialytic hypotension was lower in the IPC group.
- IPC was found to be safe and well-adhered to by patients.

## Abstract

Patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) suffer from intradialytic hypotension (IDH), leading to a higher risk of mortality and hospitalization. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) may be a potential intervention to prevent a decrease in blood pressure during haemodialysis (HD). However, evidence about the effects of IPC on intradialytic haemodynamic changes in patients undergoing MHD is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IPC on intradialytic haemodynamic changes in patients undergoing MHD.

In this randomized clinical trial, 30 patients undergoing MHD were randomly assigned to the IPC group (n = 14) and the control group (n = 16). Participants in the control group received usual care and patients in the IPC group received IPC during all dialysis sessions for 12 weeks. The effects of IPC on haemodynamic indicators were analysed using a generalized estimating equation model.

A total of 26 participants completed the study. The adherence of IPC was 94.2%. The changes in haemodynamic indicators (i.e. blood pressure and heart rate) from pre-dialysis were significantly lower in the IPC group than in the control group at all time points during dialysis (P < .05). The incidence of IDH was also lower in the IPC group than in the control group (P < .01).

Intradialytic IPC promotes haemodynamic indicators and reduces IDH occurrence in patients undergoing MHD. The compliance and safety of intradialytic IPC were satisfactory. Intradialytic IPC could be implemented in clinical settings to maintain haemodynamic stability during HD.