Blood pressure measurement in dialysis patients

The best method and timing of blood pressure (BP) measurement in end-stage renal disease are subject to controversy. This issue is especially relevant in hemodialysis patients, where unique causes of inaccuracy may exist. The lack of standardization of BP measurement in the dialysis unit may lead to misdiagnosis, so close attention must be paid to technical methods to obtain BP. A composite of BP measurements over a period of 1 to 2 weeks rather than isolated readings should be used for guidance. Interdialytic BP monitoring with an ambulatory BP monitor is the most reproducible method and is thought to best represent BP in dialysis patients. If available, ambulatory BP is a useful tool to evaluate the quality of BP control in the interdialytic period. Alternative forms of BP measurement, such as home BP, 20-minute postdialysis BP, and short (3-hour to 4-hour) ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), could prove useful when feasible or available. In this paper, we discuss the evidence regarding BP measurement in dialysis patients, new techniques under development, and recommendations for clinical practice. (C) 2004 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.