The effect of food intake during hemodialysis on blood pressure: A nonrandomized experimental trial

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIntradialytic hypotension (IDH) is one of the most important intradialytic complications and is thought to be associated with intradialytic food intake. Allowing intradialytic feeding is still unclear. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IDH and intradialytic food intake.MethodsA nonrandomized experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of intradialytic food intake on blood pressure (BP) in hemodialysis patients. Each patient was assessed twice using an ambulatory BP monitor with and without intradialytic food intake.ResultsThe study was completed with 54 patients. Intradialytic hypotension developed in 40 patients (74.1%) during the food intake session, while intradialytic hypotension developed in 22 participants (40%) in the no‐food session. Repeated BP readings showed that eating 2 h or more after the start of hemodialysis significantly reduced BP.ConclusionsIntradialytic food intake affects the development of IDH. Patients who ate during hemodialysis had a trend of higher of IDH than those who ate nothing during hemodialysis. Eating during dialysis is not recommended.