Intradialytic Hypotension as an Independent Risk Factor for Long-Term Mortality in Maintaining Hemodialysis Patients: A 5-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study

Aims: This study aimed to assess risk factors of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) and the association of prognosis and IDH among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: Among 293 patients, 117 were identified with IDH (more than 4 hypotensive events during 3 months). The association between IDH and survival was evaluated. Results: The incidence of IDH was 39.9%. Age, ultrafiltration rate, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), albumin, β2-microglobulin (β2MG), and aortic root inside diameter (AoRD) were independently associated with IDH. During the 5-year follow-up, 84 patients died with a mortality rate 5.2 per 100 person-year. IDH-prone patients had a higher all-cause mortality rate. IDH and left ventricular mass index were independent risk factors for death (HR 1.655, 95% CI 1.061–2.580; HR 1.008, 95% CI 1.001–1.016). Conclusion: IDH is an independent risk factor for long-term mortality in MHD patients. Patients with older age, high ultrafiltration rate, high level of serum NT-proBNP and β2MG, hypoalbuminemia, and shorter AoRD are at high risk of IDH.