Hemodialysis patients require meticulous management of blood pressure and blood sugar to reduce their risk of mortality. A recent report by the Patient-Centered Medical Technology Optimization Research Group (PACEN) of the Korea Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA) highlighted that improper management of these factors significantly increases the risk of death among these patients.
The PACEN study assessed the clinical value of managing blood pressure and blood sugar in hemodialysis patients. The findings showed that 21.7% of patients had a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or higher, which is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Additionally, 25.6% of patients had glycated hemoglobin levels of 7.5% or higher, further elevating their risk.
Rising Demand for Hemodialysis Amid High Mortality Rates Due to Cardiovascular Diseases
As the elderly population and the number of chronically ill patients rise, the demand for hemodialysis is also increasing, with over 15,000 new patients requiring this treatment each year. Despite advances in dialysis technology, the mortality rate among hemodialysis patients remains high, particularly due to cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in this group.
The study, “Development of blood pressure and blood sugar treatment guidelines to improve mortality and quality of life and optimize costs in hemodialysis patients,” supported by PACEN, revealed that higher systolic blood pressure correlates with increased mortality. Patients with systolic blood pressure of 180 mmHg or higher had a 1.2 times higher risk of death compared to those with normal blood pressure. For cardiovascular-related deaths, the risk was 1.12 times higher for patients with systolic blood pressure between 160-180 mmHg, and 1.29 times higher for those with systolic blood pressure above 180 mmHg.
Blood sugar levels, indicated by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), also play a crucial role in patient outcomes. Patients with HbA1c levels of 8.5-9.5% had a 1.26 times higher risk of death than those with levels between 6.5-7.5%. This risk increased to 1.56 times for patients with HbA1c levels above 9.5%. Cardiovascular death risk was similarly elevated, with patients having HbA1c levels of 8.5-9.5% facing a 1.46 times higher risk, and those with levels above 9.5% facing a 1.47 times higher risk, compared to patients with levels between 6.5-7.5%.
Study Reveals High Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels Among Domestic Hemodialysis Patients
The study examined 70,780 domestic hemodialysis patients from 2001 to 2020 and found that 63.9% had systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, with 21.7% exceeding 160 mmHg. Among 24,245 diabetic hemodialysis patients, 49.0% had HbA1c levels of 6.5% or higher, and 25.6% had levels of 7.5% or higher. These statistics underscore the significant number of patients struggling to manage their blood pressure and blood sugar effectively.
The clinical value assessment by PACEN confirmed the critical importance of proper blood pressure and blood sugar management in reducing mortality among hemodialysis patients. Effective management requires the dedicated efforts of both medical staff and patients to achieve and maintain optimal levels in a clinical setting.
Dae-Seok Heo, Director of PACEN, emphasized the study’s significance: “We hope that the results of this study will increase awareness of the importance of blood pressure and blood sugar management in hemodialysis patients, which will greatly contribute to improving the mortality rate of hemodialysis patients.” This statement highlights the need for heightened awareness and proactive management strategies to enhance patient outcomes.
Effective management of blood pressure and blood sugar levels is crucial for reducing mortality rates among hemodialysis patients. The PACEN study’s findings underscore the need for rigorous clinical practices and patient engagement to address these critical health metrics. As the demand for hemodialysis continues to rise, it is imperative that healthcare providers and patients work together to implement effective management strategies, ultimately improving survival rates and quality of life for this vulnerable population.
Resource: Korea Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency, July 15, 2024
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