ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND METHODS: In order to evaluate characteristics and modulatory factors of blood pressure in peritoneal dialysis(PD), studies were conducted on the 69 patients who had underwent peritoneal equilibration test(PET). RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1) All patients received an antihypertensive drug before PD, but, 15 of 69 patients successfully quit taking the antihypertensive drug after peritoneal dialysis. 2) During peritoneal dialysis, mean arterial pressure(MAP) was significantlydecreased for the first 3 months, and this lasted for 1 year, and antihypertensive drug requirements were significantly decreased continuously up to 9 months(p<0.005). 3) After changing the modality from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis. MAP(mmHg, from 107.1+/-4.5 to 98.6+/-8.8, p<0.05), antihypertensive drug requirements(from 5.6+/-2.6, to 2.0+/-2.5, p<0.01) and erythropoietin dosages(Uint/week, from 4600+/-2660 to 2000+/-1630, p<0.05) were decreased. 4) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that MAP(p<0.01) and daily ultrafiltration volume(p<0.05) can contribute to the determination of antihypertensive drug requirements. However the relationship between antihypertensive drug requirements and PET results or dialysis adequacy indices(weekly Kt/V. weekly creatinine clearance) was not revealed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the prescription of antihypertensive drugs should be considered according to daily ultrafiltration volume, especially during first year after initiating PD, and follow-ups for over a year may be needed.