Association between fear of falling and a history of falls in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis patients have complications that increase fear of falling (FOF). This study evaluated the association between FOF and a retrospective history of falls in hemodialysis patients and investigated the ability of the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) to discriminate fallers from nonfallers. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with 183 patients to investigate the history of falls in the last 12 months and to evaluate FOF by the FES-I. RESULTS: The univariate linear regression model showed that the FES-I score was significantly associated with a history of falls (p = 0.01). After adjustment for potential confounders, this association remained significant (R2  = 0.19, p < 0.001). The FES-I score showed an area under the curve of 0.660 with a cutoff point of 25 (sensitivity-61.8%; specificity-62.2%). CONCLUSION: FOF was associated with a history of falls in the 12-month period in hemodialysis patients, and FOF assessed by the FES-I was able to discriminate fallers from nonfallers.

The prevalence and associated factors of nonadherence to antihypertensive medication in secondary healthcare.

PURPOSE: Non-adherence (NA) to medication is a major contributor to treatment failure in hypertensive patients. Factors of the ecological model, at family/healthcare professional, service, and system levels, are rarely evaluated as correlates of NA in hypertensive patients. METHODS: This crossectional study assessed the prevalence of and associated factors of NA to antihypertensive medication among 485 hypertensive patients upon receiving secondary healthcare. The Morisky Green Levine Scale (MGLS) measured the implementation phase of adherence, and the Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese-speaking Adults (SAHLPA) instrument, health literacy. Multivariate analysis to NA included variables according to the levels of the ecological model. RESULTS: Most patients were female (56.3%), white (53.2%), mean age of 62.0 ± 12.6 years, illiterate (61.6%), with low health literacy (70.9%), and low income (65.4%). Uncontrolled BP was frequent (75.2%); 57.1% of patients were nonadherent. In multivariate analysis based on the ecological model, adjusted for micro, meso- and macro-level correlates, NA was associated only with variables of patient-level: low health literacy (OR 1.62, CI 1.07-2.44, p = 0.020), income ≥ two reference wages (OR 0.46, CI 0.22-0.93, p = 0.031), lack of homeownership (OR 1.99, CI 1.13-3.51, p = 0.017), sedentarism (OR 1.78, CI 1.12-2.83, p = 0.014), and complexity of treatment (number of medications taken ≥ two times/day) (OR 1.56, CI 1.01-2.41, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: In this group of severely hypertensive patients with high cardiovascular risk, only patient-related characteristics were associated with NA. Our findings highlight the need for effective actions to optimize clinical outcomes in similar healthcare programs.

Effects of intradialytic resistance training on physical activity in daily life, muscle strength, physical capacity and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: We evaluated the effects of supervised intradialytic resistance training on physical activity in daily life (PADL), muscle strength, physical capacity and quality of life (QoL) in hemodialysis patients.Methods: Twenty-four hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either a 12-weeks moderate-intensity resistance training or a control period. An accelerometer evaluated PADL for seven consecutive days, measuring the time spent in different activities and positions of daily routine and the number of steps taken. Muscle strength, physical capacity and QoL were evaluated.Results: After 12 weeks of training, we did not find significant difference (post-pre values) in walking time (-1.2 ± 18.3 vs. -9.2 ± 13.1 min/day); standing time (-10.2 ± 28.6 vs. 3.2 ± 20.1 min/day); sitting time (20.8 ± 58.9 vs. -30.0 ± 53.0 min/day); lying down time (-9.3 ± 57.9 vs. 34.6 ± 54.0 min/day); number of steps taken [-147 (1834) vs. -454 (2066)] and muscle strength in training and control group, respectively. There was a significant increase in the six-minute walking test distance (48.8 ± 35.9 vs. 6.9 ± 45.9 m, p < 0.05) and some domains of QoL in the training compared to the control group.Conclusions: PADL was not modified after 12 weeks of intradialytic resistance training in hemodialysis patients. However, the exercise program was able to increase the physical capacity and some domains of QoL.Implications for rehabilitationPhysical activity in daily life was not modified after 12 weeks of intradialytic resistance training in hemodialysis patients.The exercise program was able to increase the physical capacity, efficacy of dialysis and some domains of quality of life in hemodialysis patients.The protocol used in this study was safe since no complications were observed during and after resistance training.These results should be interpreted with caution because we applied a moderate resistance training in both lower limbs and in the contralateral arteriovenous fistula upper limb, using perceived exertion by Borg scale to exercise prescription. Moreover, the safety protocol evaluation was not conducted.

Effects of long-term aerobic training and detraining on functional capacity and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: A pilot study.

Although previous studies have shown the benefits of exercise training in hemodialysis patients, little is known about the effects of long-term of exercise program on these patients. We investigated the effects and the safety of long-term aerobic training and the effects of detraining on functional capacity and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Ten patients were allocated to two groups: training and detraining. The training group completed at least 30 months of aerobic training, and the detraining group completed at least 20 months and then discontinued the training for at least 10 months. The outcomes were analyzed at baseline, after 3 months of aerobic training and at the 30-month follow-up. The training and detraining groups performed 37 (5.5) and 24 (3.0) months of aerobic training, respectively. The detraining group discontinued the training for 11.0 (2.0) months. After 3 months of aerobic training, six-minute walking test distance increased significantly in both groups (training group = 569 (287.8) vs 635.5 (277.0) m, p = 0.04; detraining group = 454.5 (72.3) vs 515.0 (91.8) m, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the six-minute walking test distance in the training group (576.5 (182.5), p > 0.05) and a significant decrease (436.2 (89.6) m, p = 0.04) in the detraining group at the follow-up compared to the third month of aerobic training. No significant difference was observed in quality of life during the study. No complications were found during the protocol of the exercise. These results suggest that long-term aerobic training is safe and can maintain functional capacity in hemodialysis patients. In contrast, detraining can result in loss of functional capacity in these patients.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 in chronic kidney disease.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a member of the endocrine FGF family that acts as a metabolic regulator of both glucose and lipid metabolism. Similar to fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), serum FGF21 levels rise progressively with the loss of renal function, reaching 20 times normal values in end-stage renal disease. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), higher serum FGF21 levels correlate with poorer metabolic profile, higher inflammatory markers, more comorbidities, and higher mortality. The high serum FGF21 levels are above and beyond what can be explained by the loss of FGF21 renal clearance, suggesting increased production and/or impaired non-renal clearance. In diabetic nephropathy, serum FGF21 levels correlate with the severity of albuminuria and faster loss of glomerular filtrate rate and can potentially be a biomarker of poor prognostic. The observational and associative human data contrast sharply with in vitro and in vivo preclinical experimental data, which is more in line with a protective role of FGF21 in chronic nephropathies. We here review the physiology of FGF21, and the literature regarding its behavior in CKD with particular focus on diabetic nephropathy. Finally, we speculate on the role of FGF21 in CKD.

Compulsão alimentar periódica: aspecto negligenciado na abordagem de pacientes com síndrome metabólica / Binge eating: a neglected element in the approach to patients with metabolic syndrome

Introdução: obesidade, um dos principais componentes da síndrome metabólica frequentemente associa-se à compulsão alimentar periódica. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença da compulsão alimentar periódica em mulheres com síndrome metabólica e a possível associação com parâmetros sociodemográficos, clínicos e comportamentais. Material e métodos: estudo transversal com 124 indivíduos com síndrome metabólica, divididos de acordo com presença ou ausência da compulsão alimentar periódica, classificados pela Escala de Compulsão Alimentar Periódica (ECAP). Quantificamos peso, altura, circunferência da cintura e pressão arterial. Avaliamos parâmetros comportamentais: nível de atividade física, consumo de álcool, imagem corporal, sintomas depressivos e qualidade de vida (SF-36). A avaliação laboratorial incluiu glicose, insulina, hormônio tiroestimulante, perfil lipídico e função renal. Os grupos foram comparados pelos testes Qui Quadrado e t de Student. Resultados:a média de idade das participantes foi 41±10,9 anos e a totalidade da amostra apresentava obesidade abdominal, com média da circunferência da cintura de 110±11,0 cm, 70% eram hipertensas, com média de pressão arterial sistólica de 133±13,0 mmHg e pressão arterial diastólica de 89±11,0 mmHg. Além disso, 95% eram sedentárias, 7% eram fumantes, 12% faziam uso nocivo do álcool, 98% declararam insatisfação com a imagem corporal e 62% apresentavam depressão. Observou-se presença de compulsão alimentar periódica em 57% das mulheres avaliadas. Os pacientes com compulsão alimentar periódica eram mais jovens (20 a 39 anos) (53,5% vs. 30,2%; p=0,010) e tinham pior qualidade de vida (93,6± 19,6 vs. 104,3± 19,8; p=0,039). Quanto aos parâmetros laboratoriais, não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão: a presença de compulsão alimentar periódica foi achado frequente em mulheres mais jovens com síndrome metabólica, associada com pior qualidade de vida. Estes achados alertam para a importância do rastreio da compulsão alimentar periódica em indivíduos com síndrome metabólica para contribuir para manejo clínico mais adequado desta população.

Introduction: obesit y, one of the main components of metabolic syndrome, is frequently associated with binge eating. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of binge eating in women with metabolic syndrome and its possible association with sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral parameters. Material and methods: a cross-sectional study with 124 individuals with metabolic syndrome, divided according to the presence or absence of binge eating, based on the criteria of the Binge Eating Scale (BES). We quantified weight, height, waist circumference, and office blood pressure. We evaluated behavioral parameters: level of physical activity, alcohol consumption, body image, depressive symptoms, and quality of life (SF-36). Laboratory evaluation included glucose, insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, lipid profile, and renal function. The groups were compared by Chi-square and student t tests. Results: the mean age of the participants was 41±10.9 years and the entire cohort presented abdominal obesity, with an average waist circumference of 110±11.0 cm, while 70% of the individuals were hypertensive, with an overall mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 133±13.0 mmHg and 89±11.0 mmHg, respectively. In addition, 95% were sedentary, 7% were smokers, 12% abused alcohol, 98% declared dissatisfaction with body image, and 62% had depression. We observed the occurrence of binge eating in 57% of the women evaluated. The patients with binge eating were younger (20 to 39 years) (53,5% vs. 30,2%; p=0.010) and had worse quality of life (93,6± 19,6 vs. 104,3± 19,8; p=0.039). Regarding laboratory parameters, there were no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: the occurrence of binge eating was a frequent finding in younger women with metabolic syndrome associated with worse quality of life. These findings alert to the importance of binge eating tracking in individuals with metabolic syndrome to contribute for a more appropriated clinical management of this population.

Quality of Care of Patients with Diabetes in Primary Health Services in Southeast Brazil.

Background: Diabetes management involves multiple aspects that go beyond drug therapy as a way of providing high quality care. The objective of this study was to describe quality of care indicators for individuals with diabetes in southeast Brazil and to explore associations among these indicators. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study, health care providers filled out a questionnaire addressing health care structure and processes at 14 primary health care units (PHCUs). Clinical and laboratory data of diabetic patients attending the PHCUs and from patients referred to a secondary health care (SHC) center were collected. Results: There was a shortage of professionals in 53.8% of the PHCUs besides a high proportion of problems regarding referrals to SHC. At the PHCU, glycated hemoglobin results were available only in half of the medical records. A low rate of adequate glycemic control was also observed. An association between structure and process indicators and the outcomes analyzed was not found. Conclusion: Major deficiencies were found in the structure and processes of the PHCUs, in addition to unsatisfactory diabetes care outcomes. However, no association between structure, process, and outcomes was found.

Baroreflex gain and vasomotor sympathetic modulation in resistant hypertension.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the gain and latency of arterial baroreflex control of heart rate in patients with resistant hypertension compared to patients with essential hypertension and normotensive subjects. METHODS: Eighteen patients with resistant hypertension (56 ± 10 years, mean of four antihypertensive drugs), 17 patients with essential hypertension (56 ± 11 years, mean of two antihypertensive drugs), and 17 untreated normotensive controls (50 ± 15 years) were evaluated by spectral analysis of the spontaneous fluctuations of arterial pressure (beat-to-beat) and heart rate (ECG). This analysis estimated vasomotor and cardiac autonomic modulations, respectively. The transfer function analysis quantified the gain and latency of the response of output signal (RR interval) per unit of spontaneous change of input signal (systolic arterial pressure). RESULTS: The gain was similarly lower in patients with resistant hypertension and patients with essential hypertension in relation to normotensive subjects (4.67 ± 2.96 vs. 6.60 ± 3.30 vs. 12.56 ± 8.81 ms/mmHg; P < 0.01, respectively). However, the latency of arterial baroreflex control of heart rate was significantly higher only in patients with resistant hypertension when compared to patients with essential hypertension and normotensive subjects (-4.01 ± 3.19 vs. -2.91 ± 2.10 vs. -1.82 ± 1.09 s; P = 0.04, respectively). In addition, the index of vasomotor sympathetic modulation was significantly increased only in patients with resistant hypertension when compared to patients with essential hypertension and normotensive subjects (4.04 ± 2.86 vs. 2.65 ± 1.88 vs. 2.06 ± 1.70 mmHg2; P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with resistant hypertension have reduced gain and increased latency of arterial baroreflex control of heart rate. These patients also have increased vasomotor sympathetic modulation.

Physical Activity in Hemodialysis Patients Measured by Triaxial Accelerometer.

Different factors can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle among hemodialysis (HD) patients, including the period they spend on dialysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of physical activities in daily life in this population by using an accurate triaxial accelerometer and to correlate these characteristics with physiological variables. Nineteen HD patients were evaluated using the DynaPort accelerometer and compared to nineteen control individuals, regarding the time spent in different activities and positions of daily life and the number of steps taken. HD patients were more sedentary than control individuals, spending less time walking or standing and spending more time lying down. The sedentary behavior was more pronounced on dialysis days. According to the number of steps taken per day, 47.4% of hemodialysis patients were classified as sedentary against 10.5% in control group. Hemoglobin level, lower extremity muscle strength, and physical functioning of SF-36 questionnaire correlated significantly with the walking time and active time. Looking accurately at the patterns of activity in daily life, HDs patients are more sedentary, especially on dialysis days. These patients should be motivated to enhance the physical activity.

Total body water reduction in subjects with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis is associated with a better hypertension control.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease and hypervolemia is one of the principal causes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the reduction of volemia on blood pressure as well as on echocardiographic parameters in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: Twelve patients with no clinical evidence of hypervolemia were submitted to an increase in the rate of the dialysis with the purpose of reducing body weight by 5%. The volemia was evaluated by electrical bioimpedance and by ultrasound of the inferior cava vena (ICV). Blood pressure was measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography both at baseline and 5 weeks after the intervention period. RESULTS: After the increase in the ultrafiltration, body weight, extracellular water and the inspiratory diameter of the ICV decreased significantly in parallel with a non-significant increase in the collapsing ICV index. Despite the reduction of anti-hypertensive drugs, systolic blood pressure during the sleep period decreased from 138.4 ± 18.6 to 126.7 ± 18.0 mmHg, the nocturnal blood pressure drop increased and the final systolic left ventricular diameter decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Reduction of the volemia of patients on peritoneal dialysis, with no signs of hypervolemia, was associated with a better blood pressure control and with a decrease of the final systolic left ventricular diameter.

Depressed cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with chronic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: A dysfunctional autonomic nervous system (ANS) has also been recognized as an important mechanism contributing to the poor outcome in CKD patients, with several studies reporting a reduction in heart rate variability (HRV). OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the sympathovagal balance in patients with chronic kidney disease on conservative treatment. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, patients with CKD stages 3, 4 and 5 not yet on dialysis (CKD group) and age-matched healthy subjects (CON group) underwent continuous heart rate recording during two twenty-minute periods in the supine position (pre-inclined), followed by passive postural inclination at 70° (inclined period). Power spectral analysis of the heart rate variability was used to assess the normalized low frequency (LFnu), indicative of sympathetic activity, and the normalized high frequency (HFnu), indicative of parasympathetic activity. The LFnu/HFnu ratio represented sympathovagal balance. RESULTS: After tilting, CKD patients had lower sympathetic activity, higher parasympathetic activity, and lower sympathovagal balance than patients in the CON group. Compared to patients in stage 3, patients in stage 5 had a lower LFnu/HFnu ratio, suggesting a more pronounced impairment of sympathovagal balance as the disease progresses. CONCLUSION: CKD patients not yet on dialysis have reduced HRV, indicating cardiac autonomic dysfunction early in the course of CKD.

[Identifying potential drug interactions in chronic kidney disease patients]. / Interacoes medicamentosas potenciais em pacientes com doenca renal cronica.

INTRODUCTION: Drug interactions (DIs) are common in clinical practice and are directly related to factors such as polypharmacy, aging, hepatic metabolism and decreased renal function. Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often require multiple classes of drugs being at important risk for the development of DIs. OBJECTIVE: Identify potential interactions among drugs prescribed to patients with CKD on conservative treatment, and factors associated with their occurrence. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study, with analysis of 558 prescriptions. Potential DIs were identified by the database MICROMEDEX®, software that provides an internationally known pharmacopoeia. RESULTS: There was a predominance of males (54.7%), seniors (69.4%), stage 3 CKD (47.5%), overweight and obese patients (66.7%). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (68.5%) and diabetes mellitus (31.9%). Potential DIs were detected in 74.9% of prescriptions. Among the 1364 DIs diagnosed, 5 (0.4%) were contraindicated and 229 (16.8%) of greater severity, which need immediate intervention. Interactions of moderate and low severity were identified in 1049 (76.9%) and 81 (5.9%) prescriptions, respectively. The probability of one DI increased by 2.5 times for each additional drug (CI = 2.18 to 3.03). Obesity, hypertension, diabetes as well as advanced stage of CKD were risk factors strongly associated with DI occurrence. CONCLUSION: Drug associations in individuals with CKD were related to high prevalence of serious DIs, especially in the later stages of the disease.

Cardiovascular risk assessment in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: to assess cardiovascular risk by means of the traditional Framingham score and the version modified through the incorporation of emerging risk factors, such as family history of acute myocardial infarction, metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease. METHOD: participants were 50 hypertensive patients under outpatient treatment. The clinical data were collected through a semi-structured interview and the laboratory data from patients' histories. RESULTS: it was verified that the traditional Framingham score was predominantly low (74%), with 14% showing medium risk and 12% high risk. After the inclusion of emerging risk factors, the chance of a coronary event was low in 22% of the cases, medium in 56% and high in 22%. CONCLUSIONS: the comparison between the traditional Framingham risk score and the modified version demonstrated a significant difference in the cardiovascular risk classification, whose correlation shows discreet agreement between the two scales. Lifestyle elements seem to play a determinant role in the increase in cardiovascular risk levels.

Weight loss improves renal hemodynamics in patients with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of weight loss on urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and creatinine clearance in obese patients with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Thirty-five obese patients undertook a 12-week calorie-restricted diet. The patients underwent a metabolic (oral glucose tolerance test, plasma lipids, and uric acid) and renal hemodynamic evaluations (creatinine clearance and urinary albumin excretion) before (phase 1), and after the 12-week diet (phase 2). RESULTS: After the dietary intervention, the subjects were divided into two groups: patients who achieved the target weight reduction (R: responders, n = 14), and patients who did not (NR: non-responders, n = 21). The patients in Group R showed an improvement in lipid profile, a decrease in UAE (median = 162.5 mg/24 hours, range: 0.8 to 292 mg/24 hours, at phase 1 versus 10.4 mg/24 hours, range: 1.6 to 22.4 mg/24 hours, at phase 2), and a significant reduction in creatinine clearance (121.4 ± 66.5 mL/min. in phase 1 to 92.9 ± 35.6 mL/min. at the end of phase 2, p = 0.001). In Group NR, no statistically significant differences were observed between phases 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Body weight reduction has a positive impact on renal hemodynamics, decreasing urinary albumin excretion as well as glomerular hyperfiltration in obese patients with metabolic syndrome.

[Dissociation of antihypertensive and metabolic response to losartan and spironolactone in experimental rats with metabolic sindrome]. / Dissociação da resposta anti-hipertensiva e metabólica à losartana e espironolactona em ratos com síndrome metabólica experimental.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of arterial hypertension (AH) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) is a challenge, since non drug therapies are difficult to implement and optimal pharmacological treatment is not fully established. OBJECTIVE: To assess the blockade of the rennin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) in blood pressure (BP) in renal function and morphology in an experimental model of MS induced by high fat diet. METHODS: Wistar rats were fed on high fat diet from the fourth week of life, for 20 weeks. The groups received Losartan or Spironolactone from the eighth week of life. We weekly evaluated the body weight and BP by tail plethysmography. At the end of the experiment oral glucose tolerance, lipid profile, creatinine clearance tests, and the direct measurement of BP were performed. A morphometric kidney analysis was performed. RESULTS: The administration of high-fat diet was associated with the development of MS, characterized by central fat accumulation, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. In this model there were no changes in renal histomorphometry. The blockade of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor AT1 prevented the development of hypertension. The mineralocorticoid blockage did not have antihypertensive efficacy but was associated with reduction of abdominal fat. CONCLUSION: The dissociation of the antihypertensive response to the blockades of Ang II receptors and mineralocorticoid indicates the involvement of Ang II in the pathogenesis of hypertension associated with obesity. Reduction of central obesity with Spironolactone suggests the presence of mineralocorticoid adipogenic effect.

Exercise training during hemodialysis reduces blood pressure and increases physical functioning and quality of life.

Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients and are associated with the reduction of physical functioning and quality of life. We evaluated the effects of supervised aerobic exercise training on physical functioning, blood pressure, quality of life, and laboratory data in hemodialysis patients. Fourteen patients were evaluated at the beginning and after 12 weeks of stretching exercises (control phase) and at the end of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training performed during hemodialysis sessions (intervention phase). Patients underwent a 6-min walking test (6MWT), 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, a Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire, and blood sample collections. After the intervention phase, the 6MWT distance increased from 508.7 +/- 91.9 m to 554.9 +/- 105.8 m (P = 0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased respectively from 150.6 +/- 18.4 mm Hg to 143.5 +/- 14.7 mm Hg and from 94.6 +/- 10.5 mm Hg to 91.4 +/- 9.7 mm Hg (P < 0.05), while hemoglobin levels increased from 10.8 +/- 1.2 g/dL to 11.6 +/- 0.8 g/dL (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant increase in the physical functioning, social functioning, and mental health dimensions of the SF-36. Aerobic exercise training during hemodialysis increased physical functioning, reduced blood pressure levels, and improved the control of anemia and quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Effects of aerobic training during hemodialysis on heart rate variability and left ventricular function in end-stage renal disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis is predictive of cardiac death, especially due to sudden death. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of aerobic training during hemodialysis on HRV and left ventricular function in ESRD patients. METHODS: Twenty two patients were randomized into two groups: exercise (n = 11; 49.6 ± 10.6 years; 4 men) and control (n = 11; 43.5 ± 12.8; 4 men). Patients assigned to the exercise group were submitted to aerobic training, performed during the first two hours of hemodialysis, three times weekly, for 12 weeks. HRV and left ventricular function were assessed by 24 hours Holter monitoring and echocardiography, respectively. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of protocol, no significant differences were observed in time and frequency domains measures of HRV in both groups. The ejection fraction improved non-significantly in exercise group (67.5 ± 12.6% vs. 70.4 ± 12%) and decreased non-significantly in control group (73.6 ± 8.4% vs. 71.4 ± 7.6%). CONCLUSION: A 12-week aerobic training program performed during hemodialysis did not modify HRV and did not significantly improve the left ventricular function.