Optimal timing for post-dialysis blood pressure measurement: relationship with home blood pressure monitoring

In hemodialysis patients, blood pressure (BP) measured at the postdialysis period (POSBP) can be used to diagnose hypertension. However, the optimal time point for POSBP remains uncertain. This cross-sectional study evaluated 210 long-term dialysis patients (66.7% men; age = 56.9 ± 15.7 years), who underwent POSBP measurements at three time points [immediately after dialysis period ended (POSBP1); after blood return (POSBP2) and after fistula hemostasis or catheter sealing (POSBP3)] and home BP monitoring (HBPM) over one week. POSBP1, POSBP2, POSBP3 and HBPM values were 139.1 ± 22.4/73.2 ± 12.5, 142.8 ± 22.8/74.3 ± 12.3, 142.8 ± 21.8/74.0 ± 12.2 and 131.2 ± 21.2/77.9 ± 12.1 mmHg, respectively. Systolic POSBP3 and POSBP2 were significantly greater (p 130/80 mmHg) POSBP3 showed the highest numerical accuracy (AUC [95% CI] = 0.696 [0.638-0.754]) and concordance (kappa coefficient = 0.41) with elevated HBPM (≥130/80 mmHg) compared with POSBP1 and POSBP2. These findings suggest that POSBP3 may be a preferable measurement for assessment of POSBP in hemodialysis patients.