Abstract
Various clinical laboratory data regarding arterial blood pressure were analyzed, and autonomic nerve function test by Valsalvas maneuver was done on 13 maintenance hemodialysis patients with persistent hypotension.
We failed to find significant low values in either plasma renin activity or plasma concentration of noradrenalin in patients with this complication.
On the other hand, the Valsalva index indicated a significantly lower value (1.24±0.15 v 1.43±0.18) and clear negative correlation with plasma concentration of noradorenalin, (r=-0.56). Therefore, it is strongly suggested that an autonomic nerve dysfunction mediated by a baroreceptor is implicated in the pathogenesis of this complication, and the “down regulation” mechanism may be operating in the background of its development.
In addition, sodium concentration in erythrocytes was measured and a significantly low value was found in patients with this complication (11.5±1.5 v 13.3±2.6, 14.0±2.9mEq/l).
