Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
3896362 Seminars in Nephrology 2014 10 Pages PDF
Abstract
There is a well-documented association between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and hypertension in chronic kidney disease. Studies suggest that the mechanism for this is multifactorial. First, some chronic kidney disease patients may have a limited ability to accommodate a rapid increase in red cell volume because of a decreased glomerular filtration rate, left ventricular hypertrophy, and decreased arterial compliance. Second, there is likely a direct vasoconstrictor effect of ESAs. Although no large randomized controlled trials of ESAs have been designed with blood pressure as an a priori outcome, several meta-analyses have explored this relationship and generally support the existence of ESA-induced hypertension. There are as of yet no data directly linking ESA-induced hypertension with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite this, clinicians should be vigilant for ESA-induced hypertension, use caution when using ESAs in patients with resistant hypertension, and be attentive to the rate of hemoglobin increase in patients with poorly controlled blood pressure.
Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Nephrology
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