Prediction of intradialytic hypotension occurrence using variations of saturation of oxygen and heart rate

Background: Intradialytic hypotension is a common symptom for end stage renal disease patients undergoing haemodialysis. It may cause severe complications and even lead to sudden death. Currently, there is no effective pre-occurrence system for alerting health care staff for the occurrence of intradialytic hypotension. Aim: To explore predictors for detecting intradialytic hypotension occurrence. Methods: Patients diagnosed with end stage renal disease and required for temporary or long-term haemodialysis treatment were recruited in the study. Intradialytic hypotension was defined as having a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 30mmHg or more below the predialysis measurement or to an absolute value below 100 mmHg. Data of variations of saturation of oxygen and heart rate of sixty-eight patients during their haemodialysis sessions were classified, and then analyzed using sequence alignment. Results: Variations of saturation of oxygen and heart rate were found to be associated with intradialytic hypotension, and could determine pre-occurrence of IDH within 30 minutes. Conclusion: The study suggested that variations of saturation of oxygen and heart rate could be used as predictors for developing an alarm system, which could ensure timely interventions to be provided to patients undergoing haemodialysis for the prevention of intradialytic hypotension.