Blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients on different peritoneal dialysis regimens.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relation between the results of ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), then to find the independent determinant for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Finally, to evaluate the differences in the clinical and cardiovascular characteristics between patients on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and continuous cyclic PD (CCPD). DESIGN: An open, nonrandomized, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Divisions of nephrology and cardiology in a medical center. PATIENTS: Thirty-two uremic patients on maintenance PD therapy (22 patients on CAPD, and 10 on CCPD) without anatomical heart disease or history of receiving long-term hemodialysis. INTERVENTIONS: Home blood pressure (BP) and office BP were measured using the Korotkoff sound technique by sphygmomanometer. ABPM was employed for continuous measurement of BP. Echocardiography was performed for measurement of cardiac parameters and calculation of LVMI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for independent determinant of LVH in PD patients. The differences in clinical and cardiovascular characteristics between CAPD and CCPD patients were compared. RESULTS: Simple regression analysis showed positive correlations between LVMI and the duration of hypertension, ambulatory nighttime BP/BP load/BP load > 30%, serum phosphate, calcium-phosphate product, ultrafiltration (UF) volume, and percentage of UF volume during the nighttime. A negative correlation was noted between LVMI and dipping. In multiple regression analysis, the duration of hypertension was the only variable linked to LVMI. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only ambulatory nighttime systolic BP load > 30% had an independent association with LVH.There were correlations between office/home BP and ambulatory 24-hour BP. In addition, CCPD patients had higher LVMI, UF volume during the nighttime, and percentage of UF volume during the nighttime than those of CAPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ambulatory nighttime systolic BP load > 30% had an independent association with LVH. Office and home BP measurements were correlated with ABPM in PD patients. The result that CCPD patients had a higher LVMI than CAPD patients may be due to a relative volume overload during the daytime in CCPD patients.     

Effects of peritoneal resting on peritoneal fluid transport kinetics.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal resting has been used to restore peritoneal ultrafiltration capacity in peritoneal dialysis patients. Therefore, in the present study, we made a detailed investigation on the effects of peritoneal resting on peritoneal fluid transport characteristics in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). METHODS: A temporary transfer to daytime ambulatory peritoneal dialysis with a nocturnal "empty belly" was applied to let the peritoneal membrane rest overnight in patients with poor ultrafiltration capacity. All included patients were asked to record appropriately their dialysis exchanges for the assessment of peritoneal fluid transport characteristics, which were evaluated before and after peritoneal resting. RESULTS: Seven CAPD patients were included in the present study. There was a significant improvement in peritoneal ultrafiltration capacity as assessed by ultrafiltration volume per gram of glucose load. Patients' daily glucose exposure and dialysate-to-plasma ratio of creatinine were significantly decreased after peritoneal resting. The peritoneal fluid absorption rate was also significantly decreased after peritoneal resting: 1.011 +/- 0.4484 versus 0.625 +/- 0.3833 mL/minute. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that peritoneal resting can improve CAPD patients' ultrafiltration capacity and decrease the use of hypertonic dialysis solution. The improved ultrafiltration capacity by peritoneal resting was due to decreased membrane solute transport rate and decreased peritoneal fluid absorption rate.     

老年高血压患者动态血压监测特点及其预测意义

目的：探讨老年高血压患者动态血压监测特点、正常值及其预测意义。方法：使用英国产MEDILOG ABP monitoring system无创伤性动态血压监测仪对80例老年高血压患者进行24h动态血压监测，包括采用固定日间和夜间时间段，日间每15min、夜间每30min记录1次。包括24h、日间和夜间收缩压及舒张压，24h、日间和夜间血压负荷值。结果：80 例患者24h平均压及平均脉压等常用参数值明显高于正常参考值，其中白大衣高血压占15％。结论：动态血压监测参数值比随测血压能更准确预测心脑血管并发症状发生。 单独诊断白大衣高血压与传统方式有高度一致性。     

Serum BNP concentration and left ventricular mass in CAPD and automated peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare ultrafiltration under continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated PD (APD), disclosing potential effects on serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and echocardiographic findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional clinical study included 32 patients on CAPD and 30 patients on APD without clinical evidence of heart failure or hemodynamically significant valvular heart disease. Peritoneal equilibration tests, BNP levels, and echocardiographic measurements were performed in each subject. BNP measurements were also performed in 24 healthy control subjects. RESULTS: Patients on APD had lower ultrafiltration and higher values of BNP and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) compared with patients on CAPD (respectively: 775 +/- 160 vs 850 +/- 265 mL, p = 0.01; 253.23 +/- 81.64 vs 109.42 +/- 25.63 pg/mL, p = 0.001; 185.12 +/- 63.50 vs 129.30 +/- 40.95 g/m(2), p = 0.001). This occurred despite higher mean dialysate glucose concentrations and far more extensive use of icodextrin in the APD group. CONCLUSION: Treatment with APD is associated with higher plasma BNP levels and LVMI compared to CAPD. This may be the result of chronic fluid retention caused by lower ultrafiltration in APD patients.     

Differential time effect profiles of amlodipine, as compared to valsartan, revealed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, self blood pressure measurements and dose omission protocol

Amlodipine and valsartan are once-daily antihypertensive agents. To date, no comparison between these agents given as monotherapies was reported. This study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic coverage and safety of amlodipine and valsartan in mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients. Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, comparative study. After a 4-week placebo wash-out period, 246 outpatients with office diastolic blood pressure 95 < or = DBP < or =110 mmHg and systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 180 mmHg, in addition to a mean daytime SBP and/or DBP > 135/85 mmHg on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), were randomly allocated to once-daily amlodipine 5-10 mg or valsartan 40-80 mg, for 12 weeks. In a subgroup of patients, 48-h ABPM were performed at the end of the treatment period. Dose omission was simulated by a single-blind placebo dosing. The primary efficacy end-point was the 24-h trough office BP after 12 weeks of active therapy. The reductions in 24-h trough BP were more pronounced in amlodipine compared with valsartan group as well in office [SBP: -17.8 +/- 10.9 vs. -14.6 +/- 11.2, P = 0.025, DBP: -12.7 +/- 7.2 vs. -10.9 +/- 7.8 mmHg, P = 0.06) as in ambulatory BP (SBP/DBP: -13.0 +/- 13.7/-10.8 +/- 9.1 vs. -7.2 +/- 19.4/-4.9 +/- 13.4 mmHg, P < 0.05). Forty-eight hours after the last active dose, the slope of the morning BP surge (4-9 h) was less steep with amlodipine vs. valsartan [DBP (P < 0.04), SBP (n.s.)]. Ankle edema were more often reported in amlodipine group. These results suggest a superior BP lowering and a longer duration of action with amlodipine compared with valsartan.     

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind comparison of the efficacy and safety of irbesartan and enalapril in adults with mild to moderate essential hypertension, as assessed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: the MAPAVEL Study (Monitorización Ambulatoria Presión Arterial APROVEL)

BACKGROUND: When blood pressure (BP)-lowering efficacy is assessed by measurements taken in a clinic setting, angiotensin II-receptor antagonists show similar efficacy to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and better tolerability. A search of MEDLINE to date, however, reveals no randomized, double-blind studies using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) to compare the BP-lowering efficacy of irbesartan and enalapril in a large number of patients ( > 200) with essential hypertension. OBJECTIVE: This study compared 24-hour BP reduction and BP control, as assessed by ABPM, in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension treated with irbesartan or enalapril. The relative tolerability of the 2 treatments was also evaluated. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension (office diastolic BP [DBP] 90-109 mm Hg or systolic BP [SBP] 140-179 mm Hg). After a 3-week, single-blind placebo washout phase, patients with a mean daytime DBP > or = 85 mm Hg, as measured by ABPM between 10 AM and 8 PM, were randomized to 12 weeks of active treatment with irbesartan or enalapril. Starting doses were 150 and 10 mg/d, respectively, with titration to 300 or 20 mg/d if clinic DBP was > or = 90 mm Hg at week 4 or 8. Based on clinic measurements, BP control was defined as a BP reading < 140/90 mm Hg after 12 weeks of treatment; patients achieving a reduction in DBP of > or = 10 mm Hg at 12 weeks were considered responders. The ABPM criterion for BP control, independent of clinic values, was achievement of a daytime BP < 130/85 mm Hg after 12 weeks of treatment; patients achieving a reduction in 24-hour DBP > or = 5 mm Hg at 12 weeks were considered responders, in dependent of clinic values. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients were randomized to treatment, 115 to irbesartan and 123 to enalapril. The study population was approximately 52.0% female and 48.0% male, with a mean ( +/- SD) age of 52.7 +/- 10.6 years. The study was completed by 111 patients in the irbesartan group (dose titrated to 300 mg/d in 72.0% of patients) and 115 patients in the enalapril group (dose titrated to 20 mg/d in 76.5% of patients). BP reductions were similar in the 2 groups, both as measured in the clinic (DBP, 12.7 +/- 8.8 mm Hg irbesartan vs 12.4 +/- 7.4 mm Hg enalapril; SBP, 19.0 +/- 14.1 mm Hg vs 17.5 +/- 14.0 mm Hg) and by 24-hour ABPM (DBP, 9.4 +/- 8.5 mm Hg vs 8.8 +/- 8.5 mm Hg: SBP, 14.7 +/- 14.7 mm Hg vs 12.6 +/- 13.1 mm Hg). As assessed by ABPM, rates of BP control were 40.5% (45/111) for irbesartan and 33.9% (39/115) for enalapril, and the response rates were a respective 71.2% (79/111) and 71.3% (82/115). The overall incidence of adverse events (40.0% irbesartan, 51.2% enalapril) was not statistically different between groups, although the incidence of adverse events considered probably related to antihypertensive treatment was significantly higher with enalapril than with irbesartan (24.6% vs 9.2%, respectively; P = 0.026), essentially because of the higher incidence of cough (8.1% vs 0.9%). CONCLUSIONS: As assessed by ABPM, irbesartan 150 to 300 mg/d was as effective in lowering BP and achieving BP control as enalapril 10 to 20 mg/d. Based on the number of treatment-related adverse events, irbesartan was better tolerated than enalapril.     

高血压患者血压昼夜节律变化的临床意义

目的:探讨高血压患者血压昼夜均值波动的节律与临床意义。方法:对112例高血压患者根据超声心动图(ultra-sonic cardiography,UCG)检查结果分成3组,其中UCG显示左室肥大30例,均伴单纯收缩压升高(isolated systolic hyperten-sion,ISH)或收缩压和舒张压均升高(miscellaneous systolic and diastolic hypertension,MDH),平均年龄(58±12.1)岁,为LVH组;UCG正常的ISH患者48例为ISH组,平均年龄(62±15.2)岁;UCG正常的MDH患者34例为MDH组,平均年龄(51±12.0)岁。另选健康体检者中动态血压监测(ambulatory blood pressure monitoring,ABPM)正常的30例为对照组,平均年龄(54±10.3)岁。获取4组研究对象的24 h平均收缩压(24-hour mean systolic blood pressure,24 hSBP)和舒张压(24-hourmean diastolic blood pressure,24 h DBP)、白昼平均收缩压(daytime mean systolic blood pressure,dSBP)和舒张压(daytimemean diastolic blood pressure,dDBP)、夜间平均收缩压(nighttime mean systolic blood pressure,nSBP)和舒张压(nighttimemean diastolic blood pressure,nDBP)、夜间/白昼平均收缩压比值(nSBP/dSBP)和舒张压比值(nDBP/dDBP)、收缩压负荷值与舒张压负荷值。结果:(1)正常组和ISH组血压均值波动都具有昼夜规律性,但其曲线有所不同;MDH组夜间血压下降幅度减小,LVH组昼夜规律不明显;(2)ISH组、MDH组与LVH组24 hSBP、dSBP、nSBP均高于对照组,而以ISH组及LVH组更为显著(P<0.001);(3)MDH组与LVH组nDBP/dDBP均显著高于对照组;(4)LVH组nSBP/dSBP比值及nDBP/dDBP比值显著高于对照组;(5)SBP负荷值LVH组大于MDH组,DBP负荷值LVH组小于MDH组。结论:高血病患者应积极随访动态血压监测,以观察血压升高的水平及昼夜节律的变化,并有针对性地进行干预,这对降低心脑血管疾病发生的风险有重要意义。     

Blood pressure behaviour in chronic daily headache

The objective was to examine the association between high blood pressure (BP) and chronic daily headache using 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitorization (24-h ABPM). This was a cross sectional study in an out-patient clinic. Women were selected among patients referred for first evaluation, 62 with chronic daily headache and 57 without chronic daily headache. The main outcome measures were mean office systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), mean systolic and diastolic daytime and night-time BP and BP load, and mean systolic and diastolic nocturnal fall. Office systolic BP was 138.2 mmHg for women with chronic daily headache and 141.7 mmHg for women without headache (P = 0.36). Office diastolic BP was 88.9 mmHg for women with headache and 92.7 mmHg for women without headache (P = 0.17). Mean daytime and mean night-time systolic BP was, respectively, 122.2 mmHg and 108.8 mmHg for women with headache and 122.9 mmHg and 109.5 for women without headache (P = 0.82 and P = 0.80, respectively). Mean daytime and mean night-time diastolic BP was, respectively, 78.6 mmHg and 65.4 mmHg for women with headache and 79.9 mmHg and 67.1 mmHg for the women without headache (P = 0.80 and P = 0.45, respectively). There was no difference between the two groups regarding systolic and diastolic BP load and nocturnal systolic and diastolic fall. No significant difference in BP values was observed in women with chronic daily headache compared with women without headache using 24-h ABPM.     

Contribution of lymphatic absorption to loss of ultrafiltration and solute clearances in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

The contribution of peritoneal cavity lymphatic absorption to ultrafiltration kinetics and solute clearances in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was evaluated in patients with normal (group 1) and high (group 2) peritoneal permeability X area during 4-h exchanges using 2 liters 2.5% dextrose dialysis solution with 30 g added albumin. Cumulative lymphatic drainage in all continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients averaged 358 +/- 47 ml per 4-h exchange and reduced cumulative net transcapillary ultrafiltration at the end of the exchange by 58 +/- 7.2%. The peak ultrafiltration volume was observed before osmotic equilibrium between serum and dialysate was reached and occurred when the net transcapillary ultrafiltration rate had decreased to equal the lymphatic absorption rate. Thereafter the lymphatic absorption rate exceeded the net transcapillary ultrafiltration rate, and intraperitoneal volume decreased. Extrapolated to 4 X 2 liters, 2.5% dextrose, 6-h exchanges per d, lymphatic drainage reduced potential daily net ultrafiltration by 83.2 +/- 10.2%, daily urea clearance by 16.9 +/- 1.9%, and daily creatinine clearance by 16.5 +/- 1.9%. Although lymphatic absorption did not differ between the two groups, lymphatic drainage caused a proportionately greater reduction in net ultrafiltration in group 2 (P less than 0.025), because these patients had more rapid dialysate glucose absorption (P less than 0.05) and less cumulative transcapillary ultrafiltration (P less than 0.01). These findings indicate that cumulative lymphatic drainage significantly reduces net ultrafiltration and solute clearances in CAPD and that ultrafiltration failure in CAPD occurs when daily lymphatic absorption equals or exceeds daily transcapillary ultrafiltration. Reduction of lymphatic absorption may provide a means for future improvement in the efficiency of CAPD.     

肾实质性高血压患者动态血压变化的临床意义

目的:探讨肾实质性高血压患者动态血压昼夜变化的临床意义。方法:对50例临床诊断为肾实质性高血压患者的临床诊断进行分组:肾功能不全代偿期组20例;肾功能不全失代偿期组17例;肾功能衰竭期组13例;另选健康体检中动态血压监测正常者30例为对照组。获取4组对象白昼平均收缩压和舒张压、夜间平均收缩压和舒张压、24小时平均收缩压和舒张压、夜间/白昼平均收缩压和舒张压、平均动脉压及收缩压负荷值与舒张压负荷值。结果:(1)肾实质性高血压3组各项参数均高于对照组,昼夜曲线消失,但未见反勺型;(2)肾实质性高血压3组各项参数相互之间经方差检验有明显差别。尤其是收缩压与舒张压负荷值,在肾功能不全失代偿期组明显升高,在肾功能衰竭期组已超过60%。(3)肾实质性高血压各组之间收缩压负荷值、舒张压负荷值及平均动脉压存在显著差异。结论:肾实质性高血压患者血压昼夜节律消失,当肾功能失代偿时,血压负荷值及MAP随着肾功能的进一步恶化而升高。     

Blood pressure control and left ventricular hypertrophy in long-term CAPD and hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: It is still not clear whether hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are more common in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) than in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: To examine this subject, the indices of cardiac performance were compared between 50 HD and 34 CAPD patients. Patients were further divided into two subgroups [long-term (L) CAPD and L-HD] according to dialysis modality and duration of dialysis (more than 60 months' duration). RESULTS: The blood pressure and cardiothoracic index of CAPD patients did not differ from HD patients. On average, the left atrial index was 2 mm/m2 higher in HD patients than in CAPD patients. Left ventricular chamber sizes, wall thickness, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in patients on CAPD were similar to those of HD patients. Isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) of CAPD patients was insignificantly less than that of HD patients (101 +/- 22 and 115 +/- 27 msec respectively). There was no significant difference between the two subgroups (L-HD and L-CAPD) in blood pressure, left atrial diameter, left ventricular chamber size, wall thickness, LVMI, ejection fraction, or IVRT. CONCLUSION: If normovolemia and normotension are obtained by strict volume control without using antihypertensive drugs, the effects of the two modalities of chronic dialysis treatment (HD and CAPD) on cardiac structure and function are not different from each other.     

Dialysis efficiency in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients treated with erythropoietin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of subcutaneous erythropoietin treatment on dialysis efficiency in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. DESIGN: Dialysis efficiency, platelet and white cell aggregation, and red cell deformability were measured monthly for six months in nine anaemic CAPD patients treated with erythropoietin, and on a single occasion in seven control CAPD patients with intrinsically high haemoglobin concentrations. SETTING: Renal dialysis unit. PATIENTS: Nine patients stable on CAPD for a minimum of six months and with haemoglobin concentrations less than 8.5 g/dl were treated with erythropoietin. Seven CAPD patients matched for age and renal function, with haemoglobins greater than 9.0 g/dl served as controls. RESULTS: Daily peritoneal clearances and net ultrafiltration volumes were unchanged when haematocrit increased from 25.0 +/- 2.2% to 36.5 +/- 3.5%. Spontaneous whole blood platelet aggregation was significantly increased from week twelve (pre-treatment aggregation 46 +/- 23%; 12 weeks: 67 +/- 19%, p less than 0.05; 16 weeks: 64 +/- 19%, p less than 0.01; 20 weeks: 71 +/- 16%, p less than 0.01; 24 weeks: 73 +/- 10%, p less than 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in haematocrit and platelet aggregation associated with erythropoietin treatment did not affect peritoneal clearances or ultrafiltration capacity.     

Contribution of plasma matrix metalloproteinases to development of left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive subjects

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the myocardium and thus the pathogenesis of vascular and cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we investigated contribution of plasma matrix metalloproteinases to development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive subjects. Hypertensive patients with (n = 27) and without LVH (n = 23) were included. All participants underwent a complete transthoracic echocardiographic examination, including recordings of the mitral annular early, late, systolic and diastolic velocities by Doppler imaging. Plasma concentrations of MMP-3 and MMP-9 were determined by the one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay method. Plasma MMP-3 and MMP-9 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with LVH than those without LVH (2.4 +/- 1.2 vs 1.5 +/- 0.7 ng/ml, p = 0.006 and 5.2 +/- 2.8 vs 3.3 +/- 1.7 ng/ml, p = 0.003, respectively). MMP-3 and MMP-9 levels were also correlated with left ventricular posterior wall thickness and Doppler indices of diastolic dysfunction. Our findings have suggested that increased MMP levels may contribute to LVH and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Therefore, treatment of hypertension with MMP lowering drugs, such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, may have favorable effects on LVH and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.     

Similarity in amplitude of the nocturnal fall in blood pressure in old and young patients with essential hypertension

The influence of age on the nocturnal fall in blood pressure (BP) was examined in essential hypertensive patients as well as normal subjects. BP was monitored every 5 min for 24 hr by means of a finger volume oscillometric device. Average daytime BP was similar in the 3 age groups [young: less than 40 (years), n = 49, average daytime systolic BP (ASBP) = 132 +/- 20 mmHg, average daytime diastolic BP (ADBP) = 82 +/- 17 mmHg; adult: 40 less than or equal to less than 60, n = 110, ASBP = 127 +/- 19 mmHg, ADBP = 86 +/- 13 mmHg; old: 60 less than or equal to, n = 33, ASBP = 131 +/- 17 mmHg. ADBP = 83 +/- 11, mean +/- S.D.]. The nocturnal fall in BP was observed in all age groups and its amplitude (delta BP = average daytime BP - average nighttime BP) in the old patients (delta SBP = 13 +/- 11 mmHg, delta DBP = 10 + 8 mmHg) was similar to that in the young patients (delta SBP = 11 +/- 8 mmHg, delta DBP = 10 +/- 8 mmHg). The results suggests that information on the nocturnal behavior of BP is valuable in treating aged essential hypertensives to prevent cerebral and/or myocardial ischemia during sleep.     

Use of moxonidine in elderly patients with resistant hypertension

BACKGROUND: Treatment of hypertension in the elderly people reduces the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Effective treatment often will require the use of two or more antihypertensive agents. Elderly people are at increased risk of adverse events from medication because of physiological changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, polypharmacy and drug interactions. They might not tolerate conventional add-on regimens of antihypertensives as a result. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of the I1-imidazoline receptor agonist moxonidine as an 'add-on' agent in elderly patients with resistant hypertension. METHODS: We investigated the safety and efficacy of moxonidine (200-400 microg) in a group of elderly patients whose blood pressure (BP) control remained poor despite treatment with two or more antihypertensives. BP was assessed by ambulatory BP monitoring with Spacelabs oscillometric equipment (Model 90207) before and after 6 weeks of treatment with moxonidine used as an 'add-on' agent with the patients normal medication. RESULTS: Following treatment with moxonidine, the mean daytime systolic BP fell from 169.2 to 153.8 mmHg, a significant reduction of 15.4 +/- 8.9 mmHg (P = 0.003). The mean daytime diastolic BP fell from 91.6 to 84.2 mmHg, a reduction of 7.4 +/- 5.8 mmHg (P = 0.017). For the night-time readings, the systolic BP fell from 151.1 to 141.2 mmHg, a reduction of 9.3 +/- 9.3 mmHg (P = 0.05). The corresponding diastolic fall in BP was not significant (77.9-74.7 mmHg). The 24 h-readings showed a significant reduction in the mean systolic BP from 163.0 to 148.6 mmHg (P = 0.004). The mean diastolic BP also fell significantly from 87.2 to 80.2 mmHg (P = 0.013). Clinical BP readings also showed a significant reduction from 195.9 +/- 19.6 to 174 +/- 17.8 mmHg (P = 0.002) and 103.6 +/- 9.5 to 99.0 +/- 12.4 mmHg (P = 0.013) for systolic and diastolic readings respectively. Moxonidine was well tolerated in 11 of the14 patients. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that moxonidine might have a place as an 'add-on' treatment in elderly patients whose hypertension is poorly controlled despite treatment with two or more antihypertensive agents.     

Effect of losartan plus hydrochlorothiazide on nitric oxide status in 'nondipper' hypertensive patients

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of losartan (100 mg) plus hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ; 25 mg) on nitric oxide (NO) production and blood pressure (BP) in "nondipper" severe hypertensive patients. Twelve hypertensive "nondipper patients" (6 of each gender) with sitting systolic/diastolic BP of 188.0 +/- 5.2/116.2 +/- 1.2 mm Hg were studied by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) after daily administration of 100 mg losartan plus 25 mg HCTZ for a period of 12 weeks. Office and mean 24-hour, as well as mean awake- and sleep-time systolic/diastolic BP, serum NO levels, and urinary excretion of NO were measured after the placebo period (3 weeks) and after 12 weeks of therapy. At the end of the 12-week treatment period, the mean 24-hour systolic/diastolic BP decreased significantly from 158.6 +/- 4.7/102.2 +/- 2.6 mm Hg (placebo period) to 140.3 +/- 4.8/90.9 +/- 3.3 mm Hg (P = 0.001/< or = 0.002). The mean BP (systolic/diastolic) during the waking period was reduced from 159.3 +/- 4.4/103.0 +/- 2.5 mm Hg to 135.0 +/- 4.4/88.2 +/- 3.1 (P < or = 0.007/P < or = 0.002), whereas the mean BP (systolic/diastolic) during the sleeping hours changed from 154.9 +/- 5.3/98.9 +/- 3.1 to 140.9 +/- 4.6 (P = 0.035)/91.7 +/- 3.2 mm Hg (P = 0.035/P = 0.051). Serum NO levels increased from 40.89 +/- 5.69 microM/L (placebo period) to 67.35 +/- 6.96 microM/L (posttreatment; P < or = 0.007), whereas the 24-hour urinary NO excretion did not change significantly (69.71 +/- 3.68 microM/L [placebo period] vs 79.64 +/- 4.25 microM/L [posttreatment]; P < or = 0.16). Urinary clearance of NO also did not change. Serum NO levels increased significantly without a significant change in urinary NO excretion. BP was significantly reduced but without modifying the nondipper pattern in these patients.     

Effects of a single bout of power exercise training on ambulatory blood pressure in older adults with hypertension: A randomized controlled crossover study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a single bout of power exercise training (PT) on office and ambulatory blood pressure (BP).MethodsTwenty-four older adults with essential hypertension participated in two experimental sessions in a randomized order: the PT composed of 3 sets of 8–10 repetitions in 5 power training exercises and the non-exercise control at seated rest (Con). Both experimental sessions lasted 40 min. Office BP was measured continuously for 1 h in the laboratory and 24 h BP through ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.ResultsCompared with Con, office systolic/diastolic BP decreased after PT (Systolic BP: 10 mmHg, p < 0.001; Diastolic BP: 4 mmHg, p = 0.015). A trend toward decrease (p = 0.06) was found in diastolic ambulatory BP during daytime (2 mmHg; p = 0.062) and nighttime (3 mmHg; p = 0.063) after PT. No differences were found between PT and Con sessions for systolic and mean ambulatory BP.ConclusionA single bout of PT decreases office BP but this hypotensive effect is not sustained under ambulatory conditions in older patients with essential hypertension.     

Angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan: effect on blood pressure profile and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with arterial hypertension

In this open-label, non-comparative study, the anti-hypertensive efficacy and effect on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of 24 weeks' treatment with once-daily telmisartan 40-80 mg was evaluated in 24 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension and LVH. Patients were titrated to the higher dose of study drug at week 4 if they did not achieve blood pressure normalization (i.e. systolic blood pressure [SBP]/diastolic blood pressure [DBP] remained > or = 140/90 mmHg). The anti-hypertensive action of telmisartan was assessed using clinic cuff measurements and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was determined by two-dimensional echocardiography at baseline and after 24 weeks of therapy. Telmisartan significantly reduced mean 24-h, daytime and night-time SBP and DBP compared with baseline after 12 and 24 weeks of therapy. Target blood pressure levels, defined as SBP/DBP < 140/90 mm Hg, were achieved in 16 (69.6%) patients at the end of the treatment period. After 24 weeks of telmisartan treatment, LVMI decreased from 151.6 +/- 5.4 to 135.1 +/- 5.9 g/m2. In conclusion, anti-hypertensive treatment with telmisartan for 24 weeks produced significant reductions in blood pressure and regression of LVH, as assessed by LVMI, in patients with hypertension and LVH.     

Peritoneal accumulation of AGE and peritoneal membrane permeability.

BACKGROUND: In continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the peritoneal membrane is continuously exposed to high-glucose-containing dialysis solutions. Abnormally high glucose concentration in the peritoneal cavity may enhance advanced glycosylation end-product (AGE) formation and accumulation in the peritoneum. Increased AGE accumulation in the peritoneum, decreased ultrafiltration volume, and increased peritoneal permeability in long-term dialysis patients have been reported. AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relation between peritoneal membrane permeability and peritoneal accumulation of AGE. METHODS: Peritoneal membrane permeability was evaluated by peritoneal equilibration test (PET) using dialysis solutions containing 4.25% glucose. Serum, dialysate, and peritoneal tissue levels of AGE were measured by ELISA method using polyclonal anti-AGE antibody. Peritoneal biopsy was performed during peritoneal catheter insertion [new group (group N), n = 18] and removal [long-term group (group LT), n = 10]. Peritoneal catheters were removed due to exit-site infection not extended into the internal cuff (n = 6) and ultrafiltration failure (n = 4) after 51.6+/-31.5 months (13 - 101 months) of dialysis. PET data obtained within 3 months after the initiation of CAPD or before catheter removal were included in this study. Ten patients in group N and 4 patients in group LT were diabetic. Patients in group LT were significantly younger (46.5+/-11.1 years vs 57.5+/-1.3 years) and experienced more episodes of peritonitis (3.5+/-2.1 vs 0.2+/-0.7) than group N. RESULTS: Peritoneal tissue AGE level in group LT was significantly higher than in group N, in both nondiabetic (0.187+/-0.108 U/mg vs 0.093+/-0.08 U/mg of hydroxyproline, p < 0.03) and diabetic patients (0.384+/-0.035 U/mg vs 0.152+/-0.082 U/mg of hydroxyproline, p < 0.03), while serum and dialysate levels did not differ between the groups in both nondiabetic and diabetic patients. Drain volume (2600+/-237 mL vs 2766+/-222 mL, p = 0.07) and D4/D0 glucose (0.229+/-0.066 vs 0.298+/-0.081, p < 0.009) were lower, and D4/P4 creatinine (0.807+/-0.100 vs 0.653+/-0.144, p< 0.0001) and D1/P1 sodium (0.886+/-0.040 vs 0.822+/-0.032, p < 0.0003) were significantly higher in group LT than in group N. On linear regression analysis, AGE level in the peritoneum was directly correlated with duration of CAPD (r = 0.476, p = 0.012), number of peritonitis episodes (r = 0.433, p = 0.0215), D4/P4 creatinine (r = 0.546, p < 0.027), and D1/P1 sodium (r = 0.422, p = 0.0254), and inversely correlated with drain volume (r = 0.432, p = 0.022) and D4/D0 glucose (r = 0.552, p < 0.0023). AGE level in the peritoneal tissue and dialysate were significantly higher in diabetics than in nondiabetics in group LT, while these differences were not found in group N. Serum AGE level did not differ between nondiabetics and diabetics in either group N or group LT. Drain volume and D4/D0 glucose were lower and D4/P4 creatinine and D1/P1 sodium higher in diabetics than in nondiabetics in both groups. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal accumulation of AGE increased with time on CAPD and number of peritonitis episodes, and was directly related with peritoneal permeability. Peritoneal AGE accumulation and peritoneal permeability in diabetic patients were higher than in nondiabetic patients from the beginning of CAPD.