Learn about the
2008T Fresenius Hemodialysis

Interview with
Jeffrey H. Burbank
Founder& CEO of NxStage

Hemodialysis.com: What are the main findings of the study?

We found that association between high blood pressure and reduced renal function was modified by albuminuria status among healthy participants without diabetes, CKD or cardiovascular disease, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2006, a population-based study conducted in the general US population.

Overall, we found a moderate association between high blood pressure and renal function insufficiency in all participants analyzed. However, no association between hypertension and renal insufficiency was observed among those without albuminuria in this population.

On the other hand, among participants with albuminuria ACR≥30mg/g), the prevalence of moderate-severe renal insufficiency substantially and progressively increased from normal subjects to prehypertensive and undiagnosed hypertensive subjects.

Hemodialysis.com: Were any of the findings unexpected?

Not really.

Hemodialysis.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report? 

Hypertensive patients with albuminuria are at higher risk of reduced GFR. Even people without diabetes, CKD or cardiovascular disease might still benefit from screening for albuminuria.

Hemodialysis.com : What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?  

Further large-scale cohort studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Reference:

Yan P, Zhu X, Li H, Shrubsole MJ, Shi H, et al. (2012) Association of High Blood Pressure with Renal Insufficiency: Role of Albuminuria, from NHANES, 1999–2006. PLoS ONE 7(7): e37837. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037837