Ambient temperature and the occurrence of intradialytic hypotension in patients receiving hemodialysis

Abstract

Background Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common hemodialysis complication causing adverse outcomes. Despite the well-documented associations of ambient temperatures with fluid removal and pre-dialysis blood pressure, the relationship between ambient temperature and IDH has not been adequately studied. Methods We conducted a cohort study at a tertiary hospital in southern Taiwan between January 1, 2016 and October 31, 2021. The 24-hour pre-hemodialysis mean ambient temperature was determined using hourly readings from the weather station closest to each patient's residence. IDH was defined using Fall40 (systolic BP drop of ≥ 40mmHg) or Nadir90/100 (systolic BP<100 if pre-dialysis systolic BP was ≥ 160, or systolic BP <90 mmHg). Multivariate logistic regression with generalizing estimating equations and mediation analysis were utilized. Results The study examined 110,400 hemodialysis sessions from 182 patients, finding an IDH prevalence of 11.8% and 10.4% as per the Fall40 and Nadir90/100 criteria. It revealed a reverse J-shaped relationship between ambient temperature and IDH, with a turning point around 27°C. For temperatures under 27°C, a 4°C drop significantly increased the odds ratio of IDH to 1.292 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.228 to 1.358) and 1.207 (95% CI 1.149 to 1.268) under the Fall40 and Nadir90/100 definitions, respectively. Lower ambient temperatures correlated with higher ultrafiltration, accounting for about 23% of the increased IDH risk. Stratified seasonal analysis indicated that this relationship was consistent in spring, autumn, and winter. Conclusion Lower ambient temperature is significantly associated with an increased risk of IDH below the threshold of 27°C, irrespective of the IDH definition. This study provides further insight into environmental risk factors for IDH in patients undergoing hemodialysis.