The Bilateral Epicutaneous Electrostimulation of the Lowerlimb Muscles Contributes to Intradialytic Hypotension Preventionand Hemodialysis Efficiency Improvement

Abstract

The study researches the effectiveness of bilateral epicutaneous electrostimulation of the lower limbs muscles (BEEM) for purification intensification and improvement of the hemodynamic stability during the procedure in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). The study included 71 patients (test group N=37; control group N=34). BEEM performed during hemodialysis three times per week for 30 minutes in the first 3 hours of each hemodialysis session for 3 months. The control group received standard HD therapy. The BEEM group in contrast to the control group showed a significant increase in the efficiency of dialysis (spKt/V), as well as lower levels of predialysis uremia. Also, the BEEM contributed to reduce the frequency of intradialytic hypotension episodes in patients who had a history of such episodes.