Effect of sertraline on intradialytic hypotension: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: Intradialytic hypotension is an important and common complication of hemodialysis. However, it seems that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can manage patients’ blood pressure during hemodialysis. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of sertraline on intradialytic hypotension of the patients under hemodialysis. Patients and Methods: The present randomized controlled trial included 18 patients under hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The patients were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received sertraline solely for intradialytic hypotension management, while the control group did not receive such intervention. The blood pressure assessments were conducted before, during, and after hemodialysis in both groups, then the data were analyzed. Results: According to our results, the participants’ mean age was 63.72±9.91 years. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher in the intervention group than in the control group before the hemodialysis. However, this difference was not significant for systolic blood pressure (P=0.279), while it was significant for diastolic blood pressure (P=0.02). Additionaly, no significant intergroup difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure during and after hemodialysis was detected (P>0.05). Conclusion: Sertraline had no significant effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure during and after hemodialysis. However, it increased the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure before hemodialysis which could prevent pre-dialytic hypotension without significant side effects. Therefore, it can be effective in preventing hypotension in patients under hemodialysis. Trial Registration: The trial protocol has been approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (identifier: IRCT2017080625732N23; https://en.irct.ir/trial/21499, ethical approval code; IR.SEMUMS.REC.1395.156).