Clin Nephrol
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Cardiovascular mortality is still high and many risk factors are inadequately controlled in patients on conventional chronic hemodialysis. Recent studies on intensified treatment schedules by either increasing length or frequency of dialysis sessions have shown promising results with better control of blood pressure, reduction of left ventricular hypertrophy and easier control of calcium/phosphate metabolism. ⋯ While reduction in 24-h blood pressure was not achieved by intensified dialysis, both schedules showed favourable effects on LVMI and FS with less antihypertensive medication. This was independent of reduction in dry weight. These effects were more pronounced in DHD patients. In contrast, in SHD patients, stable 24-h blood pressure and reduction in LVMI were achieved on the expense of an increasing amount of antihypertensive medication and with worsening of FS.