Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objective To investigate whether additional ultrafiltration to further reduce dry body weight improves blood pressure (BP) control among elderly hemodialysis patients with hypertension. Methods Thirty-four aged maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with hypertension were divided into control and ultrafiltration groups. In control group, conventional dialysis dose and ultrafiltration volume were used. In ultrafiltration group, reduction of dry body weight to a minimal tolerable level was gradually achieved by slightly increasing ultrafiltration volume. After 28 weeks, dry body weight and BP were compared between the two groups. Results In control group and ultrafiltration group at the baseline condition, dry body weight was 64.81±13.26 kg and 64.49±13.83 kg (t=0.508, P=0.618), systolic BP was 155.12±13.77 mmHg and 155.47±9.92 mmHg (t= 0.086, P=0.932), and diastolic BP was 78.59±11.41 mmHg and 78.71±10.96 mmHg (t=0.031, P= 0.976), respectively, without significant differences between the two groups. In control group and ultrafiltration group after the treatment for 28 weeks, dry body weight was 65.56±13.75 kg and 62.22±13.34 kg (reduced by 0.36±1.12 kg and 2.27±1.03 kg), systolic BP before dialysis session was 155.29±12.73 mmHg and 139.82±4.14 mmHg (reduced by 0.53±4.57 mmHg and 14.29±10.55 mmHg), and diastolic BP before dialysis session was 79.12±9.84 mmHg and 68.24±3.57 mmHg (reduced by 0.53±4.57 mmHg and 9.00±9.46 mmHg), respectively. Patients in ultrafiltration group showed more reduction in dry body weight (t=3.785, P=0.002), systolic BP (t=4.767, P=0.000), and diastolic BP (t=4.298, P=0.000) than those in control group. Conclusion The decrease of dry body weight through intensive ultrafiltration is an effective approach to improve BP control in elderly hemodialysis patients with hypertension.

Key words: Hemodialysis, Ultrafiltration, Blood pressure