Continuous renal replacement therapy in COVID-19-associated AKI: adding heparin to citrate to extend filter life-a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may predispose patients to thrombotic events. The best anticoagulation strategy for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in such patients is still under debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact that different anticoagulation protocols have on filter clotting risk. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study comparing two different anticoagulation strategies (citrate only and citrate plus intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), associated or not with COVID-19 (COV + AKI and COV - AKI, respectively), who were submitted to CRRT. Filter clotting risks were compared among groups. RESULTS: Between January 2019 and July 2020, 238 patients were evaluated: 188 in the COV + AKI group and 50 in the COV - AKI group. Filter clotting during the first filter use occurred in 111 patients (46.6%). Heparin use conferred protection against filter clotting (HR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.25-0.55), resulting in longer filter survival. Bleeding events and the need for blood transfusion were similar between the citrate only and citrate plus unfractionated heparin strategies. In-hospital mortality was higher among the COV + AKI patients than among the COV - AKI patients, although it was similar between the COV + AKI patients who received heparin and those who did not. Filter clotting was more common in patients with D-dimer levels above the median (5990 ng/ml). In the multivariate analysis, heparin was associated with a lower risk of filter clotting (HR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.18-0.43), whereas an elevated D-dimer level and high hemoglobin were found to be risk factors for circuit clotting. A diagnosis of COVID-19 was marginally associated with an increased risk of circuit clotting (HR = 2.15, 95% CI 0.99-4.68). CONCLUSIONS: In COV + AKI patients, adding systemic heparin to standard regional citrate anticoagulation may prolong CRRT filter patency by reducing clotting risk with a low risk of complications.

Post-dynamic, isometric and combined resistance exercise responses in medicated hypertensive men.

This study investigated the effects of dynamic resistance exercise (DRE), isometric handgrip exercise (IHE) and combined resistance exercise (DRE+IHE) on post-exercise hypotension (PEH) and its hemodynamic, autonomic, and vascular mechanisms. For that, 70 medicated hypertensives men (52 ± 8 years) were randomly allocated to perform one of the following interventions: DRE (3 sets, 8 exercises, 50% of 1RM), IHE (4 sets, 2 min, 30% of MVC), CRE (DRE+IHE) and control (CON, seated rest). Before and after the interventions, blood pressure (BP), systemic hemodynamics, cardiovascular autonomic modulation and brachial vascular parameters were evaluated. After the DRE and CRE, systolic and mean BP decreased (SBP = -7 ± 6 and -8 ± 8 mmHg; MBP -4 ± 5 and -5 ± 5 mmHg, respectively, all P < 0.05), vascular conductance increased (+ 0.47 ± 0.61 and +0.40 ± 0.47 ml.min-1.mmHg-1, respectively, both P < 0.05) and baroreflex sensitivity decreased (-0.15 ± 0.38 and -0.29 ± 0.47 ms/mmHg, respectively, both P < 0.05) in comparison to pre-exercise values. No variable presented any significant change after IHE. The responses observed after CRE were similar to DRE and significantly different from CON and IHE. In conclusion, DRE, but not IHE, elicits PEH, which happens concomitantly to skeletal muscle vasodilation and decreased baroreflex sensitivity. Moreover, adding IHE to DRE does not potentiate PEH and neither changes its mechanisms.Clinical Trial Registration: Data from this study derived from an ongoing longitudinal clinical trial approved by the Institution's Ethics Committee of Human Research (process 2.870.688) and registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials (RBR-4fgknb) at http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br .

Blood pressure control of hypertensive patients followed in a high complexity clinic and associated variables.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial hypertension is a disease that has a high impact on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity; however, it is still insufficiently controlled. OBJECTIVES: To assess hypertension control in patients seen at a specialized clinic and to identify associated variables. METHOD: Cross-sectional study involving the analysis of medical records from 782 patients treated in a highly complex outpatient clinic. Inclusion criteria: age ≥18 years, diagnosed with hypertension, in treatment ≥6 months. Patients with secondary hypertension (104) and incomplete data (64) were excluded. The main outcome was blood pressure control (systolic <140 and diastolic <90 mmHg). The independent variables studied were: sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (use of drugs, comorbidities and laboratory tests). Pearson's χ2 tests, Fisher's test, Student's t and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were performed in the bivariate analysis and logistic regression in the multiple analyses, adopting p≤0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertensive control was 51.1%. It was associated with a lack of control: body mass index (OR = 1.038; 95% CI = 1.008 - 1.071), history of stroke (OR = 0.453; 95% CI = 0.245 - 0.821), left ventricular hypertrophy (OR = 1.765; 95% CI = 1.052 - 3.011), and number of medications (OR = 1.082; 95% CI = 1.033 - 1.136). CONCLUSION: About half of the hypertensive patients had their blood pressure controlled; clinical variables and target organ damage were associated with the control.

Chronic kidney disease patients who smoke have higher serum phosphorus.

INTRODUCTION: Mineral and bone metabolism disorders in chronic kidney disease (CKD-MBD) constitute a syndrome defined by changes in calcium, phosphorus (P), vitamin D and parathormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and its specific cofactor, Klotho. CKD-MBD, as well as smoking, are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is not known whether or not smoking impacts the cardiovascular risk in CKD- MBD. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between smoking and CKD-MBD markers. METHODS: We evaluated 92 patients divided into: 1) Control Group: non-smokers without CKD; 2) CKD group in stages III and IV under conservative treatment (20 non-smokers and 17 smokers); 3) CKD group on dialysis (21 non-smokers and 19 smokers). Clinical, demographic, and biochemical markers were compared between the groups. RESULTS: FGF-23 and Klotho levels were not different between smokers and non-smokers. Patients in the CKD group on conservative treatment had higher serum P than non-smokers (p = 0.026) even after adjusted for renal function (p = 0.079), gender (p = 0.145) and age (p = 0.986). CONCLUSION: Smoking confers a higher cardiovascular risk to CKD patients under conservative treatment as it is associated with higher levels of P. Further studies are needed to confirm and better elucidate this finding.

Prevalence and factors associated with chronic kidney disease among hospitalized patients in a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide. Nonetheless, little is known about its features in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To identify prevalence and factors associated with CKD among hospitalized patients in a university hospital. METHODS: We randomly selected 826 medical records of patients admitted in 2009 in the medical inpatient unit. We defined CKD as the presence of medical diagnosis or personal history. We collected a number of clinical and demographic information and these variables were compared between patients with and without CKD. RESULTS: CKD prevalence was 12.7%. Patients with CKD differed from patients without (p < 0.05) regarding to: living with a partner (59.8% vs. 47.3%), older age (65.8 ± 15.6 vs. 55.3 ± 18.9 years-old), more comorbidities as hypertension (75.2% vs. 46.3%), diabetes (49.5% vs. 22.4%), dyslipidemia (23.8% vs. 14.9%), acute myocardial infarction (14.3% vs. 6.0%) and congestive heart failure (18.1% vs. 4.3%); length of hospitalization (11 (8-18) vs. 9 (6-12) days); and death occurrence (12.4% vs. 1.4%). The logistic regression analysis showed an independent association (OR, odds ratio, CI, confidence interval 95%) of CKD with age (OR 1.019, CI 1.003 to 1.036), hypertension (OR 2.032, CI 1.128 to 3.660), diabetes (OR 2.097, CI 1.232 to 3.570) and congestive heart failure (OR 2.665, CI 1.173 to 6.056). CONCLUSION: CKD prevalence among patients in a medical inpatient unit was high and CKD patients were more complex, as they were older and had a great number of co-morbidities, reflecting a greater risk of death during hospitalization.

Chronic kidney disease patients who smoke have higher serum phosphorus / Pacientes tabagistas com doença renal crônica apresentam fósforo sérico mais elevado

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mineral and bone metabolism disorders in chronic kidney disease (CKD-MBD) constitute a syndrome defined by changes in calcium, phosphorus (P), vitamin D and parathormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and its specific cofactor, Klotho. CKD-MBD, as well as smoking, are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is not known whether or not smoking impacts the cardiovascular risk in CKD- MBD. Objective: To analyze the relationship between smoking and CKD-MBD markers. Methods: We evaluated 92 patients divided into: 1) Control Group: non-smokers without CKD; 2) CKD group in stages III and IV under conservative treatment (20 non-smokers and 17 smokers); 3) CKD group on dialysis (21 non-smokers and 19 smokers). Clinical, demographic, and biochemical markers were compared between the groups. Results: FGF-23 and Klotho levels were not different between smokers and non-smokers. Patients in the CKD group on conservative treatment had higher serum P than non-smokers (p = 0.026) even after adjusted for renal function (p = 0.079), gender (p = 0.145) and age (p = 0.986). Conclusion: Smoking confers a higher cardiovascular risk to CKD patients under conservative treatment as it is associated with higher levels of P. Further studies are needed to confirm and better elucidate this finding.

RESUMO Introdução: Os distúrbios do metabolismo mineral e ósseo da doença renal crônica (DMO-DRC) constituem uma síndrome definida por alterações do cálcio, do fósforo (P), da vitamina D e do paratormônio, do fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 23 (FGF-23) e de seu cofator específico, Klotho. Os DMO-DRC, assim como o tabagismo, estão associados a maior risco de doença cardiovascular. Porém, não se sabe se há influência do tabagismo no risco cardiovascular dos DMO-DRC. Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre o tabagismo e marcadores dos DMO-DRC. Métodos: Avaliamos 92 pacientes divididos em: 1) Grupo controle sem DRC não tabagistas; 2) Grupo DRC em tratamento conservador estágios III e IV (20 não tabagistas e 17 tabagistas); 3) Grupo DRC em diálise (21 não tabagistas e 19 tabagistas). Marcadores clínicos, demográficos e bioquímicos foram comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: Níveis de FGF-23 e Klotho não foram diferentes entre tabagistas e não tabagistas. Pacientes tabagistas do grupo com DRC em tratamento conservador exibiram maior P sérico do que não tabagistas (p = 0,026) mesmo após ajuste para função renal (p = 0,079), sexo (p = 0,145) e idade (p = 0,986). Conclusão: O tabagismo confere um maior risco cardiovascular adicional aos pacientes com DRC em tratamento conservador à medida que se associa com maiores níveis de P. Novos estudos são necessários para confirmar e melhor elucidar esse achado.

An economic evaluation of antihypertensive therapies based on clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is a major issue in public health, and the financial costs associated with hypertension continue to increase. Cost-effectiveness studies focusing on antihypertensive drug combinations, however, have been scarce. The cost-effectiveness ratios of the traditional treatment (hydrochlorothiazide and atenolol) and the current treatment (losartan and amlodipine) were evaluated in patients with grade 1 or 2 hypertension (HT1-2). For patients with grade 3 hypertension (HT3), a third drug was added to the treatment combinations: enalapril was added to the traditional treatment, and hydrochlorothiazide was added to the current treatment. METHODS: Hypertension treatment costs were estimated on the basis of the purchase prices of the antihypertensive medications, and effectiveness was measured as the reduction in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (in mm Hg) at the end of a 12-month study period. RESULTS: When the purchase price of the brand-name medication was used to calculate the cost, the traditional treatment presented a lower cost-effectiveness ratio [US$/mm Hg] than the current treatment in the HT1-2 group. In the HT3 group, however, there was no difference in cost-effectiveness ratio between the traditional treatment and the current treatment. The cost-effectiveness ratio differences between the treatment regimens maintained the same pattern when the purchase price of the lower-cost medication was used. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the traditional treatment is more cost-effective (US$/mm Hg) than the current treatment in the HT1-2 group. There was no difference in cost-effectiveness between the traditional treatment and the current treatment for the HT3 group.

Prevalência e fatores associados à doença renal crônica em pacientes internados em um hospital universitário na cidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil / Prevalence and factors associated with chronic kidney disease among hospitalized patients in a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) constitui importante problema de saúde pública mundial. Contudo, dados sobre prevalência e comorbidades são escassos no Brasil. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e fatores associados à DRC em pacientes internados em um hospital universitário. Métodos: Foram selecionados, aleatoriamente, 826 prontuários de pacientes internados em clínica médica. A DRC foi baseada no diagnóstico médico descrito no prontuário. Foram coletadas informações clínico-demográficas e feitas comparações entre pacientes com e sem DRC. Resultados: A prevalência de DRC foi 12,7%. Os pacientes com DRC se distinguiram daqueles sem a doença (p < 0,05) por terem companheiro (59,8% vs. 47,3%); idade mais elevada (65,8 ± 15,6 vs. 55,3 ± 18,9 anos); mais comorbidades como hipertensão arterial (75,2% vs. 46,3%), diabetes (49,5% vs. 22,4%), dislipidemia (23,8% vs. 14,9%), infarto do miocárdio (14,3% vs. 6,0%) e insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (18,1% vs. 4,3%); maior período de internação (11 (8-18) vs. 9 (6-12) dias) e; mais óbitos (12,4% vs. 1,4%). A análise de regressão logística indicou associação independente (OR, odds ratio; IC, intervalo de confiança de 95%) da DRC com idade (OR 1,019, IC 1,003-1,036), hipertensão arterial (OR 2,032, IC 1,128-3,660), diabetes (OR 2,097, IC 1,232-3,570) e insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (OR 2,665, IC 1,173-6,056). Conclusão: A prevalência de DRC em pacientes internados em clínica médica foi alta, sendo estes pacientes clinicamente mais complexos, visto apresentarem idade mais elevada e maior número de comorbidades, refletindo em maior risco de óbito durante internação hospitalar. .

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide. Nonetheless, little is known about its features in Brazil. Objective: To identify prevalence and factors associated with CKD among hospitalized patients in a university hospital. Methods: We randomly selected 826 medical records of patients admitted in 2009 in the medical inpatient unit. We defined CKD as the presence of medical diagnosis or personal history. We collected a number of clinical and demographic information and these variables were compared between patients with and without CKD. Results: CKD prevalence was 12.7%. Patients with CKD differed from patients without (p < 0.05) regarding to: living with a partner (59.8% vs. 47.3%), older age (65.8 ± 15.6 vs. 55.3 ± 18.9 years-old), more comorbidities as hypertension (75.2% vs. 46.3%), diabetes (49.5% vs. 22.4%), dyslipidemia (23.8% vs. 14.9%), acute myocardial infarction (14.3% vs. 6.0%) and congestive heart failure (18.1% vs. 4.3%); length of hospitalization (11 (8-18) vs. 9 (6-12) days); and death occurrence (12.4% vs. 1.4%). The logistic regression analysis showed an independent association (OR, odds ratio, CI, confidence interval 95%) of CKD with age (OR 1.019, CI 1.003 to 1.036), hypertension (OR 2.032, CI 1.128 to 3.660), diabetes (OR 2.097, CI 1.232 to 3.570) and congestive heart failure (OR 2.665, CI 1.173 to 6.056). Conclusion: CKD prevalence among patients in a medical inpatient unit was high and CKD patients were more complex, as they were older and had a great number of co-morbidities, reflecting a greater risk of death during hospitalization. .

An economic evaluation of antihypertensive therapies based on clinical trials

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is a major issue in public health, and the financial costs associated with hypertension continue to increase. Cost-effectiveness studies focusing on antihypertensive drug combinations, however, have been scarce. The cost-effectiveness ratios of the traditional treatment (hydrochlorothiazide and atenolol) and the current treatment (losartan and amlodipine) were evaluated in patients with grade 1 or 2 hypertension (HT1-2). For patients with grade 3 hypertension (HT3), a third drug was added to the treatment combinations: enalapril was added to the traditional treatment, and hydrochlorothiazide was added to the current treatment. METHODS: Hypertension treatment costs were estimated on the basis of the purchase prices of the antihypertensive medications, and effectiveness was measured as the reduction in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (in mm Hg) at the end of a 12-month study period. RESULTS: When the purchase price of the brand-name medication was used to calculate the cost, the traditional treatment presented a lower cost-effectiveness ratio [US$/mm Hg] than the current treatment in the HT1-2 group. In the HT3 group, however, there was no difference in cost-effectiveness ratio between the traditional treatment and the current treatment. The cost-effectiveness ratio differences between the treatment regimens maintained the same pattern when the purchase price of the lower-cost medication was used. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the traditional treatment is more cost-effective (US$/mm Hg) than the current treatment in the HT1-2 group. There was no difference in cost-effectiveness between the traditional treatment and the current treatment for the HT3 group.

Intra-arterial blood pressure response in hypertensive subjects during low- and high-intensity resistance exercise

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe blood pressure responses during resistance exercise in hypertensive subjects and to determine whether an exercise protocol alters these responses. INTRODUCTION: Resistance exercise has been recommended as a complement for aerobic exercise for hypertensive patients. However, blood pressure changes during this kind of exercise have been poorly investigated in hypertensives, despite multiple studies of normotensives demonstrating significant increases in blood pressure. METHODS: Ten hypertensive and ten normotensive subjects performed, in random order, two different exercise protocols, composed by three sets of the knee extension exercise conducted to exhaustion: 40 percent of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM) with a 45-s rest between sets, and 80 percent of 1RM with a 90-s rest between sets. Radial intra-arterial blood pressure was measured before and throughout each protocol. RESULTS: Compared with normotensives, hypertensives displayed greater increases in systolic BP during exercise at 80 percent (+80±3 vs. +62±2 mmHg, P<0.05) and at 40 percent of 1RM (+75±3 vs. +67±3 mmHg, P<0.05). In both exercise protocols, systolic blood pressure returned to baseline during the rest periods between sets in the normotensives; however, in the hypertensives, BP remained slightly elevated at 40 percent of 1RM. During rest periods, diastolic blood pressure returned to baseline in hypertensives and dropped below baseline in normotensives. CONCLUSION: Resistance exercise increased systolic blood pressure considerably more in hypertensives than in normotensives, and this increase was greater when lower-intensity exercise was performed to the point of exhaustion.

Pré-hipertensão: conceito, epidemiologia e o que falam as diretrizes / Prehypertension: concept, epidemiology and what the guidelines say

A pressão arterial, como qualquer outra variável fisiológica, tem distribuição normal entre a população. Há uma relação contínua entre pressão arterial e doença cardiovascular, mas não há um valor-limite que separe os pacientes hipertensos que terão um evento cardiovascular futuro daqueles que não o terão. O risco de doença cardiovascular depende da pressão arterial, dos fatores de risco coexistentes e da existência de lesões em órgãos-alvo. O Seventh Joint National Committee (JNC 7) reuniu indivíduos com pressão arterial normal e normal-alta em único grupo, denominado “pré-hipertensão”. Nessa diretriz, a pré-hipertensão é considerada um precursor da hipertensão estágio 1 e índice prognóstico de risco cardiovascular. O estudo inicial deFramingham, porém, assim como as Diretrizes Europeias e Brasileiras de Hipertensão, não sustenta a ideia de rotular indivíduos com pressão arterial normal como sendo pré-hipertensos. A questão-chave que permanece sem resposta é se indivíduos com pressão arterial normal-alta devem ser tratados farmacologicamente antes que progridam para hipertensão. Sabemos que a elevação da pressão arterial representa um fator de risco independente, linear e contínuo para os pacientes, que podem ser vitimados por doenças cardiovasculares.

Blood pressure, like any physiological variable, is normally distributed in the population. There is a continuous relation between blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, but no clear threshold value separates hypertensive patients who will experience future cardiovascular events from those who will not. The risk of cardiovascular disease depends on blood pressure, coexistent risk factors, and whether there is hypertensive damage to target organs. The JNC 7 guidelines combined subjects with normal and high-normal blood pressure into a single group called“ prehypertension”. In this guideline, prehypertension is considered a precursor of stage 1 hypertension and a predictorof excessive cardiovascular risk. However, the initial Framingham study, European and Brazilian hypertension guidelines do not support the idea of labeling subjects with normal blood pressure as being prehypertensive. The key question whether subjects with high-normalblood pressure should be pharmacologically treated beforet hey progress to hypertension remains unanswered. Life-style measures can reduce blood pressure and may prove useful in those with high normal/prehypertension blood pressures

Adesão ao tratamento em hipertensão arterial sistólica isolada: [revisão] / Adhesion to the treatment in systolic hypertension: [review]

O arsenal terapêutico para doenças crônicas, como hipertensão arterial, recebe frequentemente novos medicamentos. Entretanto, mesmo com todo esse investimento, quem trata de pacientes com essas condições continua esbarrando em um problema secular, a falta de adesão à terapêutica, seja ela medicamentosa ou não. Em relação à hipertensão arterial sistólica isolada garantir a adesão é ainda mais difícil, porque é condição relacionada à faixa etária mais avançada. Neste grupo de pacientes, vários fatores agem para levar a pior adesão, desde limitações do paciente, necessidade de cuidadores e prescrições com muitos itens. Abordar o tema adesão em pacientes com essas peculiaridades requer visão individualizada, mas multiprofissional.

New drugs frequently enlarge therapeutic arsenal for chronic illnesses as hypertension. Despite all this investment, who deals with patients with these conditions, continues with a secular problem, the lack of adhesion to prescription. With regard to the systolic hypertension, to guarantee the adhesion is still more difficult because this condition is far more common in elderly. In this group of patients some factors act to take to worse adhesion, since patient’s limitations, caregivers’ need and a great number of medications. To approach the adhesion in patients with these peculiarities requires a differentiated view, but multiprofessional.

Monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial(MAPA) / Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)

A medida de pressão arterial fidedigna é pré-requisito necessário para a verificação de pacientes com suspeita de elevação da pressão arterial ou com hipertensão arterial estabelecida, a qual assegura o diagnóstico e o manuseio corretos da condição de pressão arterial elevada. É também etapa essencial para determinar apropriadamente a necessidade para o tratamento anti-hipertensivo e sua eficácia, tanto quanto para estimar o risco do desenvolvimento de complicações relacionadas à hipertensão. A abordagem usual para a medida da pressão arterial na prática diária está fundamentada em leituras convencionais auscultatórias obtidas no ambiente médico. Apesar de sua comprovada utilidade clínica, agora, sabe-se que tal abordagem sofre numerosas limitações e número crescente de investigações sugere que o uso da pressão arterial fora do consultório complementa as leituras da pressão arterial, podendo melhorar significativamente o manuseio do paciente. Ainda permanecem controvérsias, por exemplo, qual parâmetro da monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) deveria ser usado para diagnosticar a hipertensão ou definir o controle da pressão arterial. A maior vantagem sobre a pressão arterial residencial e de consultório é sua habilidade para medir a pressão arterial durante o sono. A pressão arterial durante o sono pode ser um dos melhores parâmetros para o prognóstico.

The avaibility of accurate blood pressure measurements is a necessary prerequisite to reliably assess patients with suspected blood pressure elevation or with established hypertension that is to ensure correct diagnosis and management of a high blood pressure condition. It is also an essential step to properly determine the need for antihypertensive treatment and its efficacy, as well asto estimate the risk of developing hypertension-related complications. The usual approach to blood pressure measurement in daily practice is based on conventional auscultatory readings obtained in the medical setting. In spite of its proved clinical usefulness, however, such an approach is now acknowledged to suffer from a number of limitations and an increasing number of investigations suggest that the routine use of out-of-office blood pressure, complementing office blood pressure readings, mayadd significant improvements to patient management. Controversy still remains as to what ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) parameter should be used to diagnose hypertension or to define blood pressure control. A major advantage over clinic and home blood pressure is its ability to measure sleep blood pressure. The sleep blood pressure may be one of the best parameters for prognosis.