[Prevalence and risk factors associated with intradialytic hypotension in Sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Burkina Faso]

AIM

The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with intradialytic hypotension in our cohort of chronic hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective monocentric study over a six-month period. Intradialytic hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure ≥ 20mmHg or a decrease in mean arterial pressure of 10mmHg associated with clinical events and the need for nursing interventions. The groups were compared using univariate analysis of variance.

RESULTS

We included 48 patients and counted 3014 hemodialysis sessions. The mean age was 44.7±15 years. The prevalence of intradialytic hypotension was 12.4%, with cramps 20 (41.7%) as the main symptom. Factors associated with frequent intradialytic hypotension compared to the groups without intradialytic hypotension and with infrequent intradialytic hypotension were age (61±13 years, p=0.018), diabetes (33.3%, p=0.019), high body mass index (27, 3±7.8kg/m2, p=0.002), interdialytic weight gain ≥ 5% of baseline weight (66.7%, p=0.033), hourly ultrafiltration (800±275ml/h, p=0.037) and perdialytic feeding (33.3%, p=0.016). Low pre-dialysis diastolic blood pressure (72±13mmHg, p=0.012) and high baseline weight (73.9±17.5kg, p=0.028) were associated with frequent versus infrequent intradialytic hypotension.

CONCLUSION

Intradialytic hypotension is common in our context. Its prevention in at-risk patients is critical to reducing morbidity and mortality and improving quality of life.

Could the decision of trial participation precede the informed consent process? Evidence from Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND

Over the last years, the number of clinical trials carried out in low-income countries with poor medical infrastructure and limited access to health care has increased. In these settings, the decision of participating in a clinical study may be influenced by factors related to participants' vulnerability that limit the efficacy of the informed consent.

METHODS

A mixed methods social science study, based on the triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data, was carried out in a socio-economically disadvantaged and semi-urban area of Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. The study aimed at assessing the relevance of the informed consent procedure on the decision-making process of the parents and/or guardians of potential participants in a pediatric malaria trial.

RESULTS

For most parents (70.4%), the decision of participating had already been taken before undergoing the informed consent process and was based on the information conveyed through the community. Access to free and good quality health care often inspired this decision. In addition, the parents' willingness to have their child included in the trial made them develop active strategies to achieve this purpose.

DISCUSSION

In a context of socio-economic vulnerability and poor access to free health care, the process of informed consent does not always accomplish its goal of informing people and enabling them to make a free and informed decision. This information role is somehow anticipated by the community and trial participation becomes a strategic action to secure otherwise unavailable health resources leading community members to decide on participation even prior to the informed consent process.