The relationship between atherosclerotic risk factors and carotid atherosclerosis in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients

Abstract

Background. Atherogenesis is accelerated in dialysis patients. In this study, we investigated the role of possible risk factors for atherogenetic diseases in both hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Methods. The levels of homocysteine, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, plasma fibrinogen, vitamin B, and folic acid were measured in 29 HD and 17 CAPD patients. Carotid atherosclerosis was evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography in each patient. Results. There was no significant difference between the HD and CAPD groups in the frequency of carotid atherosclerosis (58.6% and 35.3%, respectively, p > 0.05). Hcy, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen levels in the HD group and fibrinogen and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol in the CAPD group showed correlation with atherosclerosis. The folic acid level alone was correlated with the homocysteine level in the HD group, but total cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol showed correlation with homocysteine levels in the CAPD group. Conclusion. Hyperhomocysteinemia, chronic inflammation, and dyslipidemia contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in dialysis patients. These factors also have numerous correlations between them.