COMPARISON OF CARDIAC FUNCTION AND LIPID PROFILE BETWEEN PATIENTS WITH CKD STAGES 3-5 AND THOSE ON MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients face an increased risk of cardiovascular events, largely due to alterations in their lipid profile. Emerging evidence suggests that dyslipidemia in CKD not only contributes to the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but also accelerates the deterioration of kidney function. This study aims to compare lipid profiles and echocardiographic parameters between non-dialysis CKD patients and those undergoing mainteinence hemodialysis, additionally focusing on gender-based differences.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2023 at a tertiary care centre in South India. Based on inclusion criteria, 50 non-dialysis CKD(CKD-ND) patients and 50 dialysis patients (ESRD-D) patients were selected

Results:

Total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the CKD-ND group (176.52±71.06 mg/dl) compared to the ESRD-D group (150.94±45.34 mg/dl, p=0.034). Additionally, VLDL (34.62±19.20 mg/dl) and serum triglycerides (184.26±105.62 mg/dl) were significantly elevated in CKD-ND patients, with p-values of 0.026 and 0.004, respectively. ESRD patients exhibited left ventricular hypertrophy compared to CKD ND group. In the ESRD group, females had significantly higher total cholesterol (171.79±51.64 mg/dl, p=0.041) and LDL levels (108.89±46.00 mg/dl, p=0.049) compared to males. Females in the ESRD group also had higher HDL levels and lower triglycerides and VLDL levels. Ejection fraction was similar between genders in CKD-ND patients, whereas in the ESRD group, females had a lower ejection fraction.

Conclusions:

The study highlights that CKD patients are highly susceptible to dyslipidemia and a subsequent decline in cardiovascular function. The initiation of dialysis therapy significantly reduces dyslipidemia, likely due to enhanced lipoprotein clearance and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Despite these improvements, the findings underscore that females are at a particularly higher risk for dyslipidemia, even after starting dialysis. This suggests a gender-specific vulnerability that warrants closer attention. Given these findings, routine screening of lipid profiles and echocardiographic parameters in CKD patients is essential for early detection and management of cardiovascular risks. Additionally, early initiation of statin therapy, with dose adjustments based on the stage of CKD, should be considered as part of the standard care regimen.

I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.

I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.