Journal of Clinical and Experimental Investigations

Abstract

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with renal failure. Pa­tients with chronic renal failure are significantly suscep­tible to atherosclerosis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of elevated homocysteine on ath­erosclerosis and inflammation in continuos ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.
Methods: 56 patients undergoing CAPD and 27 healthy subjects was enrolled in the study. All patients total cho­lesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, hs-CRP, homocysteine, intima-media thickness, arterial stiffness values were measured and statistically analyzed.
Results: It is determined that the levels of total choles­terol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, ho­mocysteine, intima-media thickness, arterial stiffness and hs-CRP was higher in patients compared to the control group (in order; p=0.03, p=0.0006, p=0.02).
Conclusion: Carotid intima-media thickness being in­creased because of increased levels of homocysteine and inflammation in CAPD patients. Therefore, in case of atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia and inflammation more aggressive treatment protocol should be considered. Pa­tients with elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations should be treated.