Sex differences in microvascular function and arterial hemodynamics in nondialysis chronic kidney disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Abnormal arterial hemodynamics contribute to CVD, a relationship that can be mediated by microvascular dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential sex differences in arterial hemodynamics and microvascular dysfunction in patients with stages 3 to 4 CKD. Vascular function was assessed in 22 male (mean ± SD; age, 56 ± 13 yr) and 10 female (age, 63 ± 9 yr) patients. Arterial hemodynamics were acquired with combined tonometry and oscillometry. Skin blood flow was used as a model of microvascular function. Participants were instrumented with three microdialysis fibers for the delivery of