Features of atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality in dialysis patients. Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) is used as a surrogate marker of early atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can cause vascular access failure. The purpose of this study was to define the clinical features of atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients based on CIMT and to define the relationship between CIMT and access failure. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the CIMT of 60 patients on hemodialysis was examined using B-mode Doppler ultrasonography between May 2012 and November 2012. Carotid atherosclerosis was defined as a CIMT≥0.9 mm or the incidence of atherosclerotic plaques. Results: The patients’ mean age was 54.5±10.6 years, and 60% of the patients were male. The CIMT was 0.81±0.47 mm (range, 0.35–2.50 mm). The group with atherosclerosis was characterized by older age compared with those without atherosclerosis. Patients with atherosclerosis showed much shorter durations of access patency than their counterparts in the nonatherosclerosis group (hazard ratio, 2.822; 95% confidence interval, 1.113–7.156; P=0.029). Moreover, being overweight was associated with a 2.47-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.101–5.548) increased primary access failure. Conclusion: This study shows that atherosclerosis is associated with older age. Patients who are overweight and have atherosclerosis may have shortened access patency.