Assessment of aortic stiffness, myocardial performance index and cardiac functions in patients with end-stage renal disease

Aim: Chronic renal failure is a prevalent health disorder in which risk for cardiovascular disease is increased. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of mortality in this patient population. Aortic stiffness is an early and independent marker for CVDs. We aimed to investigate aortic stiffness in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Material and Methods: This study was conducted on patients who underwent hemodialysis with ESRD in Hemodialysis Unit of Nephrology Department of Goztepe Teaching Hospital between July, 2009 and November, 2009. The study included 65 patients with ESRD and 20 healthy controls. Systolic and diastolic functions of left ventricle, aortic stiffness and TEI index were evaluated in all subjects by using echocardiography. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Having compared the patient and control groups, it was found that diastolic ventricular functions and TEI index were significantly impaired in the patient group. The aortic strain and distensibility were decreased while aortic stiffness index was increased in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: We observed impaired cardiac functions , increased aortic stiffness and myocardial performance index (MPI) in patients with ESRD. However, we believe that this area needs more study.