Comparison of carotid elasticity and distensibility between patients with end-stage renal disease and healthy volunteers

Abstract

Purpose: The incidence of cardiovascular events increased in patients with end-stage renal disease, but it is not clear how renal failure affects carotid arteries. The aim of this study is to evaluate this affect. For this purpose, the elasticity and distensibility which are markers of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis were measured and compared in patients with end-stage renal disease and healthy population.

Materials and Methods: The study was planned as crosssectional. A total of 119 subjects (61 patients and 58 control) were enrolled into the study. Carotid elasticity and distensibility were measured and compared between the groups. In addition, we investigated whether there was a significant correlation between the duration of dialysis and carotid elasticity and distensibility.

Results: Carotid elasticity and distensibility were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (0.12 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.23 +/- 0.04, p < 0.001, and 7.47 +/- 0.51 vs. 9.42 +/- 0.73, p < 0.001, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the duration of dialysis and carotid elasticity and distensibility (r = -0.783, p < 0.001 ve r = -0.385, p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion:

Carotid elasticity and distensibility decreased in patients with end-stage renal disease. These results may suggest an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries in this patient group and may indirectly suggest that the increase in the risk of cerebrovascular event is caused by atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries.