Evaluation of the effect of duration on dialysis on echocardiographic parameters: a preliminary study.

The excessive cardiovascular mortality seen in patients with end-stage renal disease seems to be closely related to accelerated coronary atherosclerosis. Some echocardiographic parameters such as left ventricular mass and diastolic dysfunction are implicated in ventricular dysfunction and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of duration on dialysis on some echocardiographic parameters. We enrolled 75 patients on hemodialysis, including 34 women, in our prospective study. The mean age was 42.5 ± 13.8 years. The echocardiographic parameters were all measured within 2 h after a dialysis session. The study population was divided into two groups: Group-1 consisted of patients on dialysis for < 5 years and group-2 included patients on dialysis for >5 years. The two groups were similar regarding demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors. On univariate analysis, a statistically significant difference was seen in the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (P = 0.002), left ventricular end-syslotic diameter (P = 0.008), left ventricular mass (P = 0.006), inter-ventricular septum (P = 0.024), mitral flow deceleration time (P = 0.03), tricuspid anteroposterior systolic excursion (P = 0.01), inferior vena cava diameter (P = 0.04), left atrial size (P = 0.02), valvular calcification (P = 0.01) and pericardial effusion (P = 0.01) between the two groups. We conclude that the duration on dialysis is associated with changes in several echocardiographic parameters. Frequent follow-up with echocardiogram is recommended in the management of these patients.