Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Show High Prevalence of Carotid Artery Calcification which is Associated with a Higher Left Ventricular Mass Index

This study examined intima-media thickness and arterial plaque occurrence in the carotid and brachial arteries in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. The study compared 25 CAPD patients with 25 normotensive age- and sex-matched controls. Intima-media thickness and presence of plaque in carotid and brachial artery were measured three times using high-resolution B-mode echocardiography. Left ventricular mass was calculated using the Penn Convection equation. Blood samples were obtained to assess levels of phosphorus, total calcium, serum albumin, C-reactive protein, and lipid profiles. Compared to the control group, CAPD patients had greater mean carotid and brachial intima-media thickness, and a higher proportion of subjects with calcified plaques. The left ventricular mass index was higher in CAPD patients with carotid artery calcified plaques compared to CAPD patients without carotid artery calcified plaques. CAPD patients with such plaque were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus, higher C-reactive protein levels and a lower 2-yr survival rate. The present study showed an high prevalence of carotid calcification in CAPD patients and those with such calcification had a greater incidence of diabetes mellitus, higher C-reactive protein levels and left ventricular mass index, and a lower survival rate.