Outcome of coronary revascularization in patients on renal dialysis

M Agirbasli1, W S Weintraub, G L Chang

  • 1Andreas Gruentzig Cardiovascular Center, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Insights

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) show similar high 1-year mortality in renal dialysis patients. Focus should shift to preventing and treating coronary artery disease before revascularization.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Retrospective studies indicate high mortality and poor outcomes for renal dialysis patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
  • Renal dialysis patients represent a high-risk population for cardiovascular interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare mortality and clinical event rates between PTCA and CABG in patients on renal dialysis.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of coronary revascularization strategies in this specific patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 252 renal dialysis patients who underwent PTCA (122) or CABG (130) between 1987 and 1997.
  • Comparison of baseline characteristics, angiographic findings, in-hospital outcomes, and 1-year mortality between the PTCA and CABG groups.

Main Results:

  • The CABG group had a higher prevalence of left main and 3-vessel coronary artery disease.
  • Periprocedure and in-hospital mortality were significantly higher in the CABG group (6.9%) compared to the PTCA group (1.6%).
  • One-year mortality rates were similar (23% PTCA vs. 27% CABG), with PTCA patients requiring repeat revascularization more frequently (22% vs. 2%).

Conclusions:

  • Both PTCA and CABG can be performed in selected renal dialysis patients with acceptable in-hospital complication rates.
  • One-year mortality remains high for dialysis patients following coronary revascularization, underscoring the need for preventative strategies.
  • Future efforts should prioritize the prevention and early treatment of coronary artery disease in renal dialysis patients to improve long-term outcomes.

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