[Markers of inflammation and large artery compliance in patients with chronic renal failure]

Chronic inflammation is a widely accepted pathophysiologic factor of development and progression of atherosclerosis. One of the most important consequences of atherosclerosis is accelerated arterial stiffness. The impact of chronic inflammation on arterial stiffness was not analyzed up to now in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible relationship between aortic pulse wave velocity (AoPWV), considered useful tool of aortic stiffness assessment and blood pressure parameters, anthropometric characteristics, pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase reactants in patients treated with PD. MATERIAL AND METHOSA: The study was performed in the group of 43 patients (19 F 24 M) with ESRD, in the mean age of 50.6 +/- 13.4 years and on dialysis for the mean period of 21.9 +/- 20.7 months. Pulse wave velocity was assessed using two pressure transducers placed on common carotid and femoral artery, connected with automatic processor. In all patients Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C- reactive protein and fibrinogen were assayed as 'markers of inflammation'. Blood pressure was also measured in the standardized conditions. Mean AoPWV equaled 10.7 +/- 2.1 m/s. Significant correlations were found between AoPWV, age, body weight and BMI. AoPWV was associated with systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure.

Significant correlations between AoPWV and serum IL-6 were shown, whereas association with CRP was close to statistical significance (p= 0,053). Associations between AoPWV, age and systolic blood pressure were also confirmed by multiple regression analysis.

Chronic, uremia-dependent inflammation may be one of the factors influencing aortic stiffness in patients treated with PD.