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Hepatitis C virus infection as a risk factor for increased aortic stiffness and cardiovascular events in dialysis

Nobuyuki Oyake1, Toshio Shimada, Yo Murakami

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan.

Journal of Nephrology
|July 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to increased aortic stiffness and cardiovascular events in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study highlights HCV viremia as a key determinant of these cardiovascular complications in dialysis patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • The relationship between microorganisms and cardiovascular diseases is established, but the specific role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular events remains unclear.
  • Chronic hemodialysis patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between HCV infection and increased aortic stiffness.
  • To determine if HCV infection is linked to a higher incidence of cardiovascular events in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study of 94 dialysis outpatients was conducted.
  • Measurements included carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), echocardiographic parameters, and serum HCV-RNA levels.
  • Statistical analyses included logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models to identify independent determinants of high PWV and cardiovascular events.

Main Results:

  • HCV-positive patients exhibited higher aortic PWV and lower serum cholesterol levels.
  • HCV viremia, mean blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c were independent determinants of high PWV.
  • HCV viremia, aortic PWV, pulse pressure, and left ventricular mass index were associated with cardiovascular events during follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • HCV infection is significantly associated with increased aortic stiffness in dialysis patients.
  • HCV infection is closely linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events in this patient population.
Abstract

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