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Effect of enhanced external counterpulsation treatment on renal function in cardiac patients

Prajej Ruangkanchanasetr1, Nithi Mahanonda, Ongkarn Raungratanaamporn

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital, 315 Rajavithi Road, Rajathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. prajej@gmail.com.

BMC Nephrology
|September 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) improves renal function in cardiac patients. This treatment significantly lowered serum cystatin C and increased estimated glomerular filtration rate, particularly in those with pre-existing kidney issues.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is known to improve coronary perfusion and reduce left ventricular afterload.
  • The impact of EECP on renal function in cardiac patients has not been previously established.
  • This study aimed to investigate the effects of EECP on renal function using serum cystatin C.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the changes in renal function, specifically serum cystatin C and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), in cardiac patients undergoing EECP treatment.
  • To determine if EECP has a beneficial effect on kidney function in patients with chronic stable angina and/or heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational longitudinal study was conducted.
  • Thirty patients with chronic stable angina and/or heart failure received 35 sessions of EECP.
  • Renal function was evaluated using serum cystatin C and estimated GFR before and after EECP treatment, with a median follow-up of 16 months.

Main Results:

  • Serum cystatin C levels significantly decreased (p < 0.001) and estimated GFR significantly increased (p = 0.006) after EECP treatment.
  • Subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in cystatin C in patients with baseline GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² or NT-proBNP >125 pg/mL (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • EECP treatment can lead to long-term improvement in renal function in cardiac patients.
  • The benefits of EECP on renal function are particularly pronounced in patients with pre-existing reduced renal function or elevated NT-proBNP levels.
Abstract

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