Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
C-reactive protein and carotid and femoral intima media thickness: predicting inflammation
Insights
C-reactive protein (CRP) is linked to atherosclerosis markers in hemodialysis patients. Sevelamer hydrochloride treatment may lower CRP levels, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates systemic inflammation.
- CRP is associated with carotid and femoral intima-media thickness (IMT), markers of atherosclerosis.
- This association may explain increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between CRP and carotid and femoral IMT in HD patients.
- To identify predictors of CRP levels in HD patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study nested within the SUMMER clinical trial.
- Carotid and femoral arteries assessed using B-mode ultrasonography.
- Serum CRP levels measured.
Main Results:
- 144 HD patients included (mean age 67.8 years).
- All carotid and femoral IMT measures positively correlated with CRP.
- Higher CRP associated with smoking, coronary revascularization, serum phosphorus, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and PTH.
- Lower CRP associated with sevelamer hydrochloride treatment, HDL, and albumin.
Conclusions:
- CRP is significantly associated with both femoral and carotid IMT in HD patients.
- Sevelamer hydrochloride treatment is linked to reduced CRP levels in HD patients.
Background:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a recognized marker of systemic inflammation. Its association with carotid and femoral intima media thickness (surrogate measures of atherosclerosis) may explain excess cardiovascular disease risk in hemodialysis patients.
Objectives:
To estimate the association between CRP and both carotid and femoral IMT in hemodialysis (HD) patients; to predict CRP in these patients.
Methods:
The present cross-sectional study is nested in the Sevelamer hydrochloride and ultrasound-measured femoral and carotid intima media thickness progression in end-stage renal disease (SUMMER) clinical trial. Carotid (common, internal, and bifurcation) and femoral arteries were visualized in B-mode ultrasonography. CRP was measured in serum.
Results:
The study cohort included 144 HD patients (39.5% female, mean age 67.8 ± 11.5 years). All measures of both carotid and femoral IMT were significantly positively associated with CRP. Subjects with a history of smoking or coronary revascularization had significantly higher CRP levels, while subjects treated with sevelamer hydrochloride had significantly lower CRP. CRP was significantly positively associated with serum phosphorus, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and PTH, and significantly inversely associated with HDL and albumin.
Conclusions:
CRP is significantly positively associated with both femoral and carotid IMT. Treatment with sevelamer hydrochloride is associated with lower CRP in HD patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:38Inflammation