The Prevalence of Insulin Resistance and Its Relationship Between Anemia,Secondary Hyperparathyroidism,Inflammation, and Cardiac Parameters in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) frequently accompanies end-stage renal disease (ESRD). There is a positive correlation between IR and cardiovascular pathologies that plays a role in mortality and morbidity on patients with ESRD. We aim to research the prevalence and evaluability of homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and also to evaluate the relationship of this value with various clinical parameters. Material and Methods: 57 ESRD patients, regularly undergoing HD were enrolled in the study. Obese patients (BMI > 25 kg/m²) and ESRD patients with diabetic etiology were excluded. Twenty-nine patients were men (50.9%), and 28 patients were women (48.1%); the mean age was 45.9 ± 13.6 years. Results were recorded after evaluated by HOMA-IR. In addition to calculating the HOMA index, anthropometrical parameters, plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), hematocrit (hct), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting glucose, and insulin plasma levels were measured by standard methods in all subjects. The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure were recorded, and left ventricle posterior wall thickness was measured by echocardiography. All patients completed the study. The minimum HOMA-IR value was 0.11, maximum value was 5.18, and the cut-off point was 1.23. According to this value, the patients were classified into two groups: HOMA-IR positive that were equal or higher than 1.23 (group 1), and HOMA-IR negative that were under this value (group 2). Results: We established that 18 of 57 (31.6%) patients were HOMA-IR positive and 39 of 57 (68.4%) patients were negative. In group 2, hct levels were higher than in group 1 and the weekly requiring dose of rHuEpo was significantly low in group 2 compared with group 1 (p< 0.05). Interestingly, the Ca × P products ( ≥ 55 mg/dL) were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p< 0.05). There was not any significant correlation between HOMA-IR and anthropometrics measurements, hemodialysis adequacy, plasma PTH level, cardiac parameters, and inflammation markers. We established the prevalence of IR as 31.6% in our HD patients' cohort. Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between low HOMA-IR value with target hct levels and administration of the rHuEpo. Because insulin resistance is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular mortality in ESRD patients, it was accepted that being able to correct the insulin resistance could be a novel therapeutic approach in this cohort.     

Divergent Effects of Unilateral and Subtotal Nephrectomy on Insulin Sensitivity in Rats

Objectives. Insulin resistance is associated with chronic renal failure, which may amplify its cardiovascular pathologic manifestations. We previously showed the presence of insulin resistance in mild renal insufficiency due to chronic glomerulonephritis. These observations may be explained by a decrease in insulin sensitivity due to renal dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of unilateral and subtotal nephrectomy on insulin sensitivity. Methods. Unilateral heminephrectomy and five-sixths nephrectomy (5/6Nx) were performed in male Sprague–Dawley rats, measuring steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) during the insulin suppression test. Results. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreased significantly from sham-operated rats, to unilateral heminephrectomy group, to 5/6Nx rats. SSPG was unexpectedly lower in the unilateral heminephrectomy group than in controls, suggesting that unilateral heminephrectomy increased the sensitivity to insulin despite a mild decrease in renal function. However, when the analysis was limited to the 5/6Nx group, SSPG was inversely correlated with GFR (r = ? 0.65, p < 0.05). When renal failure caused by 5/6Nx had reached end stage, the rats became insulin resistant, despite a profound reduction in renal mass. Conclusion. It is suggested that unilateral heminephrectomy reduced GFR and increased the sensitivity to insulin. When rats became uremic, insulin sensitivity decreased, even, in 5/6Nx.     

Relationship between Insulin Resistance and Inflamation Markers in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective. The prevalence and risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasing in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In this study, we sought to research the relationship between the insulin resistance, which is one of the risk factors for CVD, and the inflammation markers, especially C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, uric acid, and homocysteine levels in our patients who were recently diagnosed with ESRD and started hemodialysis. Materials and methods. 64 HOMA-IR-positive and 114 HOMA-IR-negative patients were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were obtained from the patients for fasting plasma glucose, insulin, CRP, fibrinogen, uric acid, total homocysteine, urea, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, and albumin analysis after physical examinations and anamnesis were completed. Results. Fibrinogen and CRP levels of HOMA-IR-positive HD patients were significantly increased compared to non-insulin resistants. Furthermore, there is significant positive relationship between insulin resistance and serum CRP and fibrinogen levels in these HOMA-IR-positive HD patients (r = 0.258, p < 0.001). Conclusion. We found out that the fibrinogen and CRP levels are significantly high in HOMA-IR positive HD patients, according to determine the risk ratio for coronary artery disease in HD patients, and think that an assessment of insulin resistance is necessary.     

Relation between Pulmonary Function and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Hemodialysis Patients

The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between pulmonary function and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, albumin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as inflammatory biomarkers, in hemodialysis patients. Ninety-eight patients, who were dialyzed at least for 3 months, were included in this study. Patients’ blood samples were collected and pulmonary function tests, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured and expressed as the %predicted using appropriate normal values for the patients’ sex, age, and height (%FVC, %FEV1, and %PEF), at the same time. The patients with CRP ≥ 10 μg/mL were significantly older and had lower values of %FEV1, %FVC and %PEF (p = 0.006, p = 0.001, and p = 0.016, respectively); whereas just %FEV1 (p = 0.025) and %FVC (p = 0.009) had significant differences between the patients with ferritin ≥ 100 μg/L and other patients. However, no other significant differences were found between inflammatory biomarkers and the pulmonary function tests. We concluded that inflammation has a close relation with pulmonary dysfunction in hemodialysis patients.     

Insulin resistance and muscle wasting in non-diabetic end-stage renal disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is prevalent in uraemia. Recent experimental studies suggested IR to be a central mechanism for uraemic malnutrition. However, it is not known whether IR is related to muscle wasting in non-diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. METHODS: We cross-sectionally assessed IR and muscle wasting in 21 non-diabetic ESRD patients who admitted for the initiation of dialysis. For the assessment of muscle wasting, lean body mass was measured (LBMm) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and compared with the estimated LBM (LBMe) from the prediction equation derived from healthy controls using the ratio of LBMm/LBMe. For measurement of IR, the homoeostasis model (HOMA-IR) was used. In addition, among patients who chose continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, muscle was sampled during catheter insertion from the rectus abdominis to measure 14-kDa actin fragments, a marker of muscle protein degradation. RESULTS: Patients with a low LBMm/LBMe ratio (<1.00) showed higher HOMA-IR and fat mass (FM) (% body weight) and lower LBM (% body weight) than those with a high LBMm/LBMe ratio (>or=1.00). LBMm/LBMe ratio was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, regardless of obesity. By multiple regression analysis, HOMA-IR was an independent factor affecting LBMm/LBMe ratio. Furthermore, in the muscle samples, patients with high HOMA-IR had lower LBMm/LBMe ratios and stronger bands for the 14-kDa actin fragments than did patients with low HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that IR seems to be associated with muscle wasting in non-diabetic ESRD patients.     

Solutes Transport Characteristics in Peritoneal Dialysis: Variations in Glucose and Insulin Serum Levels

Background. Differences in small solutes transport rate (SSTR) during peritoneal dialysis (PD) may affect water and solutes removal. Patients with high SSTR must rely on shorter dwell times and increased dialysate glucose concentrations to keep fluid balance. Glucose absorption during peritoneal dialysis (PD), besides affecting glucose and insulin metabolism, may induce weight gain. The study aimed at examining acute glucose and insulin serum level changes and other potential relationships in PD patients with diverse SSTR. Methods. This cross-sectional study used a modified peritoneal equilibration test (PET) that enrolled 34 prevalent PD patients. Zero, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240-minute glucose and insulin serum levels were measured. Insulin resistance index was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) formula. SSTR categories were classified by quartiles of the four-hour dialysate/serum creatinine ratio (D₄/P_Cr). Demographic and clinical variables were evaluated, and the body mass index (BMI) was estimated. Correlations among variables of interest and categories of SSTR were explored. Results. Glucose serum levels were significantly different at 15, 30, and 60 minutes between high and low SSTR categories (p?=?0.014, 0.009, and 0.022). Increased BMI (25.5 ± 5.1) and insulin resistance [HOMA-IR?=?2.60 (1.40–4.23)] were evidenced overall. Very strong to moderate correlations between insulin levels along the PET and HOMA-IR (r?=?0.973, 0.834, 0.766, 0.728, 0.843, 0.857, 0.882) and BMI (r?=?0.562, 0.459, 0.417, 0.370, 0.508, 0.514, 0.483) were disclosed. Conclusions. Early glucose serum levels were associated with SSTR during a PET. Overweight or obesity and insulin resistance were prevalent. An association between insulin serum levels and BMI was demonstrated.     

Prevalence and Predictors of Arrhythmia in End Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis

Background. Sudden death is common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Cardiac arrhythmia is observed frequently in patients with ESRD and is thought to be responsible for this high rate of sudden death. This study investigated the prevalence and the predictors of arrhythmia in patients on maintenance dialysis. Methods. Ninety-four patients on hemodialysis program were enrolled in the study. Routine laboratory results were noted. Arrhythmia, periods of silent ischemia, and heart-rate variability analyses were obtained from 24-hour Holter monitor recordings. Corrected QT (QTc) dispersion was calculated from 12-lead surface EKG. Echocardiographic and tissue Doppler examinations were performed on interdialytic days as well. Ventricular arrhythmia was classified according to Lown classification; classes 3 and above were accepted as complex ventricular arrhythmia (CVA). Results. The mean age was 52.5±13.2 years; 44 (46.8%) were women. Ventricular premature contractions were detected in 80 (85.1%) patients, of whom 35 (37.2%) were classified as complex ventricular arrhythmia (CVA). Coronary artery disease, hypertension, and QTc dispersion appeared as independent factors predictive of CVA development. Atrial premature contractions (APC) were detected in 53 patients (56.4%) and supraventricular arrhythmia in 15 (16%) patients; all were identified as atrial fibrillation. Duration of dialysis therapy was found as an independent predictor of APC. Conclusion. Arrhythmia is frequently observed in ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis and may be responsible for the high rate of sudden mortality. Hypertension, CAD, and QTc dispersion are independent predictors of CVA, and duration of dialysis therapy is an independent factor affecting APC development in these patients.     

Determination of the Impact of Hepatitis C Virus on Insulin Resistance and Arterial Stiffness in Hemodialysis Patients

Aim. It has been shown that Hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity and carotis artery plaque formation are independently correlated in the general population. Insulin resistance is also a risk factor for atherosclerosis. The association between HCV and type 2 diabetes mellitus is known. Determination of the impact of HCV on insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients would help to prevent related cardiovascular complications. Methods. Thirty-seven HCV(+) and 30 HCV(-) HD patients were enrolled in this study. All patients were non-diabetic. Insulin resistance was assessed by “HOMA-IR.” Arterial stiffness was measured by “stiffness index b” and “elastic modulus.”Results. In the HCV(+) group, there were 20 males and 17 females, while the HCV(-) group had 19 males and 11 females. The mean age was 43.4?±?16.7 years and 44.5?±?16.8 years, respectively. The HOMA-IR was 1.50 in HCV(+) group and 1.31 in HCV(-) group (p?>?0.05). Stiffness index b and elastic modulus measurements revealed no difference between groups. In the HCV(+) group, arterial stiffness parameters were correlated with age, white blood cell, thrombocyte, total and LDL cholesterol, uric acid, mean arterial pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and HOMA-IR. There was no association between arterial stiffness and the above-mentioned parameters in the HCV(-) group.Conclusion. We found that there was no association of arterial stiffness in HCV(+) patients with insulin resistance. Further studies with larger patient groups and more sensitive methods of detecting HCV are needed. This study is the first in literature on this issue.     

后腹腔镜手术对胰岛素抵抗的影响

目的：探讨后腹腔镜手术对胰岛素抵抗的影响。方法：将41例行腹膜后手术患者分为后腹腔镜组21例，开放手术组20例。分别于术前及手术结束后，术后第1、3天抽取静脉血检测胰岛素（FINs）、血糖（FBG），用QUICKI法计算胰岛素抵抗指数（HOMA—IR）、胰岛分泌指数（HOMA—G）、胰岛素敏感指数（ISI）。比较分析2组上述指标的变化差异。结果：①两组患者组内比较：术前与术后、术后24h、术后72hHOMA—IR差异均有统计学意义（P％0．01）；术前与术后、术后24hISI均差异有统计学意义（P％0．01）。②两组患者组间比较术前、术后72hHOMA—IR、HOMA—p、ISI差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05），术后和术后24hHOMA—p差异无统计学忘义（P〉0．05），术后和术后24hHOMA—IR、ISI差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论：与开放手术相比，泌尿外科后腹腔镜手术对胰岛素抵抗的影响较小，有利于患者的康复。     

Elective and Emergency Surgery in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Aim of this study was to report our experience in elective and emergency surgery on chronic hemodialysis (CH) patients for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: All patients on CH for ESRD who underwent various surgical procedures in our unit within the past 9-year period (2001–2010) were included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups according to the type of surgery performed: elective or emergency. Demographic data, indications for surgery, primary causes of ESRD, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and mortality rates were studied. Results: Of 130 patients, 121 underwent elective surgery while 10 were addressed for emergency operation. In the elective surgery group, the most common diseases were secondary hyperparathyroidism, kidney diseases, cholelithiasis, and diabetic foot gangrene. Complications occurred in nine patients (morbidity rate, 7%) and only one patient died (mortality rate, 0.8%). In the emergency surgery group, the most common diseases were diabetic foot gangrene and obstructed sigmoid colon cancer. In this group, complications occurred in seven patients (total morbidity rate, 70%) and two patients died (mortality rate, 20%). Conclusions: Elective surgery in patients on CH for ESRD can be performed with acceptable surgical risks provided careful preoperative preparation, intraoperative, and postoperative precautions are taken.     

Icodextrine and Insulin Resistance in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Insulin resistance is commonly observed in uremic patients. Glucose-based peritoneal dialysis solutions have long-term metabolic complications like hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine the insulin resistance in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) with standard glucose and icodextrin containing solutions. The entire non diabetic CAPD patients of our center were studied: forty-four patients in all who were on CAPD treatment for 36.2 ± 23.7 months. Twenty-seven of them (11 male and 16 female) with a mean age of 46 ± 16 years were treated with standard glucose solutions (glucose group). The other 17 patients (10 male and 7 female) with a mean age of 49 ± 16 years were treated with standard glucose solutions during the day and icodextrin dwell during the night, for a median of 12 ± 6.3 months (icodextrin group). Morning fasting serum insulin levels were 20.59 ± 17.86 in the glucose group and 10.15 ± 6.87 in the icodextrin group (p = 0.0001).

Homeostasis Model Assessment Method scores of the glucose group were significantly higher (4.8±4.1 vs 2.3± 1.7; p = 0.025) than the icodextrin group. A significant positive correlation of HOMA score with insulin, fasting plasma glucose, and triglyceride levels were found in HOMA (IR+) patients. Twenty patients of the icodextrin group (74%) and 15 patients of the glucose group (88%) were hypertensive, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.13). The groups showed no significant differences for body mass index and serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and fibrinogen. In conclusion, the use of icodextrin in the long nighttime dwell can reduce serum insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity in CAPD patients.     

Underuse of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines in Hemodialysis Patients

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and therefore should be treated according to ACC/AHA Guidelines. Scant data are available concerning the actual use of cardioprotective drugs in this population. The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I), β-blockers, aspirin, and statins was assessed in 271 (72% males, 66% Caucasians) high-risk ESRD patients on hemodialysis. The study population comprised 27% smokers, 95% with hypertension, 38% with diabetes, and 44% with dyslipidemia; 44% of patients had overt CVD at baseline, including 9% with heart failure, 9% with prior myocardial infarction, and 3% with previous myocardial revascularization. One-third of all patients were not receiving any cardioprotective drugs; among those patients who were, 42% were on one drug, 21% were on two, 3.7% were on three, and 1.5% were on four. The most prescribed agent was ACE-I (35.8%), followed by aspirin (30.6%), and β-blockers (28.0%). The use of statins was remarkably and significantly low (4.1%) (p < 0.001), even in the higher risk subgroups (patients with diabetes or macrovascular disease). ACE-I plus aspirin was the most prescribed combination (8.5%). Cardioprotective agents recommended for risk-factor modification by the ACC/AHA Guidelines for their well-established efficacy in the general population were underutilized in this cohort of high-risk hypertensive hemodialysis patients, despite an elevated prevalence of clinically evident CVD. Speculatively, this fact may be relevant to better understand the known increased cardiovascular morbidity-mortality associated with chronic renal disease.     

The effect of two different high-flux dialysis membranes on insulin resistance in non-diabetic end-stage renal disease patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two different types of high-flux dialysis membranes on insulin resistance among patients who are receiving hemodialysis (HD) due to end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Materials and methods: Forty-six (21 female, 25 male) patients were included in the study, who were on HD treatment due to stage-5 chronic renal failure. Prior to the study, fasting insulin resistance via Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and fractioned urea clearance (Kt/V) values were calculated using the urokinetic model. The polysulfone (PS) dialysis membrane of all patients included in the study was replaced with “polyarylethersulfone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyamide (PPP)” high-flux membrane that has the same surface area over 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week period, HOMA and Kt/V values were recalculated. Results: At the end of the 12-week period, Kt/V values rose statistically significant from 1.575 to 1.752 (p?=?0.002). HOMA-IR values declined, though not statistically significant, from 3.268 to 2.926 (p?=?0.085). PPP high-flux membrane increased the Kt/V values significantly compared to the PS membrane, while it decreased the insulin resistance and increased insulin sensitivity. Conclusion: The two different types of high-flux dialysis membranes used for HD have different effects on insulin sensitivity. Compared to the PS membrane, PPP high-flux membrane decreased insulin resistance by increasing insulin sensitivity among non-diabetic ESRF patients.     

新型光量子对血透患者慢性炎症反应状态的干预作用

目的 :探讨新光量子疗法在干预血透患者慢性炎症反应状态中的效果。方法 :随机选择 2 0例终末期肾病 (ESRD)维持性血透患者 ,应用自行设计光量子导管与血透管路连接 ,在透析过程中对其血液直接进行紫外线的照射治疗 ,检测治疗前、治疗后 1月、治疗后 2月C反应蛋白及白介素 - 6水平。结果 :治疗 1月后C反应蛋白水平为(4 .0 0± 1.73)mg/L明显低于治疗前 (6 .12± 2 .76 )mg/L ,有统计学差异 (P <0 .0 1) ;白介素 - 6水平治疗后 (0 .2 2±0 .0 3)ng/ml,与治疗前 (0 .2 2± 0 .0 6 )ng/ml比较 ,无统计学差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。治疗 2月后白介素 - 6水平 (0 .14±0 .0 2 )ng/ml也已明显低于治疗前 ,有统计学差异 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论 :新光量子疗法是安全、方便、有效的 ,联合血透治疗可改善血透患者慢性炎症反应状态 ,有利于降低终末期肾病患者透析并发症和提高其生活质量 ,值得在临床推广应用     

手术去势对前列腺癌患者胰岛素抵抗及释放节律的影响

目的：探讨前列腺癌患者手术去势后,雄激素水平降低对机体胰岛素抵抗及胰岛素释放节律的影响.方法：36例患者经前列腺穿刺,病理诊断为前列腺癌,Gleason评分7～9分,临床分期Ⅲ～Ⅳ期,行双侧睾丸切除,术前无Ⅱ型糖尿病史.术前、术后1个月、3个月、6个月及1年分别测定血清睾酮（T）,血清游离睾酮（FT）,空腹及餐后0.5 h、1 h、2 h、3 h胰岛素.空腹及餐后0.5 h、1 h、2 h、3 h血糖.计算胰岛素抵抗指数及绘制胰岛素释放曲线.结果：本组患者去势术后1个月血清T、FT较术前显著下降[（0.45±0.05）ng/ml vs.（4.88±0.23）ng/ml,P〈0.001;（2.07±0.19）pmol/L vs.（35.10±4.37）pmol/L,P〈0.001].此后继续下降,术后6个月左右达到最低,并维持低水平.空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素、餐后2 h血糖及胰岛素于术后1个月显著升高[（5.63±0.78）mmol/L vs.（5.11±0.21）mmol/L,P〈0.05;（10.48±3.68）μU/ml vs.（7.56±2.58）μIU/ml,P〈0.05;（6.66±0.72）mmol/L vs.（5.78±0.33）mmol/L,P〈0.01;（16.31±0.45）μIU/ml vs.（13.21±0.35）μIU/ml,P〈0.01）],此后仍呈上升趋势,胰岛素释放曲线示餐后0.5 h峰值低于空腹时5倍或峰值后移.胰岛素抵抗指数（空腹胰岛素×空腹血糖÷22.5）术后1个月开始显著升高（2.62±0.13 vs.1.72±0.02,P〈0.05）（HOMA法,稳定模型法）,此后呈上升趋势.结论：双侧睾丸切除后,雄激素水平下降而导致胰岛素抵抗增加,且胰岛素释放曲线峰值下降或后移.Ⅱ型糖尿病发生风险显著增加.     

Apolipoprotein C-III and E Polymorphisms and Cardiovascular Syndrome, Hyperlipidemia, and Insulin Resistance in Renal Transplantation

Hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance frequently develop after renal transplantation, contributing to cardiovascular disease. Individual differences in response based upon genetic variations in proteins regulating lipidic and glucose tolerance metabolism could be expected. In the general population, the S2 allelic variant of the apoprotein (apo) C-III gene has been associated with hypertriglyceridemia and an insulin resistant state, whereas the E4 allele of the apo E has been associated with hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Its influence in renal transplant patients remains to be seen. In order to assess the impact of apo E and C-III major polymorphisms on atherosclerotic vascular disease, lipid profile and impaired glucose tolerance in renal transplant patients, we studied 110 consecutively examined patients undergoing kidney transplantation (age range 24-73 years). Atherosclerotic complications were detected in 25% of patients, with age, male sex and hypercholesterolemia being significant atherosclerotic risk factors. Among the male patients with E4 allele, the odds ratio for coronary disease and global atherosclerosis were 10.2 (95% CI) and 6.4 (95% CI), respectively. There were no significant differences in the frequency of any of the polymorphisms among patients with dyslipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance. As the number of patients in our sample was small, larger studies are needed to verify these issues. While in the studied population C-III polymorphism appears to have little association with the prevalence of atherosclerotic complications, E4 allele should be considered as a genetic marker of coronary artery disease and global atherosclerosis in renal transplant patients.     

Fabry Disease in Hemodialysis Patients in Southern Brazil: Prevalence Study and Clinical Report

Background. Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of α-Galactosidase A (α-Gal A). Fabry nephropathy typically progresses throughout the fifth decade to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring hemodialysis and/or kidney transplantation. Objective. To estimate the prevalence of FD among ESRD males on hemodialysis treatment in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil. Methods. Screening for α-Gal A activity was performed by a dried blood spot (normal reference value: >1.5 nmoles/hour/mL). Positive screening results were confirmed by plasma α-Gal A activity assay (reference value: >3.3 nmoles/hour/mL). Results. Five hundred fifty-eight male patients on hemodialysis were evaluated. Of these, only two had low α-Gal A activity and were diagnosed with Fabry disease (0.36%). One of these, age 42, had left ventricular hypertrophy and renal manifestations of Fabry disease without the classic symptoms. The other, age 46, had the classical manifestations of angiokeratomas, acroparesthesias, hypohidrosis, and ocular opacities. Conclusions. Although the prevalence of Fabry disease was very low in our study (0.36%), routine screening of male hemodialysis patients would enable earlier identification of many other affected relatives in their families who might benefit from specific clinical treatment.