Short-term administration of omega-3 fatty acids in hemodialysis patients with balanced lipid metabolism.

BACKGROUND: At present, it is discussed whether omega-3 fatty acids show anti-inflammatory, antithrombogenic, and antiatherosclerotic effects, also in patients with chronic renal failure. METHODS: In this prospective study, 11 hemodialysis (HD) patients, ages 59 +/- 17 years, who had balanced lipid metabolism and had been on HD for 53 +/- 47 months, were treated with a moderate dose of omega-3 fatty acids (1.2 g/day combined with 11.2 g/day pectin) for 12 weeks. Serum concentrations of c-reactive protein, homocysteine (Hcy), lipids, complement factors, blood gas analyses, 24-hour blood pressure, heart rate variability, electrocardiography, shunt blood flow, and recirculation, as well as peripheral oxygen saturation at the hand and foot, were measured at the start (t0w), and after 12 weeks (t12w) of therapy. Results Several assessed cardiovascular risk factors were significantly influenced. Levels of very-low-density lipoproteins (t0w, 77 +/- 26; t12w, 63 +/- 32 mg/dL; P <.05) and triglycerides (t0w, 261 +/- 157; t12w, 228 +/- 131 mg/dL; P =.068) were decreased. However, Hcy concentrations increased from 35.5 +/- 32.5 to 43.5 +/- 36.7 micromol/L ( P <.01) after 12 weeks. Anti-inflammatory and investigated clinical parameters did not significantly change during the study period. CONCLUSION: Limited positive effects on metabolic parameters were evaluated by short-term administration of omega-3 fatty acids in HD patients. Based on previous studies and on suspicion of atherosclerotic disorder in examined HD patients, we suppose that only high doses of omega-3 fatty acids given for a longer time influence inflammation and atherosclerosis.