Echocardiographic changes in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing renal replacement therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and traditional risk stratification scales do not usually accurately reflect the likelihood of complications. Echocardiographic abnormalities are an additional factor for stratifying this group of patients.

Objective: To determine the frequency of echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis who attended consultations at the National Hospital of Itauguá, Paraguay, between January and July 2023.

Methodology: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional design was applied, including 94 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis who attended the clinic. Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic variables were measured. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Results: Males predominated (59.57%), and the mean age of the sample was 49 ± 15 years. The most prevalent etiologies were diabetes and hypertension. Echocardiographic abnormalities were present in 90% of patients, with diastolic dysfunction being the most common.

Conclusion: Echocardiographic abnormalities are prevalent in subjects with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. Echocardiography is a useful tool for diagnosing these abnormalities and provides an additional assessment for cardiovascular risk stratification in this group.