Abstract
Introduction. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis are at an increased risk of arteriosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD). The increased risk is commonly attributed to the traditional risk factors related to ESRD. However, interest for more recent risk factors for ASVD, such as the level of lipoprotein(a) and its specific apoprotein(a) has been promoted. The aim of this paper is to determine whether apo(a) phenotype is a risk factor for arteriosclerotic vascular disease in ESRD patients who are on hemodialysis.
Methods. Apo(a) phenotypisation was performed by using the Western Blot Technique of blood samples from 96 end-stage renal disease patients who were undergoing hemodialysis, and from 100 healthy individuals.
Results. Frequency distribution of the basic apo(a) isoforms calculated by means of the χ2-test has shown that there was no significant statistical difference in distribution among patients on hemodialysis, and healthy carriers (χ2-0.36, p<0.548-for carriers of single apo(a) isoforms, (χ2-0.10, p<0.7545-for carriers of double apo(a) isoforms). The calculated relative risks have demonstrated that apo(a) phenotype was not a risk factor for ASVD in HD patients.
Conclusion. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the apo(a) phenotype is not a risk factor for arteriosclerotic vascular disease in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Case 37-2003: A 79-Year-Old Man with Coronary Artery Disease, Peripheral Vascular Disease, End-Stage Renal Disease, and Abdominal Pain and Distention
