Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Dialysis Patients Assessed by Novel Speckle Tracking Strain Rate Analysis: Prevalence and Determinants

Background. Diastolic dysfunction is common among dialysis patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Novel echocardiographic speckle tracking strain analysis permits accurate assessment of left ventricular diastolic function, independent of loading conditions and taking all myocardial segments into account. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in chronic dialysis patients using this novel technique, and to identify its determinants among clinical and echocardiographic variables. Methods. Patients currently enrolled in the ICD2 study protocol were included for this analysis. Next to conventional echo measurements diastolic function was also assessed by global diastolic strain rate during isovolumic relaxation (SRIVR). Results. A total of 77 patients were included (age 67 ± 8 years, 74% male). When defined as E/SRIVR ≥236, the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction was higher compared to more conventional measurements (48% versus 39%). Left ventricular mass (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04, P = 0.014) and pulse wave velocity (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07–1.68, P = 0.01) were independent determinants of diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion. Diastolic dysfunction is highly prevalent among dialysis patients and might be underestimated using conventional measurements. Left ventricular mass and pulse wave velocity were the only determinants of diastolic dysfunction in these patients

CT coronary angiography is feasible for the assessment of coronary artery disease in chronic dialysis patients, despite high average calcium scores.

PURPOSE: Significant obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is common in asymptomatic dialysis patients. Identifying these high risk patients is warranted and may improve the prognosis of this vulnerable patient group. Routine catheterization of incident dialysis patients has been proposed, but is considered too invasive. CT-angiography may therefore be more appropriate. However, extensive coronary calcification, often present in this patient group, might hamper adequate lumen evaluation. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of CT-angiography in this patient group. METHODS: For this analysis all patients currently participating in the ICD2 trial (ISRCTN20479861), with no history of PCI or CABG were included. The major epicardial vessels were evaluated on a segment basis (segment 1-3, 5-8, 11 and 13) by a team consisting of an interventional and an imaging specialist. Segments were scored as not significant, significant and not interpretable. RESULTS: A total of 70 dialysis patients, with a mean age of 66±8 yrs and predominantly male (70%) were included. The median calcium score was 623 [79, 1619]. Over 90% of the analyzed segments were considered interpretable. The incidence of significant CAD on CT was 43% and was associated with cardiovascular events during follow-up. The incidence of cardiovascular events after 2-years follow-up: 36% vs. 0% in patients with no significant CAD (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Despite the high calcium scores CT-angiography is feasible for the evaluation of the extent of CAD in dialysis patients. Moreover the presence of significant CAD on CT was associated with events during follow-up

Incremental prognostic value of an abnormal baseline spatial QRS-T angle in chronic dialysis patients

In order to improve the abysmal outcome of dialysis patients, it is critical to identify patients with a high mortality risk. The spatial QRS-T angle, which can be easily calculated from the 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG), might be useful in the prognostication in dialysis patients. The objective of this study was to establish the prognostic value of the spatial QRS-T angle. All patients who initiated dialysis therapy between 2002 and 2009 in the hospitals of Leiden (LUMC) and Amsterdam (AMC) at least 3 months on dialysis were included. The spatial QRS-T angle was calculated, from a routinely acquired ECG, and its relationship with mortality was assessed. An abnormal spatial QRS-T angle was defined as ≥ 130° in men and ≥ 116° in women. In total, 277 consecutive patients (172 male, mean age 56.3 ± 17.0) were included. An abnormal spatial QRS-T angle was associated with a higher risk of death from all causes [hazard ratio (HR) 2.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-3.70] and especially a higher risk of sudden cardiac death (HR 2.99; 95% CI 1.04-8.60). Furthermore, an abnormal spatial QRS-T angle was of incremental prognostic value, when added to a risk model consisting of known risk factors. In chronic dialysis patients the spatial QRS-T angle is a significant and independent predictor of all-cause and especially sudden cardiac death. It implies that this parameter can be used to identify high risk patient

Non significant lesion of the proximal LAD.

<p>(Left panel: axial reconstruction; Right panel curved multiplanar reconstruction.).</p

Differences in patients with and without non-interpretable segments.

*<p>Mann Whitney U-test;</p>**<p>Not available for 2 patients.</p

Pin-point mixed lesion of the left main and significant lesion of the proximal LAD.

<p>(Left panel: axial reconstruction; Right panel curved multiplanar reconstruction.).</p

Kaplan Meier cure for the cumulative event rate of the primary endpoint in patients with significant CAD on CT vs. no significant CAD on CT.

<p>Kaplan Meier cure for the cumulative event rate of the primary endpoint in patients with significant CAD on CT vs. no significant CAD on CT.</p

Per segment analysis outcome.

<p>Per segment analysis outcome.</p

Non-interpretable lesion of the proximal LAD.

<p>(Left panel: axial reconstruction; Right panel curved multiplanar reconstruction.).</p