| Theme |
New Strategies to Control Viral Hepatitis in Dialysis Patients |
| Title |
The impact of hepatitis C virus infectionon cardiovascular diseases in hemodialysis patients |
| Author |
Koju Kobayashi |
Tohoku University School of Health Sciences |
| Author |
Satonori Kon |
Department of Hemodialysis, Tohoku UniversityHospital |
| Author |
Toshinobu Sato |
Department of Hemodialysis, Tohoku UniversityHospital |
| Author |
Tetsuya Ootaka |
Katta General Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Cardiovascular diseases are major factors affecting mortality in patients receiving hemodialysis. There have been reports on higher cardiac mortality rates in individuals with HCV infection than incontrol subjects when evaluated in relation to populations without end-stage renal disease. We evaluated cardiovascular performance in patients receiving hemodialysis by evaluating the results of cardiac ultrasonography, ECG, chest X-rays and serum levels of BNP. Comparisons of cardiac function between HCV-infected patients and non-HCV-infected patients suggested no obvious differences in the various measurements by cardiac ultrasonography and ECG. However, higher levels of serum BNP and frequent findings of congestion in HCV-uninfected patients compared to HCV-infected patients suggested better cardiovascular conditions in HCV-infected patients. In conclusion, the results showed no evidence that HCV-infected patients in hemodialysis treatment have a higher risk of cardiac mortality. |