DOI: 10.4103/njm.njm_32_26 ISSN: 1115-2613

Correlates of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Nigerian Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study at Jos University Teaching Hospital

Daniel Gilbert Uchendu, Onuche Oliver Igoche, Ezekiel Esala Abene, Mark Zumnan Gimba, Lucius Chidiebere Imoh, Emmanuel Owoicho Igoh, Emmanuel Idoko Agaba
Show PDF Cite

Abstract

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a non-invasive marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and a useful tool for cardiovascular risk assessment. This study investigated the correlates of CIMT among CKD patients at Jos University Teaching Hospital.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 189 CKD patients and 126 age- and sex-matched controls. Eligible participants were recruited consecutively. Clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations and CIMT measurements were performed. Data were analysed using Epi Info version 7, with P value < 0.05 considered significant

Results:

Mean age was similar among CKD patients and controls (47.02 ± 13.63 vs 47.66 ± 13.84 years; P = 0.684). Mean CIMT was significantly higher in CKD patients than among controls (0.89 ± 0.20 vs 0.50 ± 0.01 mm; P < 0.001). Increased CIMT was observed in 28.6% of CKD patients, while 10.1% had atheromatous plaques. Independent correlates of increased CIMT included advancing age, diabetes, systolic and diastolic hypertension, increased waist circumference in males, increased urine protein creatinine ratio, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, low haemoglobin, elevated serum phosphate, increased calcium–phosphate product, elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased cardiothoracic ratio and higher uric acid levels.

Conclusion:

Increased CIMT is common in CKD and associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. CIMT is a valuable tool for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk stratification.

More from our Archive