Chronic kidney disease and right ventricular dysfunction; an echocardiographic assessment in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: Cardiovascular complications are the primary cause of mortality in individuals with advanced kidney disease, with heart failure being the most prevalent condition. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction plays a critical role in increasing morbidity and mortality rates in patients with chronic renal disease. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of RV dysfunction in patients receiving hemodialysis. Patients and Methods: Observational study was assessed 129 hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease at the department of cardiology and nephrology. Screening was conducted based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels, and data were gathered on their medical history, demographics, dialysis records, and cardiac risk factors. Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography were conducted to evaluate echocardiographic parameters, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), inferior vena cava (IVC), and right ventricle (RV) thickness. Results: This study examined how heart function relates to various factors in patients with diabetes and hypertension. The findings suggested a potential association between age and heart function, while no significant connections were observed with gender or kidney function. Additionally, thicker RV walls were associated with enhanced systolic function, and both TAPSE and SPAP exhibited weak correlations with IVC diameter. Conclusion: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can result in early-onset RV failure and pulmonary hypertension. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of echocardiography in detecting RV failure in hemodialysis patients. Early identification of RV dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension in individuals with CKD can significantly improve their prognosis and treatment outcomes.