Abstract
The electrocardiogram (ECG) can aid in identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Cohort studies describe ECG abnormalities in patients on hemodialysis (HD), but we did not find data comparing ECG abnormalities among patients with normal kidney function or peritoneal dialysis (PD) to those on hemodialysis. We hypothesized that ECG conduction abnormalities would be more common, and cardiac conduction interval times longer, among patients on hemodialysis vs. those on peritoneal dialysis and CKD 1 or 2. Retrospective review of adult inpatients' charts, comparing those with billing codes for "Hemodialysis" vs. inpatients without those charges, and an outpatient peritoneal dialysis cohort. Patients with CKD 3 or 4 were excluded. One hundred and sixty-seven charts were reviewed. ECG conduction intervals were consistently and statistically longer among hemodialysis patients (n=88) vs. peritoneal dialysis (n=22) and CKD stage 1 and 2 (n=57): PR (175±35 vs 160±44 vs 157±22 msec) (p=0.009), QRS (115±32 vs. 111±31 vs 91±18 msec) (p=0.001), QT (411±71 vs. 403±46 vs 374±55 msec) (p=0.006), QTc (487±49 vs. 464±38 vs 452±52 msec) (p=0.0001). The only significantly different conduction abnormality was prevalence of left bundle branch block: 13.6% among HD patients, 5% in PD, and 2% in CKD 1 and 2 (p=0.03). To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that ECG conduction intervals are significantly longer as one progresses from CKD Stage 1 and 2, to PD, to HD. These and other data support the need for future research to utilize ECG conduction times to identify dialysis patients who could potentially benefit from proactive cardiac evaluations and risk reduction.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD), prolonged QTC was associated with higher mortality, but the TpTe/QT was not 1-3
Given the accelerated rate of coronary artery disease and electrolyte abnormalities in this population, we hypothesized that cardiac conduction abnormalities would be more common among HD patients, we only identified cohort studies and are not aware of comparative data evaluating this question
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We hypothesized that ECG conduction abnormalities would be more common, and cardiac conduction interval times longer, among patients on hemodialysis vs those on peritoneal dialysis and CKD 1 or 2. ECG conduction intervals were consistently and statistically longer among hemodialysis patients (n=88) vs peritoneal dialysis (n=22) and CKD stage 1 and 2 (n=57): PR (175±35 vs 160±44 vs 157±22 msec) (p=0.009), QRS (115±32 vs 111±31 vs 91±18 msec) (p=0.001), QT (411±71 vs 403±46 vs 374±55 msec) (p=0.006), QTc (487±49 vs 464±38 vs 452±52 msec) (p=0.0001). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that ECG conduction intervals are significantly longer as one progresses from CKD Stage 1 and 2, to PD, to HD
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
