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Intima-Media Thickness of the Carotid Artery and Its Correlation Factors in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: To investigate the relationship between the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery (CA-IMT) and its major risk factors in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: Seventy-five MHD patients and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The MHD patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to their CA-IMT value. Results: CA-IMT values in the MHD group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The differences in age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and levels of serum albumin, prealbumin, cholesterol and serum phosphate between the increased IMT group and the normal IMT group were significant. SBP and serum phosphate levels were also greater in the abnormal IMT group than those in the normal IMT group. Significant relationships were found between CA-IMT and age, SBP, and serum levels of phosphate, albumin and prealbumin. In multiple regression analysis, a high serum phosphate level, low serum prealbumin level and high SBP were significant independent risk factors of increased CA-IMT. Conclusions: CA-IMT was increased dramatically in MHD patients. A high serum phosphate level, low serum prealbumin level and high SBP may be associated with advanced arteriosclerosis.