Significance and Applicability of Some Inflammatory Markers in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis are increasing worldwide, and the main reasons for their shortened survival are cardiovascular and infectious events.

Aim: The aim of our study was to monitor the levels of the most commonly used inflammatory markers in practice and to clarify their applicability in this subgroup of patients.

Materials and methods: We studied the values of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, ferritin, and uric acid in 69 patients treated with hemodialysis for more than 90 days. Those who had clinical evidence of infection or active neoplasm were excluded from the study. We compared the data with sex, age, main diagnosis, and vascular access. By age, patients were divided into those under and over 65 years of age. The data were processed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Statgraphics Plus, version 2.1, and EXCEL for Windows.

Results: We found that the data for procalcitonin. interleukin-6. ferritin. and uric acid were significantly higher than the reference values for healthy individuals. The only indicator that showed comparable values with healthy individuals was CRP. At the same time, the results for CRP and IL-6 were significantly higher in the groups over 65 years of age (0.025 and 0. 006, respectively).

Conclusion: According to our results, the only well-correlated and significant indicator in patients on hemodialysis treatment is CRP. Other markers should be used primarily to monitor the effect of the treatment.