Prognostic Value of the Vascular Impairment of Lower Extremities in Patients with ChronicRenal Failure

Overview

Background.
Arterial ischemic disease represents highly serious complication for patients undergoing chronichaemodialysis. The aim of the study was to examine peripheral arteries in the group of haemodialysed patients andto estimate the incidence and seriousness of pathological findings.Methods and Results. Total 82 sonographic examinations of arteries in lower extremities using Multi DopplexII set with graphic registration of dopplex curves was done in 53 dialysed patients. Blood pressure values of fourperipheral arteries at legs together with blood pressure values at the brachial artery were evaluated as the ankle-armindex (API). Character of changes of dopplex curves was classified as SO index (obliteration index). Also withnormal API, changes in SO were identified. SO index was significantly higher (p=0.034) in patients of the peritonealdialysis program in comparison with haemodialysed patients, in persons with diabetes the value was only marginallyhigher. Patients who died later (of the cardiovascular complications), the SO index was significantly higher then inothers (p

Key words:
chronic renal failure, ischemic disease of lower extremities, doppler examination of arteries, ankleindex.