Alteration of cardiovascular structure and function in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Aims: Cardiovascular alterations contribute to a high mortality rate in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aims of the present study are to evaluate left ventricular (LV) function and common carotid artery (CCA) parameters and to determine risk factors associated with these changes in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods: This longitudinal prospective study was conducted in 50 ESRD patients in whom PD had been initiated and who were observed for 18 months after the commencement of dialysis treatment, with echocardiography and CCA ultrasound parameter evaluation.