Evaluation of Endocan Serum Level as a Marker of Cardiovascular Risk in Children on Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Abdelsalam, Manal; Atef, Aliaa; Fathy, Naglaa; Yousif, Nadia; Maghraby, Hala

doi:10.21608/geget.2023.342876

Evaluation of Endocan Serum Level as a Marker of Cardiovascular Risk in Children on Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

² Clinical Pathology Department, National Heart Institute, Cairo, Egypt.

³ Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

10.21608/geget.2023.342876

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have a higher risk of premature death, mainly due to cardiovascular reasons. Endocan plays a crucial role in causing endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, which makes it a valuable biomarker for detecting cardiovascular disease prognosis.
Aim of the study: This study aims to investigate the correlation between Endocan levels in the serum of children undergoing hemodialysis and intimal-medial thickness (IMT) and peak systolic velocity of the main arteries.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted to evaluate serum levels of endocan, intimal medial thickness, and peak systolic velocity using Doppler ultrasound, in addition to routine laboratory investigations.
Results: Children who underwent hemodialysis had higher endocan levels than the control group; the median and (IQR) of endocan serum levels were 144.35 (122.2 – 247.55 pg/ml) and 61 (29.05 – 108.8 pg/ml), respectively (P<0.01). The hemodialysis group showed a significant increase in the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid, ulnar, and femoral arteries. Moreover, there was a substantial decrease in the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the carotid and ulnar arteries in the hemodialysis group. The study also found a positive correlation between the levels of endocan and C-reactive protein (CRP) and the IMT of the carotid, ulnar, and femoral arteries.
Conclusion: Children undergoing hemodialysis displayed elevated endocan levels, significantly associated with increased IMT in major arteries. Endocan plays a significant role in developing and propagating atherosclerosis, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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