The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients on Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis: A Comparative Study

One of the major causes of mortality in patients with kidney failure requiring dialysis is cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic syndrome refers to a collection of metabolic disorders that causes systemic inflammation and therefore plays an important role in increasing the incidence of cardiovascular disorders and the associated mortality and morbidity. Given the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the general population, this study was designed to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients on peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. A cross-sectional study on 170 patients on dialysis was performed in Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Blood samples were obtained to examine glucose, lipid profile, hemoglobin, albumin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, and white blood cell count (WBC). Blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference were also measured by standard methods. The information of patients was recorded in a questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was observed in 67% of the studied population. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in females than males (77% vs. 57%). The syndrome was also more prevalent among peritoneal dialysis patients than individuals on hemodialysis (73% vs. 47%). The highest prevalence in hemodialysis patients was seen in patients who were dialyzed through a temporary catheter. The average weight, body mass index, albumin levels, and WBC were significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome. However, the differences in hemoglobin, PTH, calcium, and phosphorus values were not statistically significant between patients with and without metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high in dialysis, especially in peritoneal dialysis, patients. In addition, women are more at risk than men. Therefore, in order to prevent cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, these patients need to be regularly examined to diagnose and treat the risk factors of metabolic syndrome as soon as possible.