Changes in Morphological Indexes of Carotid Atherosclerosis (AS) and Prevalence of Vascular Diseases in Advanced Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) According to the Stage: A Cross-sectional Study

초록

AS is a major cause of morbidities and mortality throughout the course of DN. We have evaluated carotid calculated intima-media area (cIMa) and existence of plaque using high resolution B-mode US as morphologic indexes of AS in patients with advanced DN according to the disease stage. The existence of all-cause vascular disease (cerebral, coronary, and peripheral) were recorded based on Index of Co-Existing Diseases(ICED) and AS risk factors were analyzed together. Our results suggest that cIMa is widened during the late stage of DN but the carotid plaque and vascular diseases occur mostly after the introduction of dialysis. Before the initiation of dialysis, age, smoking, and mean arterial pressure are independent factors contributing carotid AS, but age and CRP are independent factor after dialysis. The stage of DN by itself affects the progression of carotid AS beyond aging effect.