Insulin resistance is related to left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with polycystic kidney disease type 1.

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Although insulin resistance contributes to cardiac hypertrophy, the relationship between insulin resistance and LVH in patients with ADPKD has not been previously studied.

METHODS

We performed M-mode and color Doppler echocardiography on 176 family members (106 patients and 70 healthy relatives) from 16 families with polycystic kidney disease type 1 (PKD1). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated using the Penn equation and corrected for body surface area. Fasting insulin and glucose concentrations were measured and insulin resistance was evaluated by means of the homeostasis model assessment.

RESULTS

In multivariate regression analysis, insulin resistance was significantly associated with LVMI in healthy relatives (P < 0.01) and patients with PKD1 (P < 0.05) independent of age, weight, systolic blood pressure, and albuminuria.

CONCLUSION

Insulin resistance is associated with LVMI in patients with PKD1 independently of other factors known to increase LVMI.