Increased Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis: The Role of Chronic Inflammation, Complement Activation, and Non-Biocompatibility.

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an established global health problem, with the increased prevalence of vascular inflammation, accelerated atherogenesis, and thrombotic risk all contributing to overall cardiovascular risk. The major CKD-specific risk factor is presumed to be the accumulation of uremic toxins in circulation and tissues, further accelerating the progression of CKD and its co-morbidities, including those of bone mineral disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In our narrative review, we focused on non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors, as they evolve with declined kidney function and are potentially further modulated by the choice of kidney replacement therapy.

RESULTS

Based on the data from the literature to date, the pre-eminent role of non-traditional risk factors emerges to mediate inflammation and increased cardiovascular mortality. In particular, patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) display dramatically increased CVD-mediated mortality. This intensified state of inflammation may be linked to the direct exposure of the bloodstream to a bio-incompatible environment in HD; for both complement-mediated and non-complement-mediated reactions, the possible contribution of neutrophil extracellular traps and complement activation-related pseudoallergy are reviewed in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

Our narrative review emphasizes key elements of a bio-incompatible HD environment that may contribute to increased cardiovascular mortality in patients receiving HD. Summarizing these results may provide conceptual opportunities to develop new therapeutic targets.