Myocardial performance in patients with chronic renal failure

The present work has been designated to re-assess the left ventricular morphofunctional changes by echocardiography in a group of non- dialyzed uremic as well as continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD] and hemodialysis [HD] cases, together with clinical and laboratory assessment with a special attention to serum Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Co. Myocardial suppression by uremic toxins was suggested but no such specific uremic toxins were isolated, yet trace metals were suggested to play an important role. The study involved 20 cases on conservative treatment, 20 cases on CAPD and 20 cases on HD, in addition to 20 control subjects. Patients with valvular heart disease, pericardial effusion, diabetes, manifested heart failure or any acute illness were excluded. The results of this work reflected the basal left ventricular function and represent a high prevalence of subclinical myocardial dysfunction, as well as significant morphological alterations. On the other hand, the studied biochemical parameters [serum creatinine, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Fe] were not correlated to the studied left ventricular morphofunctional parameters