Changes in lipid profiles in non diabetic, non nephrotic patients commencing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

This study examined the effect on patient lipid profile of commencing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). We followed eighteen non diabetic, non nephrotic patients for 9 months before and after dialysis commencement and compared lipid profiles. Mean cholesterol levels rose from 4.98 mmol/L to 5.42 mmol/L (p < 0.05). This change was chiefly due to a rise in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The LDL cholesterol rose after dialysis commencement and continued to rise up to 9 months later. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol remained stable. Serum albumin and body weight fell during follow-up, suggesting that the rise in cholesterol was not a reflection of enhanced nutritional status. This study highlights the pro-atherogenic change in lipids that results from commencing CAPD. This phenomenon is not seen in hemodialysis, and it should be considered when selecting a dialysis modality, given the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the dialysis population.