Objectives: We aimed to 1) compare the lipid profiles in hemodialysis patients and healthy controls, 2) find out if there are any differences in lipid profiles between diabetic and non-diabetic patients on hemodialysis and 3) investigate the effects of age, sex, and duration of dialysis on the lipid profiles in hemodialysis patients. Settings: The study was conducted in the hemodialysis unit in Jenin district at The Martyr Dr. Khalil Sulaiman Hospital of Jenin city for one calendar year. Patients and Methods: Seventy one patients who were not receiving any lipid lowering therapy were included; of these 26 had diabetes. Age-matched 98 healthy persons served as controls. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels were determined and two atherogenic indices (i.e. TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios) were calculated for patients and controls. Independent sample T-test, Pearson's correlation factor, one way ANOVA, and LSD multiple comparison test was used to test the significance of the results. P values < 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: The results showed that hemodialysis patients have a significantly higher triglycerides and VLDL-C levels and lower HDL-C levels compared to controls. There were no statistically significant differences in total cholesterol or LDL-C levels, on the other hand, hemodialysis patients have a significantly higher TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios compared to controls. The lipid profile of diabetic hemodialysis patients is generally similar to the lipid profile of non-diabetics except that diabetic hemodialysis patients have a significantly lower HDL-C levels and a significantly higher TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios compared to non-diabetics reflecting the additional impact of diabetes on lipid profile. The lipid profile of hemodialysis patients seems to be independent of age, sex, or duration of dialysis. Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients, particularly those with diabetes, have an adverse lipid profile. This is likely contributing to the increased mortality rates. Further studies are needed to ascertain the cardiovascular abnormalities and elucidate the causes of death among hemodialysis patients specifically in our population.
Key-words:
Diabetics - Hemodialysis patients - Jenin District - Lipid profile - Palestine
