Evaluation of Dyslipidaemia and Atherogenic Index in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Facility

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Dyslipidaemia is a common complication of CKD, contributing to cardiovascular events. This study aims to assess dyslipidaemia and the atherogenic index in CKD patients at various stages in a tertiary health facility in Southern Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted, enrolling 200 participants, including 50 healthy individuals as controls and 150 CKD patients (stages 3 to 5). Exclusion criteria encompassed viral hepatitis, HIV, malignancy, life-threatening illnesses, liver diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed for urea, creatinine, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL-Cholesterol. Calculations included LDL, VLDL, LDL/HDL ratio, and the atherogenic index. eGFR was measured using the MDRD equation. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS (version 22.0) with one-way ANOVA.

Results: CKD patients exhibited significant alterations in renal parameters compared to controls (p < 0.05). The lipid profile of CKD patients showed elevated total cholesterol, reduced HDL-Cholesterol, increased LDL-Cholesterol, elevated LDL/HDL ratio, elevated VLDL-Cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides (p < 0.05). Atherogenic index significantly increased with advancing CKD stages (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in CKD patients, with a notable increase in the atherogenic index as the disease progresses. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring lipid profiles in CKD patients for cardiovascular risk assessment. Further research is warranted to explore interventions targeting dyslipidaemia in this population.