The effects of haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis on serum lipoprotein(a) and C-reactive protein levels

Elevated serum lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, and C-reactive protein (CRP) is a general and cardiovascular marker in haemodialysis patients. We studied lipoprotein(a) and CRP levels in 48 haemodialysis and 24 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and 20 healthy individuals, after a 12 h fast. Serum lipoprotein(a) levels were elevated in 31.3%, 66.7% and 5% of haemodialysis and CAPD patients and control subjects, respectively. The difference between all groups was significant. Serum CRP levels were high in 43.8%, 58.4% and 5% of haemodialysis and CAPD patients, and healthy subjects, respectively. The mean serum CRP level was significantly different between all groups. Both protein levels were higher in CAPD patients than haemodialysis patients, suggesting that CAPD patients should be more closely monitored for coronary artery disease.