INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular diseases are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. High incidence of cardiovascular diseases in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can not soley be explained by traditional risk factors. Several studies have confirmed association between vascular calcification and increased mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included total of 44 patients on chronic hemodialysis program, 18 women and 26 men, with average age of 50.66 +/- 11.62 years and average duration of treatment of 100.25=52.83 months. We analyzed socio-demographic parameters and standard laboratory findings. X-ray of hand and pelvis was obtained from each patient along with echocardiography and carotid ultrasound imaging. To estimate the level of vascular calcifications on the X-rays, we used the simple vascular score (sVC). RESULTS Using noninvasive methods, we found vascular calcifications in 26 (59%) patients. In 22 (45%) patients, vascular calcifications were found in X-rays. Four (9%) patients with vascular calcifications lacked any abnormality on X-rays but had calcified plaques on carotid arteries or hart valves. In the group of patients that had vascular calcifications, 3 (14%) patients had sVC score of 2,2 (9%) had score of 3,7 (32%) had score of 4,4 (18%) had score of 6, and 6 (27%) had sVC score of 8. Comparing the group of patients with and without vascular calcifications, we found statistically significant age difference (p<0.05) as well as difference in the duration of hemodialysis (p<0.05). There were no other significant differences found between the two groups. There is a statistically significant correlation between sVC score and level of calcium (p<0.09) and iPTH (p<0.05). Using regression model for increase of sVC score, we found significant correlation with duration of hemodialysis (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Existence of vascular calcifications represents warning sign of increased cardiovascular risk. Simple vascular score is an easy method for assessing that risk. In our study, increased frequency of vascular calcifications was directly correlated with older age and length of hemodialysis. Standard X-rays, echocardiography and ultrasound imaging can be used in screening of vascular calcifications. Among these methods, X-ray has advantage because it is widely available and easy to interpret.

AIM To evaluate frequency of CVD in dialysis population, in relationship to patients with and without diabetes, and their most common treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 187 patients, 106 males and 81 females, divided in two groups, diabetics and non-diabetics, treated by chronic hemodialysis. Patients' analyses included: anamnesis, ECG, chest X-rays, echocardiogram, laboratory examinations for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), parathormone (PTH), cholesterol (chol), triglicerids (TG), C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin (Hb) and uric acid. In addition, we analyzed groups of drugs used by patients as prescribed by cardiologists. RESULTS Average age was 58.0 years, most of them between 51 and 60. Average hemodialysis length was 4 years. Primary kidney diseases were pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis. 19,78% of patients had diabetes. 165 patients (88,23%) had one or more cardiovascular diseases. 110 patients (58,2%) had hypertension, most of them used ACE inhibitors. Using test of multiple correlation, statistically significant correlations, among others, were shown between BMI and Ca, uric acid and P, albumin and PTH in diabetics, at the statistical significance level at p < 0.05. CONCLUSION Cardiovascular diseases are the most common comorbidity and cause of mortality in hemodialysis population. There was no statistical significance in age, however there is a statistical difference in the dialysis duration variable, but in some biochemical laboratory parameters there was some difference. ACE inhibitors were most commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and systolic dysfunction, alone or with beta-blockers.

INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic renal disease. The aim of our paper is to evaluate the risk factors of cardiovascular complications in patients with various stages of chronic renal disease (CRD), with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 98 patients with different stages of the CRD, with creatinine clearance <60 ml/min/1.73m2, and laboratory parameters monitored: homocysteine, BNP, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, HbA1c, Body Mass Index (BMI). First group comprised 49 patients with DM, age 50-82 years, M 28/F 21. Second group comprised 49 patients without DM, age 35-80 years, M 18/F 31. The IMT (intima media thickness) was measured by B-mode ultrasonography, and all patients had echocardiography examination done by 2D Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS The IMT values in diabetic patients had statistically significant positive correlation with homocysteine values of r=0.9393, p<0.034, and cholesterol r=0.289, p<0.05, compared to non-diabetics. A significant negative correlation was found between the ejection fraction (EF) and BMI in both groups, more prominent in non-diabetics r=0.289, p<0.044 (diabetics r=0.162, p>0.05). 47.4% of diabetics had arteriosclerotic changes on carotid arteries, 8.5% had stenosis of ACC, and 22.0% had rhythm abnormalities on ECG. A positive correlation between IMT and BMI was found in diabetics, but was not statistically significant r=0.111, p>0.05. In the diabetics group a significantly higher (p<0.05) values of BNP, HbA1c, proteinuria, BMI, and cholesterol were found, and significantly lowered EF (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Risk factors for cardiovascular complications in patients with DM are various, and the most pronounced significance was found in the values of homocysteine, BNP and cholesterol.

Each haemodialysis treatment requires the application of anticoagulation medicines, which will prevent coagulation in extracorporal blood circulation. In this study we try to determine the quality of admitted anticoagulant and his effect on lipid profile on hemodialysis patients after twelve months. We were applying standard heparin and low weight molecular heparin (LWMH). During our study we was analyzed effect of anticoagulant therapy on lipid profile of hemodialysis patients. In that parameters was included triglycerides, cholesterol, lipoprotein fractions, complete blood count, Hgb, HCT; All of these parameters was analyzed in correlation with duration of hemodialysis treatment, sex and age of the patients. Our research was carried out as a prospective study, for the period of 12 months. In the study were included 60 patients (34M/26F), who were on chronic hemodialysis program. All patients were divided into two groups. The first group of patients was included 27 patients (15M/12F) who were treated with standard heparin. The second group was included 33 patients (19M/14F) treated with LWMH (enoxaparin). The average length of hemodialysis was 4.15 +/- 0.52 years. Each patient had a protocol in which is marked parameters such as flushing dialysator, creating fibrin-ring in vein and arterial dropper and the time it takes to stop the bleeding. In the results the average age amounted to 58.54 +/- 2.24 years. The average value of cholesterol in the blood was 5.38 +/- 2.26. Values of HDL-cholesterol in patients treated with LWMH were significantly lower (P<or=0.05) in the treated group compared to standard heparin. There were no significant statistical differences between both groups in relation to the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood. (p ns). LWMH had a better effect on the irrigation system and dialysator on both sex equally, compared with standard heparin. LWMH is in the female dialysis population has led to improvements in lipid profile. After the first six months of study in male patients treated with standard heparin in relation to the female part of the observed patients was significantly better anticoagulation effect in the first half of the study (1.85 +/- 0.05 compared to 2.09 +/- 0.10) (P<or=0.001). Average rating blood clots were statistically significant for standard heparin (p<or=0,001) with 1,86 at the beginning the value is fell to 1.41, while for LWMH with 1.85 at the beginning of the study amounted to 1.52 grade average. (P<or=0.05). The results of our study show that LWMH had a better rinsing effect of dialysis systems and dialysator in both sex equally, compared to standard unfractioned heparin. When the male part of the respondents in the first six months of standard heparin had a better evaluation of blood clots than women in the same group, and also better than the group on enoxaparin for both gender. LWMH in female dialysis population has led to improved lipid profiles. Patients treated with standard heparin had a statistically significant reduction in the rate of blood clots than patients who received enoxaparin (LWMH). Such differences were minimal, which can be interpreted by the fact that LWMH still derivative of the standard heparin.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) is key enzyme in metabolism of homocysteine. Homozygotes for mutation (TT genotype) have hyperhomocysteinemia, risk factor for atherosclerosis development. The aim of the study was to find out distribution of genotype frequencies of C677T MTHFR among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Possible association of alleles and genotypes of C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene with age of onset, duration of dialysis and cause of kidney failure was studied also. Cross-sectional study includes 80 patients from Clinic of Hemodialysis KUCS in Sarajevo. In order to perform genotyping, isolated DNA was analyzed by RFLP-PCR and gel-electrophoresis. From total of 80 patients, 42.5% (n=24) were female, 57.5% (n=46) were male, mean age 54.59+/-1.78 years and duration of dialysis 79.92+/-6.32 months. Genotype distribution was: CC 51.2% (n=41), CT 37.5% (n=30) and TT 11.2% (n=9). Patients with wild-type genotype have longer duration of dialysis in month (87.1 +/- 63.93) comparing to TT genotype patients (67.06 +/- 39.3), with no statistical significance. T allele frequency was significantly higher in group of vascular and congenital cause of kidney failure (Pearson X2 =6.049, P<0.05) comparing to inflammation etiology group. Genotype distribution results are within the results other studies in Europe. Obtained results indicate that C677T polymorphism is not associated with onset, duration and cause of kidney failure in our hemodialysis population. There is an association of T allele of the MTHFR gene and vascular and congenital cause kidney failure.

Renal Registry (RR) of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established in 2002, with aim to follow up the trends of Renal Replacement Therapy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The prevalence of Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is rising steadily. One reason for this is an increasing number of patients starting RRT. The aim is to present the epidemiology and treatment of all aspects of RRT in Bosnia and Herzegovina in period 2002-2008. Centre-related and patient-related questionnaires were sent to all 25 dialysis centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The demographic data, prevalence and incidence, type of renal replacement therapy, cause of ESRD, erythropoietin administration, cause of death, and type of vascular access were obtained from the questionnaires. Collected data were analysed using SPSS statistics. The number of patients treated by Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) increased steadily from 1,531 patients in 2002 to the 2,206 at the 2008 (43%). The prevalence has increased from 399 pmp in 2002 to 696 pmp. in 2008. Incidence (new patients) in 2002 was 110 pmp and incidence rate in 2008 was 163, and there were 249 new patients (day 1). The mean age for new patients increased from 60 years in 2002 to 63.5 years in 2008 and the population over 75 years rate from 8.79% to 11.3%. Most ESRD patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina are undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (92%), while some patients (8%) are treated by peritoneal dialysis and transplantation. The most significant cause of ESRD in 2008 was chronic glomerulonephritis (421 patients, 19.2%), followed by pyelonephritis (414 patients, 18.9%), BEN (14.7%) and Diabetes mellitus (12.2%). Hepatitis B and C virus infections had 397 (16.3%) patients, out of them 22 had both type of infections and 98 patients had B type infection. Only 10.5% of patients were tested on MRSA and 3 patients were positive on MRSA. There were no HIV-positive patients on RRT. The most common type of vascular access was AV fistula in 85% patients, AV graft 2% and catheters in 13%. Out of hemodialysis patients, 85.7% received ESA almost s.c. The median weekly dose was 4,000 UI. Cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death, gross mortality rate of dialysis patients being 13.01% in 2008. The need for RRT in Bosnia and Herzegovina is increasing and the number of patients increased by 43% since 2002. Hemodialysis is still the most common modality of treatment (92%), while proportion of PD and transplantation is slowly increasing. The preventive measures are necessary to prevent ESRD and also to decrease the number of patients on dialysis.

Depression is the most frequent psychological complication of haemodialysis (HD) patients (pts) and has been associated with impaired Quality of Life (QoL). The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of depression in HD pts in relation to sociodemographic factors and the relationship between depression and QoL. 200 pts from Clinic for haemodialysis in Sarajevo, B&H were participating in the study. Mean age was 57.26+/-13.78 years and mean HD duration was 64.26+/-58.18 months. From the test material we applied BDI and SF-36. 51% of our pts have shown depression (BDI>11) in various degrees (30%-mild depression, 8.5%-moderate depression and 12.5%-severe depression). As we could expect, the most emphasized symptoms of depression were somatic symptoms. 55.5% of pts have shown QoL lower then average. Sociodemographic data such as gender, marital status and HD duration did not influence significantly on pt's QoL and occurrence of depression (p>0.05). As the age of the pts increased, level of depression increased too and QoL significantly decreased (p<0.05). Employed pts have shown significantly better QoL and lower level of depression in relation to unemployed pts (p<0.05). As the educational level of pts increased, QoL increased too and level of depression significantly decreased (p<0.05). Pts in 1st HD shift were significantly more depressed and have significantly worse mental health in compare to pts in 3rd HD shift (p<0.05). Our results showed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among the study group that was linked to trend of poor QoL.

Diabetes type 1 and 2 carry the risk of chronic diabetic complications including microvascular disease (microangiopathy), which is specific to diabetes and macrovascular disease (macroangiopathy). Microangiopathic changes affect renal glomerulus and small blood vessels in the retina and nerves, causing diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy, although the cause of diabetic neuropathy may not only be disease of small blood vessels. Goal: To assess the prevalence of chronic diabetic complications of the kidneys in the two time periods studied in diabetic populations. Materials and Methods: The study involved a group of 300 patients with clinical and laboratory earlier clearly diagnosed diabetes. Reviews, interviews, and provided laboratory testing were performed in all subjects in the two time periods 1999 and 2004. (Diabetes type 1–62 patients, type 2–238). Results: The average duration of diabetes in the examined 58 type 1 diabetic patients accounted for 12.57 years and in the 220 type 2 diabetic patients 13.24 years. The total sample studied has the average duration of diabetes for 13.07 years. In the group of type 2 diabetic patients, women had significantly longer average duration of diabetes than men. From the total sample in 1999 years microalbuminuria had 27.3% of our respondents and in 2004. 49.6%. Proteinuria in 1999 had 9.3% of our respondents in 2004 13.3%. In type 1 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria was not significantly different in the two investigated years. Evident is a significant increase in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria in 2004 compared to 1999. Also evident is a significant increase in the number of diabetics in the total sample with microangiopathy in 2004 compared to 1999. Registered is a significant increase in the number of women with microalbuminuria in 2004 compared to 1999. Statistically significantly higher number of men studied had microalbuminuria in 2004 compared to 1999. Terminal renal failure had 2.2% of our respondents in 1999 and in 2004 year 7.2%. Statistically significantly higher number of diabetic patients studied had terminal renal failure in 2004 compared to 1999. Conclusion: In the tested sample we had a statistically significantly higher values increased an average cratinaemia in 2004 compared to 1999, a larger number of subjects with microalbuminuria and terminal renal failure. Based on this conclusion there is need for more intensive work on the prevention of diabetic nephropathy

Number of hemodialysis patients each day is increasing. The quality of their lives is largely determined by the quality of hemodialysis treatment. One of the most important factors is the type of applied blood approach. The type of blood approach in the most case is artery venous fistula, permanent, temporary catheters, grafts. Any complications of blood strand approach inevitably leads to lower quality of hemodialysis treatment which is connected with not adequate dialysis and poorer general state of patients. Our research was carried out as a prospective study, for the period of 36 months. In the study were included 31 patients, which are on chronic haemodialysis treatment. During this study, we are followed all complications, which occurred at temporary, and permanent tunneled haemodialysis catheters. Complications have occurred in terms of thrombotic problems, low blood flow, occurrence of infection. All patients are divided in two groups, 16 patients with permanent and 15 patients with temporary catheters. In the course of the study was analyzed blood flow and dialysis adequacy (Kt/Vdp) as well as complications and results was compared with randomly selected 16 patients who haemodialysis treatment performed by artery venous fistula (AVF). Two patients were lost to further follow-up to the end of the study. 26 patients at the end of the study had functional catheters, while in the case of 3 patients the catheter was removed. Infection was found in 10 patients while thrombotic complications were observed in 27 cases regardless of catheter type. Mean blood flow in patients with permanent catheter was significantly higher (296,9+/-28,45 cm3/min) compared to patients with temporary catheter (226,3+/-39,8 cm3/min) (p<0,001). Kt/Vdp delivered was 1,22+/-0,15 on patients with permanent catheter and 1,30+/-0,18 for artery venous fistula (AVF) access respectively. The loss of dialysis efficacy using catheters was estimated at 6%. However, in all cases Kt/Vdp values remained above the recommended values (Kt/Vdp > or = 1,2).

Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are at high risk of death as a result of the cardiovascular disease (CVD), which cannot be explained by the conventional risk factors only. Haemodialysis patients frequently have elevated serum concentrations of the cardiac troponins T, specific markers of myocardial injury. Plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are elevated in fluid volume overload and heart failure, and decreased during dialysis. Currently, LV hypertrophy and LV dysfunction are considered the strongest predictors of cardiovascular mortality in dialysis population, and the synthesis of cardiac natriuretic peptides is high in the presence of alterations in the left ventricular (LV) mass and function. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the increased serum levels of BNP and CTN in haemodialysis patients, and their impact on cardiovascular morbidity. In this cross-sectional study we included 30 patients with ESRD, without coronary symptoms, who were subjected to regular dialysis treatment three times a week for the duration of four hours. Heart failure was defined as an ejection fraction (EF) of < 35%, and dyspnoea associated with either elevated jugular pressure or interstitial oedema evidenced in chest X-ray. All patients were in sinus rhythm at the time of the study. Twenty-five patients were on erythropoietin treatment. Blood samples were taken before and after the dialysis session. Our study included 30 patients (17 males, 13 females). The average age was 53,8 years (total range 31-74) divided into two groups: euvolemic and hypervolemic. The average dialysis time was 70,3+/-46,95 months. All haemodialysis patients had excessively high levels of BNP 2196,66+/-4553,86 ng/cm3. Plasma cTnT was found to be increased in 33,3% of patients. Patients with hypervolemia had significantly higher cTnT levels (0,0577+/-0,0436), as compared to the euvolemic patients 0,0184+/-0,0259 p<0,05. The elevated cTnT significantly correlated with the level of BNP (p<0,01), while average post-dialysis BNP was not significantly lower (1698,06+/-3499,15; R=0,191; p-ns.) as compared to the pre-dialysis BNP (1839,13+/-3691,55; R=432; p<0,01). The pre-dialysis cTnT was lower (0,0315+/-0,0372) as compared to the post-dialysis cTnT (average 0,0399). Euvolemic patients had BMI 24,28+/-3,15, as compared to the hypervolemic patients BMI 25,71+/-4,20 (p-n.s.). Increased BNP was not in correlation with older age (R-0,271 p-ns.) and duration of dialysis (R-0,198). The hematocrit level increases significantly during haemodialysis (39,9%; p<0,05). Patients with higher BNP and cTnT have significantly higher indexed left ventricular mass, as compared to the patients with normal ventricular function. Our study shows that 33,3% of asymptomatic patients on haemodialysis have elevated cTnT while all patients have elevated BNP. Measuring the plasma concentration of brain natriuretic hormones may be useful for identification of the dialysis patients with LVH.

BACKGROUND Dialysis adequacy, assessed by urea kinetics, is an important determinant of patient outcome, and is therefore an important clinical performance indicator. In this perspective, renal registry data may be useful to compare practices across countries. To serve that purpose available data should be comparable and preferably collected using a standardized procedure. The aim of this study, initiated by the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplantation Association (ERA-EDTA) QUality European STudies (QUEST) initiative, was to make an inventory of the different methods used to determine urea kinetic measurements in the light of the European Best Practice Guidelines. METHODS Via their national and regional registries, European haemodialysis centres were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their practice of measuring dialysis adequacy. RESULTS Fourteen regional or national registries among 51 sent back 255 questionnaires. Great variability in the methodology to assess Kt/V was observed. The urea reduction ratio (URR) was used alone by 37% (in association 46%) of dialysis centres, spKt/V by 25% (35%) and on-line clearance by 4% (12%), whereas only 10% (13%) used eKt/V, as recommended by EBPG. Forty percent of centres measured urea removal less than once a month, 6% of which never measured urea removal and 9% only every 6 months or less frequently. CONCLUSION Despite the fact that the use of URR is not recommended by EBPG, it was the most commonly used indicator to measure urea removal, whereas eKt/V was only used by a small minority of centres. This study allowed us to point out the need to standardize definitions and procedures and to develop an effective plan for implementation of the guidelines.

It has been recognized that some people have a genetic variant which leads to elevated levels of homocysteine and impairs ability to process folate. This condition was recognized as independent risk factor of coronary heart disease. Recently, connection between this termolabile mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and numerous conditions and diseases has been established. Aim of this review is to draw attention to this interesting area in medicine. Additionally, well defined study about presence and frequency of gene polymorphism in our region will provide proper diagnosis and achieve possible delay of development of diseases with vitamin supplementation.