The impact of glucose load on left ventricular mass in peritoneal dialysis patients

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a well-known major CV risk factor. Aim: To evaluate the impact of peritoneal glucose load on left ventricular mass (LVM) in PD patients. Methods: In this cross sectional study the glucose load and LVM were evaluated in 43 stable patients on maintenance PD for 24-78 months. Glucose load was calculated using a unique peritoneal glucose load index (PGLI) referred to g/kg/day glucose given in the daily PD prescription. LVM index (LVMI) was calculated using the Devereux et al. formula. Results: The PGLI was positively correlated with HbA1c and LVMI (p < 0.001). Patients with PGLI > 3 g/kg/day had higher HbA1c and LVMI compared to those with PGLI = 3 g/kg/day (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Higher PGLI values were associated with worse glycemic control and increased LVMI. Efforts should be made to minimize the PGL. All other risk factors that may contribute to the development of LVH in PD patients should be identified and treated. Additional multicenter, randomized control trials are needed to determine the target objectives of PGLI.