Introduction: Vascular Calcification (VC) is considered as a cardiovascular risk marker in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. VC is a process characterised by thickening and loss of elasticity of muscular arteries walls. The three pathological forms of cardiovascular disease in CKD are cardiac geometry, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis of the large vessels (carotid artery or aorta). Aim: To evaluate VC as a cardiovascular risk marker in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Nephrology Department at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from November 2019 to December 2020. The study included 27 CKD patients who were on maintenance haemodialysis. The participants were 20 to 70 years of age, and of both genders. The Intima Media Thickness (IMT) was assessed by ultrasonography. Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) measurement was done using doppler ultrasonography. Both the measurements were done on common Carotid Artery (CCA), and Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) on both sides of the neck. Student’s t-test and Chi-square test was used in this study. Data were expressed as mean±SD. The p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 27 study participants, 20 (74%) were male and females were 7 (26%), with mean age of 48 years. There was significant increase in IMT of the ICA on the right side of the neck compared to left side (p-value=0.01). Also, there was significant increase in PSV of ICA on the right side compared to left side of the neck (p-value=0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in IMT and PSV when CCA on the right side was compared to that of the left side of the neck. Conclusion: The IMT was increased in ICA and CCA. But there was statistically significant difference only in ICA, where it was more prominent on the right side compared to left side. CKD patients on haemodialysis management could have the risk factors in the form of increased IMT predisposing them to early mortality from cardiovascular complications.

Introduction and Aim: One of the main complications of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) resulting in morbidity and mortality is cardiac complications. High-sensitive C -reactive protein (hs- CRP), a novel biomarker of systemic inflammation is elevated in all the stages of kidney impairment. This leads to endothelial dysfunction resulting in cardiovascular complications. The aim is to evaluate the levels of novel inflammatory biomarkers for endothelial dysfunction which could predict cardiovascular risk in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 CKD patients at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. Study participants were from both sexes, aged between 20 and 65 years. Fasting blood samples were drawn for analysis of lipid profile, hs- CRP, calcium and phosphorus. Results: The participants were grouped into three based on the hs-CRP Levels, as Low (<0.80 mg/L), Medium (0.81–1.76 mg/L) and High (>1.76 mg/L). Serum creatinine was significantly increased (P=0.007) across the groups. hs-CRP showed positive correlation with creatinine, while it showed negative correlation with HDLc. Conclusion: Highly sensitive CRP is a marker of endothelial dysfunction. Elevated hsCRP levels in CKD patients indicate that they are prone for cardiovascular complications. Early detection of systemic low-grade inflammation may prevent future cardiovascular complications.