Effect of Hemodialysis on Global and Regional Cardiac Function in Children With End-stage Renal Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Changes in cardiac structure and function are common among patients with end-stage renal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hemodialysis on global and segmental cardiac function in children with end-stage renal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two children with ESRD who were on long-term hemodialysis at Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, were enrolled. They underwent echocardiography (M-mode, 2-dimensional, Doppler, and speckle echocardiography) 30 minutes prior to and after hemodialysis, and the values were compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 13.00 ± 3.53 years. There was a significant reduction in left ventricular systolic and diastolic dimensions and volume (P < .001) and the E:A ratio after dialysis (P = .03). Global and longitudinal strain and strain rate showed no significant changes before and after hemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis with volume reduction decreases left ventricular volume but not regional strain and strain rate significantly in children. This study showed preload independency of speckle echocardiography in children.