A study on the correlation of serum magnesium with intima-media thickness of carotid in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: Atherosclerosis progression in the patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is more than normal population. Magnesium levels are also associated with an increase in atherosclerosis in the common carotid artery. Intima-media carotid calcification is either directly or indirectly related to cardiovascular disease and a higher rate of death among patients with chronic renal failure. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the protective role of serum magnesium levels in vascular calcification and the improvement of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional research, the participants were selected from all patients with ESRD in Five Azar Medical Center of Gorgan, Iran. Blood samples collected from research units were tested for serum magnesium level in three times. Patients were referred to a radiologist to measure CIMT. Data collected in all patients were evaluated based on Spearman’s correlation test. Results: The correlation between serum magnesium level and CIMT was not statistically significant (P = 0.66 r= 0.04), however a positive correlation between CIMT and the dialysis adequacy (KT/V) was detected (r = 0.306, P = 0.006). Conclusion: This study demonstrated no correlation between the serum magnesium level and the CIMT in hemodialysis patients.