Positive correlation of serum indoxyl sulfate level with peripheral arterial disease in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Objectives Indoxyl sulfate, known for its cardiovascular toxicity, is associated with vascular and coronary artery diseases and increased mortality. Peripheral arterial disease, defined by low ankle–brachial index, is associated with increased mortality in patients on hemodialysis. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the serum indoxyl sulfate level and peripheral arterial disease in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods The present cross-sectional, single-center study included 75 patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Serum indoxyl sulfate levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Ankle–brachial index values were measured using an automated oscillometric device. Patients with ankle–brachial indexes of < 0.9 were categorized into the low ankle–brachial index group. Results In the study cohort, 12 of the 75 patients (16.0%) had low ankle–brachial indexes. The rates of diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.010) as well as the serum levels of C-reactive protein ( p < 0.001) and indoxyl sulfate ( p < 0.001) were higher in the low ankle–brachial index group than the normal ankle–brachial index group. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that serum levels of indoxyl sulfate (odds ratio = 1.123, 95% confidence interval 1.011–1.249, p = 0.031) and C-reactive protein (each 0.1 mg/dL increase, odds ratio = 1.169, 95% confidence interval 1.018–1.343, p = 0.027) were independently associated with peripheral arterial disease in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Conclusions Serum indoxyl sulfate levels were associated with peripheral arterial disease in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.