META-ANALYSIS OF HIGH-THROUGHPUT HEMODIALYSIS IN ALLEVIATING VASCULAR CALCIFICATION AND MICRO INFLAMMATION AMONG ATHLETES WITH UREMIA

Abstract

Objective: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of high-throughput hemodialysis on vascular calcification and micro inflammation among athletes with uremia, recognizing the unique physiological demands of this population. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in both international (Medline, Embase, PubMed) and domestic (CNKI, Wanfang) databases for studies published up to 2023 on the effects of high-flux hemodialysis on vascular calcification and micro inflammation in uremic patients, with a special interest in those involving athletes or individuals with high physical activity levels. The quality of the included literature was rigorously assessed, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5 statistical software. Results: The search yielded 14 studies, encompassing a total of 929 participants divided into observation (461) and control (468) groups. Notable heterogeneity was observed in the post-treatment levels of calcium, phosphorus, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) across the studies (P < 0.05). The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements post high-throughput hemodialysis: calcium levels increased (WMD = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.26-0.29), phosphorus levels significantly decreased (WMD = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.41 to -0.39), and notable reductions were seen in IL-6 (WMD = -5.03, 95% CI: -5.54 to -4.52), TNF-α (WMD = -8.73, 95% CI: -9.15 to -8.31), and CRP levels (WMD = -2.74, 95% CI: -2.90 to -2.58). Conclusion: High-throughput hemodialysis significantly mitigates vascular calcification and micro inflammation in patients with uremia, including those who are athletes or highly physically active. This finding underscores the importance of this dialysis modality in managing uremic complications effectively, catering to the unique needs of the athletic population, and optimizing their health and performance.