Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to investigate electrophysiological properties in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and correlate them with changes in blood chemistry.
The study group consisted of 11 patients with CRF (mean age; 49 years, 5 were on hemodialysis). Sinus node recovery time (SNRT), AH and HV were 1, 099±58, 104±5, and 45±1msec (mean±SE), respectively. The AH interval was prolonged in four cases and on the average exceeded the normal range. SNRT and AH were longer in patients on hemodialysis than in non-hemodialysis patients, but the difference was not significant (1, 361±162 vs 881±21, 158±14 vs 129±6, respectively). No significant correlation was observed between electrophysiological measurements and serum creatinine, BUN and electrolytes.
In four of these 11 patients, new conduction disturbances were noted during hospitalization (AV block in two and sinus arrest in two). Predisposing factors seemed to be elevation of serum creatinine, potassium and calcium and vagotony.
In conclusion, in 40% of the patients with CRF, the AH interval was prolonged and new conduction disturbances frequently appeared. Therefore, close observation on electrocardiograms is required in patients with CRF.
