Hyperlipidemias: Ritz E

Zeier M, Ritz E. · No affiliation provided · Nephrol Dial Transplant. · Pubmed #11917044 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Wanner C, Ritz E. · Department of Internal Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. · Kidney Int Suppl. · Pubmed #19034322 No free full text.

Abstract: Lipid parameters are altered in the earliest stages of primary kidney disease, some even when measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is still normal. The main problem is that routinely measured lipid parameters are deceivingly normal except low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and moderately elevated triglycerides (TGs) (>150 mg per 100 ml). Behind this unimpressive spectrum, serious anomalies are hidden: increased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and chylomicron remnants, accumulation of delipidated small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL), post translational modification of lipoproteins, abnormal concentrations of Lp(a) and nonprotective HDL. A routine parameter with some predictive value is the concentration of non-HDL cholesterol. Several of these abnormal lipoprotein particles stimulate cellular free oxygen radical formation which in turn induce inflammation and impact on endothelial function.A bone of contention is the indication for treatment with statins in endstage renal disease. Poor survival is paradoxically predicted by low cholesterol. This appears to be the result of confounding by microinflammation. One controlled interventional study in hemodialysed type 2 diabetics, the 4-D study, failed to show a significant benefit on the primary cardiovascular endpoint. We discuss potential explanations for this 'negative' outcome and the implications for statin treatment.

Ritz E. · University of Heidelberg, Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg, Germany. · Blood Purif. · Pubmed #14732809 No free full text.

Abstract: In the recent HEMO study, the most common cause of death in dialyzed patients was ischemic heart disease. In Europe there are regional differences, but the mortality due to cardiovascular disease is also very high. The long-lasting controversy whether the high incidence and prevalence of atherosclerotic manifestations (particularly ischemic heart disease) may be explained by known risk factors, or non-traditional risk factors are also involved seems to be partially solved with the increasing evidence that the latter hypothesis is true. Thus, together with classic risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes, other situations such as microinflammation, increased concentration of asymmetrical dimethyl-L-arginine, disturbed phosphate metabolism and anemia may represent important risk factors for accelerated atherosclerosis in dialyzed patients.

Teplan V, Poledne R, Schück O, Ritz E, Vítko S. · Department of Nephrology, Transplant Center, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague. · Ann Transplant. · Pubmed #11803613 No free full text.

Abstract: Obesity is very frequently found after renal transplantation (Tx). It may represent risk factor for development of atherosclerosis and chronic allograft nephropathy. In a prospective randomized metabolic study we monitored for a period of 12 months a total of 427 patients (pts) (M 228/F 199) aged 20-70 yrs after Tx. All patients were treated with cyclosporin A and prednisone at standard doses. We compared the findings of 118 pts with a body mass index (BMI) > or = 30 (kg/m2, Group I) with data obtained from 309 pts with BMI < 30 (Group II) one year after Tx. The mean values of the analysed parameters were as follows (Gr I vs Gr II): total cholesterol (TC): 7.2 +/- 2.4 vs 6.1 +/- 2.0, triglycerides (TG) 3.8 +/- 1.6 vs 2.6 +/- 0.6; LDL-cholesterol 4.1 +/- 1.2 vs 3.0 +/- 0.7; fasting glycemia 8.0 +/- 3.2 vs 5.2 +/- 2.0 (all mmol/L, all p < 0.01); HDL-cholesterol/TG 0.28 +/- 0.07 vs 0.38 + 0.06, p < 0.025). The mean values of corrected Ccr, cyclosporine level, Lp(a) and proteinuria did not differ significantly. There were also no statistical differences in apo E isoforms. In conclusion, our data suggest hyperlipidemia-associated obesity should be treated effectively as a high-risk factor after Tx.