Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a non-invasive marker of early atherosclerosis and has been increasingly recognized as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in CKD patients. This study aims to evaluate CIMT in Nigerian patients with pre-dialysis CKD and to explore its potential as a marker for cardiovascular risk in this population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 Nigerian patients diagnosed with pre-dialysis CKD. Participants were recruited from outpatient nephrology clinics in Lagos. Inclusion criteria included an estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 mZ and the absence of dialysis treatment. Exclusion criteria were the presence of acute kidney injury, malignancy, or significant cardiovascular events within the past six months. CIMT was measured using high-resolution B-mode ultrasound of the common carotid artery. The measurements were performed by a trained sonographer and analyzed using ImageJ software. Clinical data including age, gender, diabetes status, hypertension, and duration of CKD were collected.

The study cohort had a mean age of 58 ± 10 years, with 60% of participants being male. The average CIMT value was 1.20 ± 0.15 mm, significantly higher than the normative values for the general population. CIMT measurements were positively correlated with age, duration of CKD, and the presence of hypertension. Diabetic patients had higher CIMT values compared to non-diabetic patients (1.25 ± 0.18 mm vs. 1.15 ± 0.12 mm, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that hypertension and diabetes were independent predictors of increased CIMT in this population.

The findings indicate that Nigerian patients with pre-dialysis CKD exhibit elevated CIMT values, reflecting increased cardiovascular risk. The correlation between CIMT and traditional risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes underscores the importance of monitoring these parameters in CKD management. Elevated CIMT in this cohort suggests that early cardiovascular screening and intervention strategies may be necessary to improve patient outcomes.

CIMT is a valuable non-invasive marker for assessing cardiovascular risk in Nigerian patients with pre-dialysis CKD. The study highlights the need for routine CIMT screening in CKD patients to identify those at higher risk for cardiovascular events. Further research is warranted to evaluate the impact of early intervention on cardiovascular outcomes in this population.

Chronic Kidney Disease, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Cardiovascular Risk

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