Results of a Long-Term Administration of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Haemodialysis Patients with Dyslipoproteinaemia

Abstract

In this study we evaluated the effect of a daily administration of 1 g salmon-oil concentrate containing 0.2 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the blood pressure, serum cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and magnesium of ten patients on chronic haemodialysis. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values decreased significantly from 156 +/- 27.7/84 +/- 14.3 to 140 +/- 22.8/75.6 +/- 8.21 mmHg. Concordantly, mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased significantly from 108 to 96 mmHg. Total serum cholesterol decreased significantly by 64%, HDL cholesterol increased by 47% (P less than 0.001). Serum triglyceride values decreased significantly to 48%. There was a distinct decline of magnesium from 1.42 +/- 0.27 to 1.28 +/- 0.13 mg/dl (P less than 0.001). According to these results, the administration of omega-3 fatty acids may be considered as a reasonable approach in the treatment of dyslipoproteinaemia in patients on continuous haemodialysis.