Cardiovascular (CV) risk remains high in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD). A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Future Cardiology, assessed associations between n-3 PUFA supplementation, baseline circulating levels, and dietary intake with CV outcomes and all-cause mortality in adults receiving dialysis. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria, and hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using random-effects models.
Patients with dialysis-dependent CKD experience a substantial CV burden, prompting evaluation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) as a potential therapeutic strategy. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Future Cardiology assessed associations between n-3 PUFA supplementation, baseline levels, and dietary intake with CV outcomes and all-cause mortality in adults receiving dialysis. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using random-effects models.
Among individuals receiving hemodialysis, fish oil supplementation was associated with lower CV events (HR 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.68) and myocardial infarction (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.34-0.78). Higher baseline n-3 PUFA levels were associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.54-0.88). In contrast, higher dietary intake of n-3 PUFA showed a non-significant association with all-cause mortality (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.79-1.08).
The analysis included studies evaluating supplementation, circulating n-3 PUFA levels, and dietary intake in relation to CV outcomes and mortality. Associations between n-3 PUFA exposure and outcomes varied across exposure types, with statistically significant associations observed for supplementation and baseline levels but not for dietary intake.
Higher n-3 PUFA exposure was associated with fewer CV events and lower mortality in dialysis-dependent CKD. These findings should be interpreted in the context of heterogeneous study designs and exposure measures. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these associations and define optimal dosing.
