Electrochemical skin conductance and heart rate variability in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease

J Electrocardiol. 2023 May-Jun:78:34-38. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2023.01.007. Epub 2023 Jan 21.

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is very common now and associates with high overall and cardiovascular mortality. Numerous studies have reported that Heart rate variability (HRV) could also be used to detect cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CAD). We investigated the association of electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) of EZSCAN results with HRV in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we enrolled 248 prevalent non-dialysis CKD patients. Patients underwent a 24-h Holter (CB-2302-A, Bio Instrument, China). A time domain analysis of HRV was performed, and the following parameters were obtained: SDNN, SDANN, rMSSD, pNN50. EZSCAN device (Impeto Medical, Paris, France) measures ESC values of each participants. Mean global skin conductance computed as 0.5 * (reflecting (right + left hand)/2 + (right and left foot)/2). Log transforms data into a normal distribution for statistical analysis.

Results: There were 142 males and 106 females included in the present study. Patients' age was 56.6±17.08 years. Logarithm(Log) (global ESC) was independently predicted by age (P<0.01), hypertension history, estimated Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and log SDNN (P<0.05). While log SDANN, rMSSD and pNN50 were not independent predictors for log (global ESC).

Conclusion: Increased global ESC significantly associated with elevated HRV, specifically SDNN in non-dialysis CKD patients. This suggested that global ESC may appear to be an important predictor of CAD, and even could be used as a cardiovascular risk factor in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Keywords: Autonomic dysfunction; Cardiovascular disease; Risk factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Female
  • Heart
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic*