Effect of high-dose omega-3 on inflammatory markers in children on long-term hemodialysis

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-dose omega-3 on inflammatory markers in children on long-term hemodialysis. Background Children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis have elevated serum levels of inflammatory markers. Prevention and treatment of inflammatory syndrome is of high priority in patients who are on hemodialysis. Omega-3 fatty acids have been postulated to reduce inflammatory markers. Patients and methods This prospective study included 26 children with ESRD on long-term hemodialysis in the Pediatric Hemodialysis Unit at Menoufia University Hospital who received 2 g omega-3 per day orally for 3 months, and inflammatory markers were assessed and compared before and after omega-3 supplementation. Results A total of 26 children were included in the study, and their mean age was 13.4 years (range: 8–17 years). The number of males was 13 (50%), and the number of females was 13 (50%). The comparison of the studied variables before and after supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids showed that there was a highly statistically significant difference between the level of interlukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) before and after omega-3 supplementation. IL-6 level was 149.45 ± 13.477 mg/dl before supplementation, which decreased to 96.19 ± 7.299 mg/dl after supplementation of omega-3 (P < 0.001). CRP level was 10.54 ± 0.884 mg/dl before supplementation, which decreased to 6.499 ± 1.113 mg/dl after supplementation of omega-3 (P < 0.001). Conclusion The use of omega-3 fatty acids (2 g/day) caused significant decrease in serum levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6 and CRP) in children with ESRD on long-term hemodialysis.