Abstract: FR-PO0513
Biomarkers of Kidney Injury and their Relevance to D-Dimer Levels in Patients with ESKD on Hemodialysis
Session Information
- CKM: Clinical - Trials, Epidemiology, and Biomarkers
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health
- 602 Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: Clinical
Authors
- Konczak, Katherine Elizabeth, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Kaufmann, Ella, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Siddiqui, Fakiha, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Hoppensteadt, Debra, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Bansal, Vinod K., Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Vellanki, Kavitha, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Fareed, Jawed, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Background
ESRD patients on hemodialysis are at risk for CVD manifestations and thrombosis. Dialysis further increases thrombogenic risk by causing exacerbated endothelial dysregulation and fostering a pro-thrombotic state. Kidney injury biomarkers KIM-1 and NGAL have been associated with vascular damage by activating pro-inflammatory pathways. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests NGAL may be a prominent marker of cardiorenal syndrome. These biomarkers’ contributions to coagulopathy and chronic inflammation in ESRD may lead to elevated D-dimer levels in these patients.
Methods
Plasma samples from 70 patients with ESRD on hemodialysis and 10 control patients were analyzed for KIM-1, NGAL, and D-dimer concentrations using ELISA. Additional laboratory parameters and medical history were obtained via electronic patient records. Statistical and correlation analysis of the biomarkers were performed using Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, respectively.
Results
Multiple cardiovascular risk comorbidities were prevalent among ESRD patients, including hypertension (97%), diabetes (71%), heart failure (36%), ACS (26%), AFib (21%), smoking history (44%), and obesity (29%). ESRD patients exhibited statistically significant increases in D-dimer, KIM-1, and NGAL levels compared to controls (Table 1). KIM-1 and NGAL were not correlated with D-dimer levels in Spearman analysis (Image 1).
Conclusion
ESRD patients on hemodialysis show elevated levels of kidney injury biomarkers and D-dimer. The lack of correlation between KIM-1 or NGAL with D-dimer suggests independent pathways for the endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy exhibited in these patients.
Acknowledgment
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the nurses, technicians, receptionists, and staff at the LUMC Dialysis Center in facilitating this project. We are also thankful to Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Loyola University Chicago, Dr. Meharvan Singh, Vice Provost for Research, Loyola University Chicago, and Dr. Kim Foreman, 2024 T35 Executive Committee, Loyola University Chicago, for their continued support for the T35/STAR Training Program.
ELISA results for D-dimer, KIM-1, and NGAL in ESRD and control samples
| Biomarker | ESRD Mean ± SEM (SD) | Control Mean ± SEM (SD) | P-value | Fold Change |
| D-dimer | 1267.14 ± 187.29 (1498.30) | 271.24 ± 66.73 (163.46) | 0.0047 | 4.67 |
| KIM-1 | 369.04 ± 48.76 (396.11) | 97.06 ± 17.41 (38.93) | 0.0113 | 3.80 |
| NGAL | 6042.85 ± 196.58 (1621.04) | 359.68 ± 84.44 (267.02) | <0.0001 | 16.80 |
Funding
- Other NIH Support