Relationship Between Serum Leptin Level and Peritonitis in CAPD Patients

Background: Leptin is produced by fat cells and is secreted into the blood stream. Leptin is freely filtered into the renal tubules but its concentration in the urine is very low. Serum leptin level is higher in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, compared to the healthy individuals. Serum leptin level may have correlation with inflammatory markers and peritonitis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate relationship of serum leptin level with peritonitis, the major complication of CAPD, in these patients. Patients and Methods: In a cross sectional study, 75 CAPD patients in Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan were enrolled from October 2007 to February 2008. Serum levels of leptin, Kt/V, demographic findings, total numbers of peritonitis and presence of peritonitis in last year, were recorded in all patients, based on history, physical exam and patients’ files. Results: Mean age of the patients was 53 ± 15 years. Mean serum leptin level in females and males were 27 ± 23μg/L and 16 ± 13μg/L respectively. At univariate general linear model (GLM), there was a significant correlation between serum leptin level with body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001, 􀉵 = 2.7) and duration of renal failure (P = 0.01). No correlation was seen between serum leptin level and total number of peritonitis in the past. However, there was negative relationship between serum leptin level and presence of peritonitis in the last year (P = 0.004, 􀉵 = 6). Conclusions: Presumably, we could not use serum leptin level as a marker of infection in long term; however, serum leptin level may be used as an index of peritonitis and morbidity in short time.