Elevated serum interleukin-18 levels might reflect the high risk of hospitalization in patients on peritoneal dialysis

Background: Interleukin (IL)‐18 is a potent pro‐inflammatory cytokine and plays a central role in atherosclerotic plaque rupture and accelerates atherosclerosis. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine serum IL‐18 levels in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to assess their relationship with hospitalization. Methods: Forty‐three PD patients and 20 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. We investigated the relationship of the serum concentrations of IL‐18 and other well‐established atherosclerotic markers, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Hospitalization data from over a 18‐month period were prospectively obtained on all 43 PD patients. Classic factors were entered into a Cox regression model to predict first hospitalization. Results: The serum levels of IL‐18 in patients on PD were significantly higher than those of healthy individuals (228.5 ± 140.3 pg/mL vs 154.8 ± 44.7 pg/mL, P