Future Cardiol. 2026 Mar 18:1-8. doi: 10.1080/14796678.2026.2645005. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Patients with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high cardiovascular burden, prompting interest in fish oils or long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) as potential risk-reducing therapies in this population.
METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in adults receiving dialysis that assessed associations between n-3 PUFA supplementation, baseline levels, or dietary intake and CV outcomes, or all-cause mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using random-effects models.
RESULTS: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. In hemodialysis-dependent CKD, fish oil supplementation lowered cardiovascular events by 44% (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.46-0.68) and myocardial infarction by 48% (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.34-0.78). Higher baseline n-3 PUFA levels were associated with a 31% reduction in all-cause mortality (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.54-0.88). Higher dietary n-3 PUFA intake showed a non-significant trend toward lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.79-1.08).
CONCLUSION: In dialysis-dependent CKD, higher n-3 PUFA exposure through fish oil supplementation or higher baseline levels was associated with fewer cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Appropriately dosed n-3 PUFA supplementation represents a promising cardiovascular risk reduction strategy in dialysis-dependent CKD, although confirmatory randomized trials are warranted.
PMID:41851014 | DOI:10.1080/14796678.2026.2645005
