Clinical Implication of Vascular Calcification in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: The End or the Beginning of Disease

Abstract

In recent years, many studies have emphasized the role of vascular calcification in the development of cardiovascular disease and its strong link to high cardiovascular mortality and low patient survival. Calcification of both the coronary and large vessels is common in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, no consensus exists on the assessment of vascular calcification or interventions to retard its progression in patients undergoing hemodialysis. In this issue, Shin et al. investigated the correlation between the vascular calcification score of the hands and pelvis on simple radiographs and the inflammation and nutrition status of patients undergoing hemodialysis. They determined that vascular calcification is crucial and severs the vicious circle of linked risk factors, thus improving survival outcomes. In this respect, vascular calcification may not be an end to disease course, but a beginning.