The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Vascular Calcification in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract

Background This research investigates the correlation between serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels and vascular calcification in individuals undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods The study period spanned from January 2021 to August 2023, 220 patients receiving peritoneal dialysis at our hospital were selected as participants. FGF23 concentrations were determined through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and coronary multi-slice spiral computed tomography (CT) and upright abdominal X-ray examinations were conducted to evaluate calcification scores. The relationship between FGF23 levels and vascular calcification in PD patients was analyzed. Results FGF23 levels were significantly positively correlated with coronary artery calcification (CAC), abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP). When patients were stratified by coronary calcification scores, there was statistical difference in FGF23 levels between the mild-to-moderate calcification group and the non-calcification group, significant differences were observed between the mild-to-moderate calcification group and the severe calcification group, as well as between the non-calcification group and the severe calcification group. Similarly, significant differences in FGF23 levels were observed among groups stratified by abdominal aortic calcification scores, with FGF23 levels significantly increasing with the severity of calcification. The diagnostic efficacy of FGF23 levels in detecting coronary artery calcification was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, yielding a sensitivity of 61.35% and a specificity of 73.68%. Similarly, for abdominal aortic calcification, the ROC curve analysis revealed a sensitivity of 58.9% and a specificity of 69.57%. Conclusion The study concludes that serum FGF23 levels are linked to coronary artery calcification in PD patients and can be utilized as a supplementary indicator for diagnosing this condition.