Vascular Calcification Scores are Associated with Arterial Stiffness, Inflammation, and Nutrition in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background/Aims: The vascular calcification (VC) score on a plain X-ray is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study examined the correlations among the VC scores for the hands and pelvis X-rays, arterial stiffness, inflammation, and nutrition in HD patients. Methods: VC was evaluated using plain x-rays of the hands and pelvis. Patients were categorized into the VC (+) (VC score ≥ 3) or VC (-) (VC score < 3) groups. We measured the pulse wave velocity (PWV), ankle brachial index (ABI), and augmentation index (AI). Results:The mean age of the patients was 55.6 ± 13.2 years. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) was significantly higher in the VC (+) group than in the VC (-) group (87.5 vs. 34.2%, p < 0.05). The serum PTH (98.4 ± 141.9 vs. 183.6 ± 231.3 pg/mL, p < 0.05) and albumin (3.7 ± 0.5 vs. 3.9 ± 0.3 g/dL, p < 0.05) levels were significantly lower and PWV was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the VC (+) group. In multiple linear regression analysis, only the presence of diabetes mellitus was significantly related to the VC score. Conclusions:The VC score was associated with the serum PTH and albumin, as well as with vascular stiffness. C-reactive protein did not show any significant association with the VC score.

Effects of an arteriovenous fistula stenosis prevention program in patients receiving hemodialysis

“…Gradual strength exercise improves patients’ upper extremity muscle strength [ 15 ], arteriosclerosis, blood pressure, and the blood flow rate, resulting in structural and functional changes in blood vessels [ 9 , 14 ]. Vascular calcification, which causes AVF stenosis, is common in these patients, with risk factors including sex, age, underlying disease, dialysis period, AVF type, and blood calcium and phosphorus levels [ 16 ]. Vascular calcification can be controlled by maintaining stable levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood through dialysis while also incorporating exercise therapy and a healthy diet [ 17 , 18 ].…”