Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026
A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
A simple vascular calcification score predicts cardiovascular risk in haemodialysis patients
Teresa Adragao1, Ana Pires, Carlos Lucas
1Nefroclinica-Estoril, Rua Vale de S Rita, 19, 2765-293 Esteril, Portugal. tadragao@netcabo.pt
Insights
A simple vascular calcification score effectively predicts cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients. This scoring tool aids in assessing cardiovascular risk for those undergoing chronic hemodialysis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in hemodialysis patients.
- Vascular calcifications are increasingly linked to cardiovascular complications in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a straightforward vascular calcification score for predicting cardiovascular mortality, hospitalizations, and events in hemodialysis patients.
- To correlate this score with existing cardiovascular disease and other vascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- An observational, prospective study included 123 chronic hemodialysis patients.
- A vascular calcification score was developed using plain radiographic films of the pelvis and hands.
- Brachial pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, and cardiovascular events were assessed.
Main Results:
- A vascular calcification score of 3 or higher was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular mortality (3.9-fold), hospitalizations (2.8-fold), and events (2.3-fold).
- This score independently correlated with coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and overall vascular disease.
- Factors like diabetes, male sex, age, hemodialysis duration, and mean arterial pressure were linked to higher scores.
Conclusions:
- The developed vascular calcification scoring system is a simple and effective tool.
- It aids in assessing cardiovascular risk associated with vascular calcifications in chronic hemodialysis patients.
Background:
Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are highly prevalent in haemodialysis (HD) patients and have been recently associated with vascular calcifications. The objective of our study was to assess the value of a simple vascular calcification score for the prediction of cardiovascular death, cardiovascular hospitalizations and fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in HD patients, and to correlate this score with cardiovascular disease and with other known predictors of vascular disease.
Methods:
In this observational, prospective study 123 chronic HD patients (75 males and 48 females; 20% diabetic) were included, who were on low-flux HD treatment for 46.6+/-52 months (mean+/-SD). We set up a simple vascular calcification score based on plain radiographic films of pelvis and hands. Brachial pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured and cardiovascular events and hospitalization episodes were assessed.
Results:
During an observational period of 37 months there were 17 cardiovascular deaths; 28 patients needed cardiovascular hospitalizations and 32 patients suffered fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. Coronary artery disease was diagnosed in 43 patients (35%), peripheral arterial disease in 33 patients (26.8%), cerebrovascular disease in 16 patients (13%) and vascular disease (coronary artery disease or peripheral arterial disease or cerebral vascular disease) in 61 patients (49.6%). By binary logistic regression, diabetes (P = 0.01), male sex (P<0.001), age (P = 0.02), HD duration (P = 0.02) and MAP (P = 0.03) were independently associated with a vascular score > or =3. This score > or =3 was independently associated with coronary artery disease (P = 0.008), peripheral arterial disease (P<0.001) and vascular disease (P = 0.001). Patients with a vascular calcification score > or =3 had a 3.9-fold higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.03), a 2.8-fold higher risk of cardiovascular hospitalizations (P = 0.02) and a 2.3-fold higher risk of fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events (P = 0.04).
Conclusions:
The present vascular calcification scoring represents a simple tool for the assessment of cardiovascular risk related with vascular calcifications in chronic HD patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:25Hemodialysis I: Introduction
01:24Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
01:20Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...