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Vascular calcification in dialysis patients.
H Al Humoud1, N Al-Hilali, A A M H Ahmad
1Mubarek Al Kaeber Hospital, Hawally, Kuwait.
Transplantation Proceedings
|January 3, 2006
Summary
Vascular calcification (VC) affects 26% of dialysis patients, primarily linked to older age and diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Dialysis duration and supplements showed no significant association in this study.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication in chronic dialysis patients.
- Known risk factors include dialysis duration, diabetes mellitus, aging, and mineral metabolism abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of VC in a chronic dialysis population.
- To identify specific risk factors associated with VC in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- 129 chronic dialysis patients were assessed for VC using hand x-rays.
- Patients were categorized as positive (PVC) or negative (NVC) for VC.
- Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were compared between groups.
Main Results:
- VC was present in 26.35% of patients (34/129).
- PVC patients were significantly older and had a higher incidence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
- No significant differences were found in dialysis duration, calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product, alkaline phosphatase, or intact parathyroid hormone levels.
Conclusions:
- Older age and NIDDM are significant risk factors for VC in dialysis patients.
- Dialysis duration and common supplements (calcium, vitamin D) were not significantly associated with VC in this medium-term dialysis population.
- The role of these factors in long-term dialysis patients requires further investigation.