Vascular calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients

The objective was to investigate the status of vascular calcification, and to explore factors influencing vascular calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Vascular calcification was quantitatively evaluated using radiographic films of the abdomen, pelvis and hands. Plasma fetuin-A and other parameters related to calcification were examined.

33/50 cases of vascular calcification were identified by radiographic film. Calcifications of the abdominal aorta and peripheral muscular arteries were seen in 90.9 and 36.4%. Patients with moderate to severe calcification were older, more likely to be male, had lower diastolic blood pressure and fetuin-A levels, and a higher incidence of diabetes than those with mild calcification. Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes and plasma fetuin-A were independent risk factors for vascular calcification.

Vascular calcification was present in a large proportion of maintenance hemodialysis patients, most frequently in the abdominal aorta. Diabetes and plasma fetuin-A levels were independent risk factors for vascular calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients.