The relation between the serum calcium level and the complication incidence in haemodialysis uremic patients

Ante Kvesić1, Martina Soljić, Gordan Galić

  • 1University Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Insights

Low serum calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in hemodialysis patients are linked to increased infection and sepsis incidence. Further research is needed to explore this association and reduce patient morbidity and mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Mineral Metabolism
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mineral metabolism disorders significantly impact morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients.
  • Infections are frequent complications in this population.
  • While high calcium and phosphorus levels are studied, the impact of low levels is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between low serum calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and complication incidence, particularly infections, in hemodialysis patients.
  • To assess the association between hypocalcemia and overall complication rates.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study over 18 months.
  • Inclusion of 120 hemodialysis uremic patients.
  • Monitoring of serum calcium levels and complication incidence, including infections and sepsis.

Main Results:

  • 63.3% of patients exhibited hypocalcemia (serum calcium < 9.0-9.5 mg/dL).
  • Hypocalcemic patients showed significantly higher incidence of infections (p=0.0468), sepsis (p=0.04), and total complications (p<0.05).
  • A trend towards higher vascular access local infection incidence was observed but not statistically significant (p=0.7598).

Conclusions:

  • Low serum calcium concentration (hypocalcemia) is associated with increased complication incidence in hemodialysis patients, especially infections.
  • Further research on vascular access infections in a larger cohort is warranted.
  • Findings suggest a need for therapeutic strategies targeting hypocalcemia to reduce morbidity and mortality.

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