Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
11:30

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

Published on: June 2, 2022

Elevated FGF 23 and phosphorus are associated with coronary calcification in hemodialysis patients

Poyyapakkam R Srivaths1, Stuart L Goldstein, Douglas M Silverstein

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Renal Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. srivaths@bcm.edu

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|March 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study found that elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF 23) is significantly associated with coronary calcifications (CC) in pediatric hemodialysis patients. Higher FGF 23 levels correlate with increased CC severity, suggesting FGF 23 as a potential biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients face increased mortality linked to coronary calcifications (CC), hyperphosphatemia, and vitamin D deficiency.
  • Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF 23) is markedly elevated in dialysis patients and independently predicts mortality.
  • While CC is known in HD patients, the association between FGF 23 and CC, particularly in pediatrics, remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between serum FGF 23 levels and coronary calcifications (CC) in pediatric chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients.
  • To identify factors associated with CC in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 16 pediatric HD patients.
  • Assessment of coronary calcifications (CC) using Agatston score.
  • Measurement of serum FGF 23, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitriol levels.
  • Statistical analysis including correlation and multivariate analysis.

Main Results:

  • Coronary calcifications (CC) were present in 5/16 pediatric HD patients.
  • Patients with CC were older, had longer dialysis vintage, and higher serum phosphorus (P).
  • Serum FGF 23 levels were significantly higher in patients with CC (p=0.01) and positively correlated with Agatston score (r=0.69, p=0.003) and serum P (r=0.49, p=0.05).
  • Multivariate analysis identified serum FGF 23 and serum P as significant predictors of the Agatston score.

Conclusions:

  • This study confirms the presence of CC in pediatric HD patients.
  • It is the first study to demonstrate a significant association between elevated serum FGF 23 and CC in children undergoing hemodialysis.
  • Elevated FGF 23 may serve as a key biomarker for coronary calcification in pediatric HD patients.

More Related Videos

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

Analysis of Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Vascular Calcification Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models09:01

Analysis of Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Vascular Calcification Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Published on: January 27, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate01:27

Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate

Calcium and phosphate are essential electrolytes in the human body, with calcium being the most abundant mineral. Around 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the skeleton and teeth, forming a crystal lattice of mineral salts in combination with phosphates. Calcium plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle tone maintenance, and nervous and muscle tissue excitability.
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management

Peritoneal dialysis, or PD, utilizes the peritoneal membrane as a filter to eliminate excess fluid and waste products. Effective nursing management is essential for ensuring patient safety, preventing complications, and promoting optimal function of the peritoneal dialysis process.Assessment and MonitoringNurses must thoroughly assess the patient before, during, and after each dialysis session. Regular monitoring includes vital signs, daily weight, fluid intake and output, and laboratory values...