Risk factors of accelerated progression of peripheral artery disease in hemodialysis

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) are markers for peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) and arterial stiffness, respectively. The aims of this study were to assess whether PAOD and arterial stiffness progressed and to determine the risk factors for ABI and baPWV progression in patients on hemodialysis. This study enrolled 173 routine patients on hemodialysis. Both ABI and baPWV were measured by an ABI-form device at baseline and at 1 year of follow-up. Progression in ABI was defined as reduction in ABI exceeding 0.3, while baPWV measured at 1 year of follow-up exceeding that at baseline indicated baPWV progression. Comparison with baseline data showed increase in both prevalence of ABI < 0.9 (p = 0.045) and baPWV (p = 0.028) at 1 year of follow-up. Multiple linear regression analyses identified high fasting glucose and old age as independent factors of annual change in ABI and baPWV, respectively. Good control of blood sugar may contribute to delay the progression of peripheral artery disease in patients on hemodialysis.