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Vascular Calcification Progression Is an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Patients on Haemodialysis
Guillaume Jean1, Brice Mayor, Patrik Deleaval
1NephroCare Tassin-Charcot, Sainte Foy-Les-Lyon, France.
Insights
Vascular calcification progression significantly increases mortality risk in hemodialysis patients. This finding holds true regardless of initial calcification severity, highlighting progression as a critical survival factor.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Vascular calcification (VC) is linked to mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
- High parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels are associated with VC progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of vascular calcification progression on survival rates in hemodialysis patients.
Main Methods:
- 85 HD patients were categorized into VC progression (PG+) and no-progression (PG-) groups based on VC scores measured 3 years apart.
- Patients were followed for an additional 3 years to assess mortality.
Main Results:
- Kaplan-Meier analysis showed higher mortality in the PG+ group (HR: 2.4, p=0.03).
- Cox regression confirmed this association, adjusted for baseline factors (HR: 2.7, p=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Vascular calcification progression is an independent predictor of poor survival in HD patients.
- The baseline VC score does not alter the impact of progression on mortality.
Background:
We previously reported that vascular calcification (VC) score was associated with mortality in patients on haemodialysis (HD) and that a high serum level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 were the only factors associated with VC progression.
Aim:
To assess the impact of VC progression on HD patient survival.
Methods:
The study cohort including 85 HD patients studied between 2006 and 2007 and between 2009 and 2010 was divided into patients with VC progression (PG+, n = 38) and no-progression (PG-, n = 47), based on VC scores measured twice at 3-year intervals (VC1 and VC2). Patients were followed during 3 additional years.
Results:
Kaplan-Meier analysis determined that PG+ displayed increased mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-4.8; p = 0.03). This result was confirmed using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, dialysis duration, the VC1 score, and the mean FGF-23 and iPTH serum levels (HR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.12-6.6; p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
VC progression is associated with poor survival in patients on HD, irrespective of a patient's baseline VC score.
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