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Published on: May 31, 2016
Combined cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification predict mortality in hemodialysis patients
Yit-Sheung Yap1, Wen-Che Chi1, Cheng-Hao Lin1
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yuan's General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Insights
Cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification (AAC) significantly predict mortality in hemodialysis patients. Combined findings indicate increased risk for overall and cardiovascular death.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification (AAC) are common in hemodialysis patients.
- The prognostic value of combined cardiomegaly and AAC on mortality requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cardiomegaly and AAC with overall and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of hemodialysis patients.
- Cardiomegaly (cardiothoracic ratio, CTR) and AAC assessed by chest radiography.
- Patients categorized by CTR (≤0.5 vs. >0.5) and AAC grade (low/high).
- Mortality risk analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.
Main Results:
- Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between combined CTR and AAC grades with overall mortality.
- Specific combinations, such as CTR >0.5 with low-grade AAC and CTR >0.5 with high-grade AAC, showed elevated risks.
- Similarly, combined CTR and AAC grades were significantly related to cardiovascular mortality.
Conclusions:
- The combination of cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification serves as a significant predictor of both overall and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Introduction:
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cardiomegaly and aortic arch calcification (AAC) and overall/cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study and enrolled patients who underwent initial hemodialysis. Cardiomegaly and AAC were determined by chest radiography and classified into four groups according to cross-classification of cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) of 0.5 and lower/higher grade AAC (LGAAC/HGAAC). The relationship between these groups and mortality was then analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model.
Results:
In multivariate Cox regression analysis, those in CTR ≤ 0.5 and HGAAC [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.07 (1.14-3.77)], CTR > 0.5 & LGAAC [3.60 (2.07-6.25)] and CTR > 0.5 & HGAAC [3.42 (2.03-5.77)] were significantly associated with overall mortality; while those in CTR > 0.5 & LGAAC [2.81 (1.28-6.19)] and CTR > 0.5 & HGAAC [2.32 (1.09-4.95)] were significantly related to cardiovascular mortality.
Conclusion:
Combined cardiomegaly and AAC predicted overall and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.
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