Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Calciphylaxis in Chinese Hemodialysis Patients

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Yuqiu Liu1, Canlin Yang1, Xin Yang1

  • 1Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.

Frontiers in Medicine
|June 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The first China-based survey found calciphylaxis prevalence at 1.24% in hemodialysis patients. Early screening using multiple diagnostic methods is crucial for this severe vascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Epidemiology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Calciphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening vascular disease predominantly affecting patients undergoing dialysis.
  • This study represents the first epidemiological survey of calciphylaxis in China.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of calciphylaxis among hemodialysis patients in China.
  • To identify risk factors associated with calciphylaxis in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 24 dialysis centers in Jiangsu Province.
  • 3,867 adult hemodialysis patients (dialysis duration > 6 months) were included.
  • Diagnosis was based on characteristic skin lesions and histopathological features; skin biopsy and bone scintigraphy were utilized.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of calciphylaxis was found to be 1.24% (48 out of 3,867 patients).
  • High prevalence of hyperparathyroidism (72.92%) was observed in calciphylaxis patients.
  • Risk factors identified include increased BMI, prolonged dialysis, warfarin therapy, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, tumors, low serum albumin, and high serum alkaline phosphatase.

Conclusions:

  • The study establishes a baseline prevalence of 1.24% for calciphylaxis in Chinese hemodialysis patients.
  • The actual prevalence may be underestimated, highlighting the need for improved clinical awareness.
  • Multifaceted diagnostic approaches are recommended for early calciphylaxis screening.
Abstract

Keywords:
calciphylaxisclinical characteristicsepidemiological surveyhemodialysisprevalencerisk factor

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