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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
[Arterial calcifications of the hand: normal aging and the course in chronic dialysis patients]
Insights
Arterial calcifications in the hand differ in patients on dialysis or with diabetic nephropathy. Finger-metacarpal arterial calcifications indicate a poor prognosis in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Nephrology
- Geriatric medicine
Background:
- Arterial calcifications typically progress distally in hands, sparing fingers until later life.
- Patients undergoing maintenance dialysis exhibit altered arterial calcification patterns.
- Diabetic nephropathy is associated with the most severe arterial calcifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the progression and characteristics of arterial calcifications in specific patient populations.
- To determine the prognostic significance of arterial calcifications in the finger-metacarpal region.
Main Methods:
- Observational study comparing arterial calcification patterns.
- Analysis of patient data including dialysis status and diabetic nephropathy.
- Radiographic assessment of calcification in the hand and finger-metacarpal regions.
Main Results:
- Arterial calcifications in maintenance dialysis patients start earlier and do not correlate with age.
- Diabetic nephropathy patients show the most pronounced arterial calcifications.
- Calcifications in the finger-metacarpal area are linked to unfavorable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Hand arterial calcification patterns are significantly altered in patients with renal failure, particularly those on dialysis or with diabetic nephropathy.
- Finger-metacarpal arterial calcifications serve as a negative prognostic indicator in these at-risk populations.
Abstract:
Normally, arterial calcifications in the hand progress from proximal to distal and do not reach the fingers by the 8th decade. In patients on maintenance dialysis arterial calcifications begin earlier and do not progress with age. The most severe arterial calcifications occur in patients with renal failure caused by diabetic nephropathy. Prognostically arterial calcifications in the finger-metacarpal region are an unfavourable sign.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

