#521 Increasing levels of aortic peak wave velocity along with prolonged higher CaxP product is associated with mortality in peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Valvular calcification is concordant with vascular calcification and develops faster in end-stage renal disease patients than in the average population. There are contradictory reports about the pathophysiology and the predictive value of valvular calcification regarding mortality in this patient population. Aortic peak wave velocity (Vmax) measurement is a non-invasive and reliable marker for the diagnosis of valve calcification. Our study analyzes cardiovascular risk prediction effect of increasing levels of Vmax at different time points in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Method We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of incident PD patients under follow-up between January 1992 and January 2023 in our clinic. Demographics, laboratory, and echocardiographic findings were obtained from medical records. Patients without a baseline echocardiography were excluded. ΔVmax is defined as the last Vmax minus baseline Vmax levels. The patients were divided into two subgroups: Vmax-stable and Vmax-increased. Results The baseline demographics, laboratory, and clinical characteristics, including daily elemental calcium and calcitriol usage, were similar between Vmax-stable and Vmax-increased groups. Baseline calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and annual CaXP levels were significantly higher in Vmax-increased group [p = 0.01, p = 0.02, and (F(1,27) = 10.415, p = 0.003), respectively]. Cardiovascular mortality was 9.8% in Vmax-stable group and 26.8% in Vmax-increased group (p = 0.02). Conclusion During a follow-up of 20 years, increasing Vmax values were associated with higher CaxP levels in PD patients. Increased Vmax levels, along with higher CaxP levels, are associated with cardiovascular mortality. Even without clinical manifestations, Vmax follow-up is a non-invasive, easily accessible method and might identify the high-risk group regarding cardiovascular mortality in the PD population.