Abdominal Aortic Calcification Score Research Articles

P1273EFFECTS OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC CALCIFICATION PROGRESSION ON OUTCOMES IN MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Vascular calcification is the risk factor for cardiovascular event, cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. We investigated the effects of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) progression on outcomes in MHD patients. Method 111 patients who were on MHD between Jun. 2014 and Oct. 2014 in the dialysis center and finished the AAC examination at baseline and two years later were included prospectively. We evaluated the progression of AAC by AAC score (AACs) at baseline and two years later. According to the change of AACs, the patients were divided into rapid AAC progression group (change of AACs>median) and non-rapid AAC progression group (change of AACs≤median). We investigated the effects of AAC progression on outcomes in MHD patients in the follow-up period. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare their survival rate. Uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine the risk factors of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events. Results The presence of AAC was 78.4% (87/111), rapid AAC progression was seen in 54 patients, and non-rapid AAC progression was seen in 57 patients. The mean follow-up duration was 27.9(27.1, 28.0) months. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in rapid AAC progression group had a higher risk of mortality as compared to patients in non-rapid AAC progression group (P=0.017). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that high baseline AACs (HR=1.135, 95%CI∼1.001∼1.286, P=0.048), hypoproteinemia (HR=0.789, 95%CI 0.640∼0.972, P=0.026) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. High baseline AACs (HR=1.187, 95%CI 1.038∼1.356, P=0.012), low spKt/V (HR=0.103, 95%CI 0.013∼0.801, P=0.030) were independent risk factors for cardiovascular mortality. Low spKt/V (HR=0.018, 95%CI 0.003∼0.115, P=0.000), hypoproteinemia (HR=0.736, 95%CI 0.608∼0.890, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for cardiovascular events. Conclusion Abdominal aortic calcification progression may increase the risk of cardiovascular events and death in MHD patients. Severity of abdominal aortic calcification, adequacy of dialysis, and nutritional status are predictors of outcomes in MHD patients.

P1168ABDOMINAL AORTIC CALCIFICATION SCORE MODIFIES THE PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF SERUM MAGNESIUM LEVELS ON ALL CAUSE MORTALITY IN PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Low serum Mg (s-Mg) concentration has been associated with an increased risk of death in both the general and dialysis populations. In peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, an inverse correlation between s-Mg and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), estimated by plain lateral lumbar x-rays, as Leena Kauppila (LK) score (range 0-24), is well documented. LK score of 0-4 has been associated with the best event free survival (CORD study CJASN 2011). Here, we explored the possibility whether AAC could modify the relationship between s-Mg and all-cause mortality in PD patients. Method We studied 95 stable PD patients, 51 men 44 women, with a mean age of 63 ±14 years. The degree of AAC was evaluated with on plain lateral abdominal radiographs, as LK score. After completion of baseline assessment, including s-Mg measurements, patients were followed up for all-cause mortality. Results The mean of s-Mg and AAC in the whole group were 2.25±0.47 mg/dl and 6.65 ± 5.94 respectively. There was an strong inverse correlation (rho = -0.225; p=0.029) between s-Mg and AAC. During a median follow-up period of 23 months, 16 (17%) deaths occurred. There was a 78% reduction of all-cause mortality for every 1 mg/dl of increase in s-Mg {crude HR: 0.22 (95% CI, 0.06 - 0.78)}. An interacting effect between s-Mg and AAC was significant (p=0.005) after controlling for main effects. Then, the association between s-Mg and all-cause mortality by subgroups of AAC: higher tertile vs all lower, was examined (cut-offs of the tertiles for AAC were 3 and 9). In patients grouped in the lower tertiles, s-Mg was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality, even after adjustment for univariate significant predictors of all-cause mortality: age, cardiovascular disease, PD vintage and malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) {adjusted HR: 0.14 (95% CI, 0.02-0.0.98)}. On the contrary, patients with AAC in the higher tertile of the baseline distribution, s-Mg levels were not predictive of outcome in either crude or the adjusted models. Conclusion The predictive value of s-Mg in all-cause mortality in PD patients appears to be critically dependent on AAC score. Thus, sustaining higher sMg levels, as by using higher Mg dialysate concentration, may have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes only in patients without AAC or at least in those with early lesion development.

P1391PROGRESSION OF CALCIFICATION AND ITS RISK FACTORS IN CHINESE DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims The China Dialysis Calcification Study (CDCS) aims to investigate prevalence and progression of vascular calcification (VC) as well as predictive values of VC in Chinese dialysis patients. This abstract reports VC progression and its risk factors during 4-year follow-up. Method The CDCS is a nationwide, multicenter observational study. 1497 dialysis patients from 24 centers in China were enrolled from 2014-2015 and continuously followed up for 4 years. Coronary artery calcification (CAC), abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and cardiac valve calcification (CVC) were assessed at baseline and 4-year follow-up. CAC was assessed by Agatston score measured by electron beam computed tomography or multi-detector computed tomography. AAC was assessed by Kauppila score measured by plain lateral lumbar radiograph. CVC was measured by echocardiography. Progression was defined by comparing VC images at baseline with those at 4-year. When CAC/AAC scores at 4-year were greater than baseline, CAC/AAC were considered progressed; when there were more cardiac valves involved at 4-year than baseline, CVC was considered progressed. Logistic progression model was used to investigate the risk factors for calcification progression. Results 711 patients completed 4-year follow-up and 680 of them had calcification tests. Patients had the same type assessments (CAC, AAC or CVC) at both baseline and 4-year were included in analysis. At the 4-year follow-up, 89.4% (608/680) patients had at least one site vascular calcification (CAC, AAC or CVC), CAC affected the highest proportion of patients. Prevalence of CAC, AAC and CVC were 81.0% (517/638), 79.3% (310/391) and 45.6% (308/675), respectively. Progression of CAC was observed in 93.9% (368/392) patients with presence of baseline CAC, and 51.3% (123/240) patients without baseline CAC. CAC progression at 4-year follow-up was stratified by baseline CAC score (Figure1). Progression of AAC was observed in 96.5% (165/171) patients with presence of baseline AAC, and 63.8% (139/218) patients without baseline AAC. AAC progression at 4-year follow-up was stratified by baseline AAC score (Figure2). Progression of CVC from single to double cardiac valve calcification was observed in 33.3% (40/120) patients, and cardiac valve calcification occurred in 33.4% (162/485) patients without baseline CVC after 4-year follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results are showed in Figure3. Variables significantly increased the risk of calcification progression were baseline calcification score, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and calcium, phosphorous, iPTH during 4-year follow-up. Conclusion In the 4 years follow-up, progression of calcification is common among dialysis patient, and is associated with higher baseline severity, medical history and disease management.

Once-yearly zoledronic acid and change in abdominal aortic calcification over 3years in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: results from the HORIZON Pivotal Fracture Trial.

Bisphosphonate use is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. The underlying mechanisms are uncertain but may include effects on vascular calcification. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) on abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. This was a post hoc analysis of the HORIZON Pivotal Fracture Trial that included 502 postmenopausal women (mean age 72.5years) with osteoporosis (234 received ZA and 268 placebo). AAC scores (range, 0-8) were assessed from paired spine X-rays at baseline and after 3years. Progression of AAC was defined as any increase in AAC score. The association between change in hip and femoral neck bone mineral density and change in AAC score was also assessed. At baseline, 292 (58.2%) participants had AAC (i.e., AAC score > 0), with AAC scores similar in the two intervention groups (median [interquartile range], 1 [0 to 2] for both; p = 0.98). Over 3years, AAC progressed in a similar proportion of participants in both groups (ZA 29% and placebo 31%; p = 0.64). Change in bone mineral density and change in AAC score were not correlated. Once-yearly zoledronic acid did not affect progression of AAC over 3years in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00049829.

Abdominal aortic calcification score as a predictor of clinical outcome in peritoneal dialysis patients: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundAbdominal aortic calcification assessed by X-ray is recommended to evaluate vascular calcification in dialysis patients. It has been shown that abdominal aortic calcification score (AACS) is a predictor of adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients, but evidence regarding its prognostic value in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is still insufficient. We aimed to examine the predictive role of AACS for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and mortality in PD patients.MethodsEligible patients undergoing PD between July 2011 and July 2014 were recruited. AACS was quantified using lateral lumbar radiography at recruitment. Patients were prospectively followed up until death, PD cessation, or to the end of the study (August 31, 2018). Both subdistribution hazards and cause-specific hazards models were used to evaluate the association between AACS and MACCE as well as mortality.Results292 patients were enrolled, including 160 males (54.8%) with mean age 57.1 ± 15.2 years and median PD duration 28.4 (IQR 12.0, 57.8) months. Among them, 75 (25.7%) patients were comorbid with diabetes, and 94 (32.2%) patients had cardiovascular disease (CVD). The average AACS was 2.0 (0.0, 6.0). Patients were categorized on the tertiles of AACS (Low AACS group, AACS = 0, n = 125; Medium AACS group, AACS 1–4, n = 72; and High AACS group, AACS> 4, n = 95). AACS was associated with age (OR = 1.081, P < 0.001), PD duration (OR = 1.012, P = 0.003), CVD (OR = 1.919, P = 0.020) and diabetes (OR = 2.554, P = 0.002). During the follow-up period of 43.6 (24.6, 50.7) months, there were 65 MACCEs and 84 deaths. Significantly higher cumulative incidences of all-cause mortality (Log-rank = 35.992, P<0.001; Gray = 38.662, P < 0.001) and MACCE (Log-rank = 26.146, P<0.001; Gray = 27.810, P < 0.001) were observed in the upper AACS tertile. AACS was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR = 2.438, 95% CI 1.246–4.772, P = 0.009; SHR = 2.323, 95%CI 1.229–4.389, P = 0.009) and MACCE (HR = 3.455, 95% CI 1.734–6.884, P < 0.001; SHR = 3.063, 95%CI 1.460–6.430, P = 0.003) in this study.ConclusionsAACS was associated with age, PD duration, CVD and diabetes in PD patients. AACS could predict MACCE and all-cause mortality in this population. It thus might be a safe and feasible method to identify PD patients with adverse outcomes.

Does Atherosclerosis Have Negative Impacts on Early Adjacent Segment Degeneration After Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion?

Study Design:Retrospective study.Objective:To examine whether atherosclerosis has negative impacts on early adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after posterior lumbar interbody fusion using traditional trajectory pedicle screw fixation (TT-PLIF).Methods:The subjects were 77 patients who underwent single-level TT-PLIF for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Using dynamic lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine before surgery and at 3 years postoperatively, early radiological ASD (R-ASD) was examined. Early symptomatic ASD (S-ASD) was diagnosed when neurologic symptoms deteriorated during postoperative 3-year follow-up and the responsible lesions adjacent to the fused segment were also confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. According to the scoring system by Kauppila et al, the abdominal aortic calcification score (AAC score: a surrogate marker of systemic atherosclerosis) was assessed using preoperative lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine.Results:The incidence of early R-ASD was 41.6% at the suprajacent segment and 8.3% at the subjacent segment, respectively. Patients with R-ASD had significantly higher AAC score than those without R-ASD. The incidence of early S-ASD was 3.9% at the suprajacent segment and 1.4% at the subjacent segment, respectively. Patients with S-ASD had higher AAC score than those without S-ASD, although there was no significant difference.Conclusions:At 3 years after surgery, the advanced AAC had significantly negative impacts on early R-ASD after TT-PLIF. This result indicates that impaired blood flow due to atherosclerosis can aggravate degenerative changes at the adjacent segments of the lumbar spine after PLIF.

Association between pulse pressure and aortic calcification: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a low-cost, minimal radiation technique commonly used to assess bone density and body composition that can also provide a measure of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). We examined the association between pulse pressure (PP) and DXA-derived AAC in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Analyses were performed in 2,478 adults from the 2013-2014 NHANES cycle. AAC scores were calculated using a validated 24-point scale from thoraco-lumbar spine images (scored 1-6 across four vertebral heights from L1-L4 for both anterior and posterior aortic walls). We examined PP as a predictor of both the presence (dichotomous) and magnitude (continuous) of AAC in age-stratified analyses (<60years of age and ≥60years of age) adjusting for traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, sex, mean arterial pressure and additionally for age and antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of AAC was 25.5%. PP was a predictor of the presence of AAC in fully adjusted models in adults <60years of age (OR 1.31, P<.05) and ≥60years of age (OR 1.33, P<.05). PP was also associated with the magnitude of AAC in the overall sample but did not retain significance after separating by age-groups and additionally adjusting for antihypertensive medication. In conclusion, PP is associated with the presence of AAC as measured by DXA in a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Bone status and aortic calcifications in chondrocalcinosis patients

Abstract Aim: We aimed to examine the association between several circulating bone turnover markers [ osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), beta-CrossLaps (β-CTx)], hip and spine bone mineral density (BMD) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in patients with chondrocalcinosis (CC). Methods: Thirty-six patients with CC and thirty-seven controls were consecutively enrolled in this pilot case-control, cross-sectional study. The following parameters were assessed: serum levels of OC, OPG and β-CTx by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); hip and spine BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and AAC score by lateral radiography. Results: Patients with CC had higher levels of serum bone turnover markers and AAC score than the control group: OC [6.5 (3.5-9.9) vs 4.5 (2.6-7.2) ng/ml; p=0.05], OPG [(7.7 (6.2-9.4) vs 6.5 (5.5-8.12) pmol/ml; p=0.02], β-CTx [6078 (5870-6171) vs 5851 (5465-6109) pg/ml; p=0.02] and AAC score (3.6±6.2 vs 0.5±2; p=0.006). Conversely, even if statistical significance was not reached, hip and spine BMD was lower in patients with CC. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between OPG and AAC, but also between OPG and osteoporosis in patients with CC. Conclusion: Patients with CC are characterized by higher circulating OC, OPG and β-CTx. The presence of AAC was more common in patients with CC, being only associated with serum OPG.

Relationship between abdominal aortic calcification on plain radiograph and coronary artery calcification detected by computed tomography in hemodialysis patients .

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) can be assessed easily using a plain radiograph. We investigated the relationship between AAC assessed by plain radiography and coronary artery calcification (CAC) assessed by computed tomography (CT). 62 hemodialysis patients who underwent lumbar lateral radiography and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) were included in this study. We used logistic regression analyses to identify an independent association between AAC and severe CAC (>400), and assessed the diagnostic performance of the AAC and CAC scores for prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The mean age of participants was 55.3±11.2 years, and 30 (48.4%) were men. 17 participants had a previous history of CVD. The mean dialysis duration was 4.3±3.0 years. The mean AAC score was 3.6±4.1. AAC scores were significantly positively correlated with CAC scores (r=0.464, p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic analysis, AAC score (odds ratio (OR) 1.387, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.117-1.723, p = 0.003) was independently associated with a severe CAC score (>400). The areas under the ROC curve for CAC and AAC scores were 0.877 (95% CI 0.791-0.964, p< 0.001) and 0.723 (95% CI 0.570-0.876, p = 0.007), respectively. A high AAC score on plain radiograph is an independent risk factor for severe CAC score on CT and can be used to predict CVD.

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) predict health care costs and utilization in older men, independent of prevalent clinical cardiovascular disease and each other

Background and aimsAbdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and low ankle-brachial index (ABI) are markers of multisite atherosclerosis. We sought to estimate their associations in older men with health care costs and utilization adjusted for each other, and after accounting for CVD risk factors and prevalent CVD diagnoses. MethodsThis was an observational cohort study of 2393 community-dwelling men (mean age 73.6 years) enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study and U.S. Medicare Fee for Service (FFS). AAC was scored on baseline lateral lumbar spine X-rays using a 24-point scale. ABI was measured as the lowest ratio of arm to right or left ankle blood pressure. Health care costs, hospital stays, and SNF stays were identified from Medicare FFS claims over 36 months following the baseline visit. ResultsMen with AAC score ≥9 (n = 519 [21.7% of analytic cohort]) had higher annualized total health care costs of $1473 (95% C.I. 293, 2654, 2017 U S. dollars) compared to those with AAC score 0–1, after multivariable adjustment. Men with ABI <0.90 (n = 154 [6.4% of analytic cohort]) had higher annualized total health care costs of $2705 (95% CI 634, 4776) compared to men with normal ABI (≥0.9 and < 1.4), after multivariable adjustment. ConclusionsHigh levels of AAC and low ABI in older men are associated with higher subsequent health care costs, after accounting for clinical CVD risk factors, prevalent CVD diagnoses, and each other. Further investigations of whether preventing progression of peripheral vascular disease and calcification reduces subsequent health care costs are warranted.

Relationship of volumetric bone mineral density by quantitative computed tomography with abdominal aortic calcification.

This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the association between volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in a Chinese population. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and Agatston score (AS) were used to measure vBMD and AAC, respectively, in 3457 participants during 2013-2017. The association between vBMD and AAC was assessed using multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age, residence, education, body mass index, and other cardiovascular risk factors. The mean age of women and men was 61.4 and 62.7years, respectively. In total, 30.4% of women and 37.7% of men were found to have AAC. After full adjustment, higher vBMD was associated with lower AAC score (β, -0.095; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.167 to -0.024; P=0.0087) and lower AAC prevalence (odds ratio [OR], 0.873; 95% CI, 0.824 to 0.924; P<0.0001) in men. Inverse trends were also observed in the association of vBMD quartile with AAC severity (lowest vs highest quartile; β=0.235; 95% CI, 0.011 to 0.459; Ptrend<0.0001) and AAC prevalence (lowest vs highest quartile; OR=1.329; 95% CI, 1.087 to 1.625; Ptrend<0.0001) in men. However, no significant result was obtained in women, except for the association between quartiles of vBMD and AAC score. In our study, vBMD was inversely associated with AAC among men independent of age and shared risk factors. However, the association was not significant among women.

Serum myostatin levels are associated with abdominal aortic calcification in dialysis patients.

BackgroundSerum myostatin levels are increased according to renal function decline and myostatin may be a main mediator of chronic kidney disease–related sarcopenia. A previous study reported that serum myostatin level was negatively associated with abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in older males. The aim of this study was to assess the association between serum myostatin level and AAC among dialysis patients of both sexes. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between serum myostatin level, muscle mass, and bone mineral density (BMD).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we evaluated AAC in the lateral lumbar spine using plain radiography and BMD in 71 patients undergoing dialysis. We classified patients into two groups according to the median value of myostatin as follows: those with high myostatin levels (≥ 5.0 ng/mL) and those with low myostatin levels (< 5.0 ng/mL).ResultsThe proportion of patients with an AAC score of five points or more was higher among those with low myostatin levels. Myostatin level was negatively associated with AAC scores on plain radiography and had a positive association with skeletal muscle mass and T-scores for BMD measured at the total hip and femur neck. Lower myostatin levels were independently associated with higher AAC scores following adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, dialysis vintage, dialysis modality, and osteoprotegerin level.ConclusionLower serum myostatin levels were associated with higher AAC scores, lower muscle mass, and lower BMD in dialysis patients. Further, prospective studies and those with larger cohorts are necessary to validate these findings.

Changes in vascular calcification and bone mineral density in calcium supplement users from the Canadian Multi-center Osteoporosis Study (CaMOS)

Background and aimsCalcium supplements have been associated with increased cardiovascular events. This study investigates the relationship between calcium supplement use and the 5 year progression of abdominal aorta calcification (AAC) in participants from one center of the Canadian Multi-Centre Osteoporosis Study (CaMOS). MethodsParticipants (n = 296; 217 women and 79 men) had lateral spine X-rays and DEXA bone mineral density (BMD) scans (femoral neck, lumbar spine and total hip) taken at two time points within a 5 year interval. AAC was assessed using the Framingham Method. Calcium supplement use was assessed by a facilitated health history questionnaire and medication inventory. ResultsAAC significantly increased over 5 years, AAC progression was significantly greater in calcium supplement users, as compared to non-users, overall and in females. The amount of calcium was positively correlated to AAC progression. A multi-variable linear regression model was generated for women only, as there were not enough men for multivariable modelling. Calcium supplement use and amount remained significantly associated with AAC progression after adjustment for age, hypertension, diabetes and smoking history. Change in AAC score was not associated with change in BMD T-Score. In univariate analyses of males, calcium supplement use was associated with a significantly greater BMD loss at the lumbar spine, hip, and femoral neck. ConclusionsOlder female calcium supplement users had significantly higher AAC progression over 5 years, but did not have any significant BMD preservation. These results suggest that vascular calcification may contribute to the cardiovascular events observed in calcium supplement users.

Sodium thiosulphate and progression of vascular calcification in end-stage renal disease patients: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Sodium thiosulphate (NaTS) is mostly used in haemodialysis (HD) patients with calcific uraemic arteriolopathy. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study assessed the effect of NaTS on progression of cardiovascular calcifications in HD patients. From 65 screened patients, we recruited 60 patients with an abdominal aorta Agatston calcification score ≥100. Thirty patients were randomized to receive NaTS 25 g/1.73 m2 and 30 patients to receive 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenously during the last 15 min of HD over a period of 6 months. The primary endpoint was the absolute change of the abdominal aortic calcification score. The abdominal aortic calcification score and calcification volume of the abdominal aorta increased similarly in both treatment groups during the trial. As compared with the saline group, patients receiving NaTS exhibited a reduction of their iliac artery calcification score (-137 ± 641 versus 245 ± 755; P = 0.049), reduced pulse wave velocity (9.6 ± 2.7 versus 11.4 ± 3.6; P = 0.000) and a lower carotid intima-media thickness (0.77 ± 0.1 versus 0.83 ± 00.17; P = 0.033) and had better preservation of echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy. No patient of the NaTS group developed new cardiac valve calcifications during the trial as compared with 8 of 29 patients in the saline group. By univariate analysis, NaTS therapy was the only predictor of not developing new valvular calcifications. No adverse events possibly related to NaTS infusion were noted. While NaTS failed to retard abdominal aortic calcification progress, it positively affected calcification progress in iliac arteries and heart valves as well as several other cardiovascular functional parameters.

Association of abdominal aortic calcification estimated by plain radiography with outcomes in haemodialysis patients: A 6-year follow-up study.

Vascular calcification has played a vital role in increasing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study is aimed at exploring the prognostic value of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) estimated by plain lateral abdominal radiography in MHD patients. Lateral abdominal radiography was used to determine the abdominal aortic calcification score (AACS). The serum level of fibroblast growth factor-23 was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were divided into two groups: no or minor calcification group (AACS < 5) and moderate to severe calcification group (AACS ≥ 5). All patients were followed up to death or the end of the study (30 November 2016). A total of 114 patients were enrolled in this study, including 64 males (56.1%), and the mean age was 57.42 ± 13.48 years. Seventy-six patients (66.7%) exhibited AAC. Independent predictors for moderate to severe calcification were older age (odds ratio (OR) 1.06 (1.02-1.10), P = 0.003), longer dialysis vintage (OR 1.01 (1.00-1.02), P = 0.039), presence of smoking (OR 3.01 (1.18-7.70), P = 0.021) and higher Log fibroblast growth factor-23 serum levels (OR 2.83 (1.01-7.94), P = 0.048). During a median follow-up of 6.0 (5.6, 6.1) years, 22 patients (19.3%) died of all-cause death, and 17 cases (14.9%) died of CVD. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients in the moderate to severe calcification group had significantly higher all-cause (28.3 vs 11.5%, P = 0.028) and CVD mortality (22.6 vs 8.2%, P = 0.035) than that in the no or minor calcification group. A multivariate Cox regression showed that AACS (hazard ratio 1.08 (1.01-1.15), P = 0.022) was an independent predictor of CVD mortality. Compared with the no or minor calcification group, the risk of CVD mortality was increased by a factor of 3.14 in patients in the moderate to severe calcification group (hazard ratio 3.14 (1.04-9.44), P = 0.042). Our data suggest that AAC is prevalent in MHD patients and could provide potential predictive information for CVD mortality. Plain lateral abdominal radiography, which is simple and cheap and involves lower radiation, might represent an appropriate screening method for evaluating vascular calcification in daily clinical practice.

Association between Aortic Calcification, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality in Kidney and Pancreas-Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in kidney and simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant recipients. Assessing abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), using lateral spine x-rays and the Kaupilla 24-point AAC (0–24) score, may identify transplant recipients at higher CV risk. Methods: Between the years 2000 and 2015, 413 kidney and 213 SPK first transplant recipients were scored for AAC at time of transplant and then followed for CV events (coronary heart, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular disease), graft-loss, and all-cause mortality. Results: The mean age was 44 ± 12 years (SD) with 275 (44%) having AAC (26% moderate: 1–7 and 18% high: ≥8). After a median of 65 months (IQR 29–107 months), 46 recipients experienced CV events, 59 died, and 80 suffered graft loss. For each point increase in AAC, the unadjusted hazard ratios (HR) for CV events and mortality were 1.11 (95% CI 1.07–1.15) and 1.11 (1.08–1.15). These were similar after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, transplant type, dialysis vintage, and diabetes: aHR 1.07 (95% CI 1.02–1.12) and 1.09 (1.04–1.13). For recipients with high versus no AAC, the unadjusted and fully-adjusted HRs for CV events were 5.90 (2.90–12.02) and 3.51 (1.54–8.00), for deaths 5.39 (3.00–9.68) and 3.38 (1.71–6.70), and for graft loss 1.30 (0.75–2.28) and 1.94 (1.04–3.27) in age and smoking history-adjusted analyses. Conclusion: Kidney and SPK transplant recipients with high AAC have 3-fold higher CV and mortality risk and poorer graft outcomes than recipients without AAC. AAC scoring may be useful in assessing and targeted risk-lowering strategies.

Association Between Abdominal Aortic Calcification, Bone Mineral Density, and Fracture in Older Women.

Although a relationship between vascular disease and osteoporosis has been recognized, its clinical importance for fracture risk evaluation remains uncertain. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a recognized measure of vascular disease detected on single-energy images performed for vertebral fracture assessment, may also identify increased osteoporosis risk. In a prospective 10-year study of 1024 older predominantly white women (mean age 75.0 ± 2.6 years) from the Perth Longitudinal Study of Aging cohort, we evaluated the association between AAC, skeletal structure, and fractures. AAC and spine fracture were assessed at the time of hip densitometry and heel quantitative ultrasound. AAC was scored 0 to 24 (AAC24) and categorized into low AAC (score 0 and 1, n = 459), moderate AAC (score 2 to 5, n = 373), and severe AAC (score >6, n = 192). Prevalent vertebral fractures were calculated using the Genant semiquantitative method. AAC24 scores were inversely related to hip BMD ( r s = -0.077, p = 0.013), heel broadband ultrasound attenuation ( r s = -0.074, p = 0.020), and the Stiffness Index ( r s = -0.073, p = 0.022). In cross-sectional analyses, women with moderate to severe AAC were more likely to have prevalent fracture and lumbar spine imaging-detected lumbar spine fractures, but not thoracic spine fractures (Mantel-Haenszel test of trend p < 0.05). For 10-year incident clinical fractures and fracture-related hospitalizations, women with moderate to severe AAC (AAC24 score >1) had increased fracture risk (HR 1.48; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.91; p = 0.002; HR 1.46; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.99; p = 0.019, respectively) compared with women with low AAC. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for age and hip BMD for clinical fractures (HR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.81; p = 0.010), but was attenuated for fracture-related hospitalizations (HR 1.33; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.83; p = 0.073). In conclusion, older women with more marked AAC are at higher risk of fracture, not completely captured by bone structural predictors. These findings further support the concept that vascular calcification and bone pathology may share similar mechanisms of causation that remain to be fully elucidated © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Association between dietary zinc intake and abdominal aortic calcification in US adults.

In animal studies, zinc supplementation inhibited phosphate-induced arterial calcification. We tested the hypothesis that higher intake of dietary zinc was associated with lower abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) among adults in the USA. We also explored the associations of AAC with supplemental zinc intake, total zinc intake and serum zinc level. We performed cross-sectional analyses of 2535 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-14. Dietary and supplemental zinc intakes were obtained from two 24-h dietary recall interviews. Total zinc intake was the sum of dietary and supplemental zinc. AAC was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in adults ≥40 years of age and quantified using the Kauppila score system. AAC scores were categorized into three groups: no AAC (AAC = 0, reference group), mild-moderate (AAC >0-≤6) and severe AAC (AAC >6). Dietary zinc intake (mean ± SE) was 10.5 ± 0.1 mg/day; 28% had AAC (20% mild-moderate and 8% severe), 17% had diabetes mellitus and 51% had hypertension. Higher intake of dietary zinc was associated with lower odds of having severe AAC. Per 1 mg/day higher intake of dietary zinc, the odds of having severe AAC were 8% lower [adjusted odds ratio 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.86-0.98), P = 0.01] compared with those without AAC, after adjusting for demographics, comorbidities and laboratory measurements. Supplemental zinc intake, total zinc intake and serum zinc level were not associated with AAC. Higher intake of dietary zinc was independently associated with lower odds of having severe AAC among noninstitutionalized US adults.

Abdominal aortic calcification score predicts the occurrence of coronary artery disease in middle-aged peritoneal dialysis patients.

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) score in dialysis patients was associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in cross-sectional study, but the use of AAC score in the CAD prediction was not clear. We aimed to use AAC score in the estimation of CAD occurrence in middle-aged peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Middle-aged (45-65 years old) PD patients were recruited and followed up until CAD occurrence, patient mortality, or PD failure. We quantified AAC score by lateral lumbar radiography, and used receiver operation curve (ROC) analysis to find the cut-off value for CAD prediction. There were 187 patients recruited for study with a mean follow-up of 1027 ± 427 days. AAC score in patients with CAD during follow-up period (9.7 ± 7.6, n = 41) was higher than in patients without CAD occurrence (5.5 ± 6.1, n = 146) (P < 0.001). Multivariate hazard ratio of AAC score for CAD was 1.07 (P = 0.044). ROC showed that AAC score of 5.5 had a sensitivity of 0.667 and a specificity of 0.581 in the prediction of CAD occurrence. Patients with AAC score above 5.5 had significantly higher cumulative incidence of CAD than patients with AAC score below 5.5 (Log-rank test, P = 0.003). Age (P = 0.002), diabetes (P = 0.002), hypertension (P = 0.032), longer dialysis vintage (P < 0.001) and lower serum potassium (P = 0.012) were parameters significantly associated with higher AAC score. AAC score can predict CAD occurrence in PD patients. Age, diabetes, hypertension, dialysis vintage and serum potassium level are factors associated with higher AAC score.

Abdominal Aortic Calcification Is a Significant Poor Prognostic Factor for Clinical Outcomes After Decompressive Laminotomy for Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis.

Study Design:Retrospective study.Objective:To examine whether the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or advanced abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) negatively affects clinical outcomes after decompression surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS).Methods:The subjects comprised 143 patients who underwent decompressive laminotomy for LSCS and were followed for ≥2 years. Fifty-five patients had CKD (Stage 3-4). Clinical outcome was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before surgery and at 2-year postoperatively. According to the scoring system by Kauppila et al, the AAC score (a surrogate marker of systemic atherosclerosis) was assessed using preoperative lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine.Results:Patient age had weak but significantly negative correlations with both the preoperative JOA score and the JOA score at 2 years after surgery, but did not have a significant correlation with the recovery rate of the JOA score at 2 years postoperatively. The JOA score before surgery, the JOA score at 2-year follow-up, and the recovery rate of the JOA score were slightly lower in the CKD patients than in those without CKD, although there were no significant differences between the 2 groups. On the contrary, the AAC score had a weak but significantly negative correlation with the preoperative JOA score, and had relatively strong and significantly negative correlations with both the JOA score at 2 years after surgery and the recovery rate of the JOA score.Conclusions:At 2 years after surgery, advanced AAC was a significant poor prognostic factor for clinical outcomes of decompression surgery for LSCS.