Aortic Calcification In Patients Research Articles

#82 Serum zinc level is associated with aortic arch calcification in patients with incident dialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Aortic calcification is one of predictors of cardiovascular (CVD) events. Several studies show association between zinc deficiency and aortic calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there are few studies in patients with advanced CKD. Therefore, we investigated associations between serum zinc (s-Zn) levels and aortic arch calcification (AAC) in patients with incident dialysis. Method We analyzed data from 776 consecutive patients with CKD who started dialysis at our hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. We excluded 71 patients who were supplemented with zinc or who were not measured laboratory data including serum zinc at the time of dialysis initiation. AAC is graded from 0 (no calcification) to 3 on chest X-ray, as follows: grade 0, no visible calcification; grade 1, < 50% calcification in the arch; grade 2, > 50% calcification; grade 3, circumferential calcification. We defined grade 2 or 3 as severe calcification. Results The median s-Zn levels were 51, 47 and 44 μg/dL in patients with grade 0, 1 and 2-3 on AAC, respectively (p < 0.0001). The optimal cutoff value for s-Zn levels was 48 μg/dL in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis. In multivariate analysis, low s-Zn level (s-Zn < 48 μg/dL) was independently associated with AAC [OR 2.36 (95% CI 1.55–3.60), p < 0.0001)], especially with severe AAC [OR 4.59 (95% CI 2.46–8.59), p < 0.0001)]. Addition to s-Zn level in a model with established factors on AAC improved the C-index (0.812 to 0.824, p = 0.0181), net reclassification improvement (NRI) (0.397, p < 0.0001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) (0.020, p < 0.0001). More robust findings for the C-index (0.856 to 0.878, p = 0.0077), NRI (0.591, p < 0.0001) and IDI (0.045, p < 0.0001) were observed on severe AAC. Conclusion Low s-Zn level was independently associated with severity of AAC, also in patients with incident dialysis.

Predictive factors of thoracic aortic calcification in patients candidate for cardiac surgery

BackgroundThe presence of the severe thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) in cardiac surgery patients is associated with adverse post-operative outcome. However, the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and aortic plaque burden remains unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive factors of TAC in patients candidate for cardiac surgery.MethodsPatients who underwent thoracic CT scan prior to cardiac surgery between August 2020 to April 2021 were included. Of 556 patients, 209 (36.7%) had a thoracic aortic calcium score (TACS) ≥ 400 mm [3] and were compare with the remaining patients. Predictors of severe TAC were assessed through stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe patients with TACS ≥ 400 had a higher mean age (67.3 ± 7.1 vs. 55.7 ± 10.6; p < 0.001) with a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus (40.7% vs. 30.8%; p = 0.018), dyslipidemia (49.8% vs. 38.6%; p = 0.010), hypertension (60.8% vs. 44.7%; p < 0.001), opium addiction (18.2% vs. 11.2%; p = 0.023), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (7.7% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.005) as compared with TACS < 400. The multiple determinants of TAC were PVD (OR = 2.86) followed by opium addiction, diabetes and age.ConclusionsThoracic CT scan prior to cardiac surgery for patients with older age, diabetes, opium addiction and PVD is recommended. Our study could serve as a foundation for future research endeavors aimed at establishing a risk score for TAC.

Abdominal aortic calcification in patients newly diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia.

Although atherosclerosis is likely to be involved in the development of arterial thrombotic events in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) has rarely been investigated. We evaluated the prevalence and clinical relevance of AAC at the time of ET diagnosis. This retrospective study included patients newly diagnosed with ET who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) at the time of diagnosis between January 2002 and December 2021 at Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea. CT images were reviewed and an aortic calcification score was assigned. Of the 94 patients (median age, 62 yr; range, 18‒90 yr), AAC was detected in 62 (66.0%). AAC was most commonly mild (33.0%), followed by moderate (22.7%) and severe (5.3%). Old age [odds ratio (OR), 34.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 12.32‒95.91; P＜0.001] was an independent risk factor for AAC. The patients with AAC had a higher WBC count (11.8±4.7 vs. 9.7±2.9×109/L, P=0.017), higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (4.3±2.7 vs. 3.1±1.5, P=0.039), and higher JAK2V617F positivity (81.5% vs. 58.8%, P=0.020) compared to those without AAC. AAC was an independent risk factor for arterial thrombotic vascular events that occurred before or at diagnosis of ET (OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.11‒15.85; P=0.034). AAC is common in patients with ET and is associated with arterial thrombotic events.

Zinc and Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Patients under Regular Hemodialysis

Zinc and Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Patients under Regular Hemodialysis

Relationship between serum parathyroid hormone levels and abdominal aortic calcification in patients starting hemodialysis who have never taken calcium tablets, calcitriol, or vitamin D analogs

Background Vascular calcification (VC) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) are important causes of the high incidence of cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and VC is very complex. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between PTH levels and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in patients starting hemodialysis who had not received calcium tablets, calcium-containing phosphorus binders, calcitriol, or vitamin D analogs. Methods Seventy-one patients were included. Latero-lateral X-ray lumbar radiography, serum intact PTH (iPTH) levels, and predialysis biochemical parameters were obtained. The degree of AAC was evaluated according to the methods described previously by Kauppila et al. Results We found that there was a strong negative correlation between serum PTH and AAC (Spearman’s rho −0.76, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that low serum PTH level could predict the presence and extent of AAC (area under the curve values were 0.9013 [p < 0.0001] and 0.780 [p = 0.0041], respectively). Conclusions Our results indicate that serum PTH level is significantly negatively correlated with AAC within a certain concentration range in patients starting hemodialysis who had not received calcium tablets, calcium-containing phosphorus binders, calcitriol, or vitamin D analogs.

Abdominal aortic calcification in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: does anti-tumor necrosis factor α use protect from chronic inflammation-induced atherosclerosis?

Abdominal aortic calcium (AAC) deposition has been suggested as a marker of early atherosclerosis. There is no published data on the evaluation of AAC in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AAC was quantified by computed tomography or enterography scans performed in 98 IBD patients and 1:1 age and sex matched controls. AAC deposition was correlated with IBD characteristics, disease activity or severity parameters, laboratory tests and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Moderate-severe grade of AAC was found in 35.7% of IBD patients compared to 30.6% of controls (P= 0.544). IBD with CVD and ulcerative colitis patients had significantly higher rates of more severe atherosclerotic lesions (P= 0.001 and P= 0.01, respectively). AAC deposition was similarly distributed in age groups ( < 45, 45-64, and ≥ 65 years) among patients and controls. Multivariate analysis after excluding CVD risk confounders for non-CVD patients found extensive disease (P= 0.019) and lifetime steroids (P= 0.04) as independent risk factors for AAC. Anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) use was negatively associated with AAC deposition in non-CVD IBD patients (odds ratio, 0.023; 95% confidence interval, 0.001-0.594; P= 0.023). More than one-third of IBD patients have moderate to severe AAC. Better control of inflammation with anti-TNF-α agents seems to protect IBD patients from ACC deposition and subsequent atherosclerosis.

Galectin-3 and abdominal aortic calcification in patients on hemodialysis.

Galectin-3 and abdominal aortic calcification in patients on hemodialysis.

Twelve months of exercise training did not halt abdominal aortic calcification in patients with CKD \u2013 a sub-study of RENEXC-a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundArteriosclerosis is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our aims were to investigate (1) the effects of 12 months of either balance- or strength- both in combination with endurance training on abdominal aortic calcification (AAC); on some lipids and calcific- and inflammatory markers; and (2) the relationships between the change in AAC score and these markers in non-dialysis dependent patients with CKD stages 3 to 5.MethodsOne hundred twelve patients (mean age 67 ± 13 years), who completed 12 months of exercise training; comprising either balance- or strength training, both in combination with endurance training; with a measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) 22.6 ± 8 mL/min/1.73m2, were included in this study. AAC was evaluated with lateral lumbar X-ray using the scoring system described by Kauppila. Plasma fetuin-A, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and interleukin 6 (IL6) were measured with Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.ResultsAfter 12 months of exercise training, the AAC score increased significantly in both groups; mGFR and lipoprotein (a) decreased significantly in both groups; parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25(OH)2D3 increased significantly only in the strength group; fetuin-A increased significantly only in the balance group. Plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, FGF23, phosphate, calcium, IL6, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin were unchanged. The increase in AAC score was positively related to ageing and the levels of baseline triglycerides and lipoprotein (a).ConclusionsExercise training did not prevent the progression of AAC; it might have contributed to the reduced levels of lipoprotein (a) and unchanged levels of calcific- and inflammatory markers in these patients with non-dialysis dependent CKD. Hypertriglyceridemia, high levels of lipoprotein (a) and ageing emerged as longitudinal predictors of vascular calcification in these patients.Trial registrationNCT02041156 at www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Date of registration: January 20, 2014. Retrospectively registered.

Role of Advanced Glycation End Products on Aortic Calcification in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). This was a prospective cross-sectional study. One-hundred and four consecutive patients with DM2 were given lateral lumbar X-rays in order to quantify abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). Circulating levels of AGEs and classical cardiovascular risk factors were determined. Clinical history was also registered. Patients with higher AGEs values had higher grades of aortic calcification and higher numbers of diabetic-related complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being older, male and having high levels of AGEs and triglycerides were the independent risk factors associated to moderate-severe AAC when compared to no-mild AAC. Our results suggest that AGEs plays a role in the pathogenesis of aortic calcifications. In addition, the measurement of AGEs levels may be useful for assessing the severity of AAC in the setting of diabetic complications.

A0996 Downregulated serum 14, 15-EET is associated with abdominal aortic calcification in patients with primary aldosteronism

Objectives: To investigate the association between 14, 15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14, 15-EET) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in patients with Patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). Methods: 14, 15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (14, 15-DHET), the inactive metabolite from 14, 15-EET, was estimated to reflect serum 14, 15-EET levels. AAC was assessed by computed tomographic scanning. Results: Compared with matched controls, the AAC prevalence was almost one-fold higher in patients with PA [27 (39.1%) vs. 14 (20.3%), P = 0.023], accompanied by significantly higher serum 14, 15-DHET levels [(7.18 ± 4.98) vs. (3.50 ± 2.07) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. Plasma aldosterone concentration was positively associated with 14, 15-DHET (β = 0.444, P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that lower 14, 15-DHET was an independent risk factor for AAC in PA (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.371 [1.145–1.640], P < 0.001), especially in young patients with mild hypertension and normal body mass index. Conclusion: In conclusion, PA patients exhibited more severe AAC, accompanied by higher serum 14, 15-DHET levels. On the other hand, decreased 14, 15-EET was significantly associated with AAC prevalence in PA patients, especially in those at low cardiovascular risk.

A4371 Association between antipsychotic drugs and aortic calcification in patients with schizophrenia

Objectives: Schizophrenia patients with long-term of antipsychotic drugs (APD) treatment have been demonstrated to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Aortic calcification (AC) is a significant predictor for future cardiovascular risk. However, the relationship between APD treatment and AC has not been previously investigated in patients with schizophrenia.Thus, we aimed to elucidate the association between APD treatment and AC. Methods: All 67 patients diagnosed as schizophrenia were divided into defferent groups according to APD usage in this study. AC indexes were evaluated via chest X-rays and medical histories were provided by patients and their relatives. Blood samples and ECG results were also collected. Results: In patients with second generation APD (SGA) treatment, accumulated APD treatment was higher than patients treated with first generation (1.77 ± 0.45 vs 1.28 ± 0.46, P = 0.003), while no difference of calcification index between two groups was detected. Correlation analysis revealed that calcification index was negatively related to accumulated SGA treatment (r = −0.431, P = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that accumulated SGA treatment was the major factor for the reduction of calcification index (B = −0.268, P = 0.019), while age was the main risk factor for AC (B = 0.427, P < 0.001). Further mediation analysis revealed that dosage of SGA might be one of the major factor, partially depending on age. Conclusion: Accumulation of SGA treatment was associated with AC in patients with schizophrenia. Further research aimed at understanding the relationship between APD treatment and AC is warranted.

Proton pump inhibitor as an independent factor of progression of abdominal aortic calcification in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

BackgroundsProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be associated with vascular calcification in patients undergoing dialysis through hypomagnesemia. However, only few studies have demonstrated the influence of PPIs on vascular calcification in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed to investigate whether the use of PPIs accelerates vascular calcification in patients on HD.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated 200 HD patients who underwent regular blood tests and computed tomography (CT) between 2016 and 2017. The abdominal aortic calcification index (ACI) was measured using abdominal CT. The difference in the ACI values between 2016 and 2017 was evaluated as ΔACI. Patients were divided into PPI and non-PPI groups, and variables, such as patient background, medication, laboratory data, and ΔACI were compared. Factors independently associated with higher ΔACI progression (≥ third tertile value of ΔACI in this study) were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe PPI and non-PPI groups had 112 (56%) and 88 (44%) patients, respectively. Median and third tertile value of ΔACIs were 4.2% and 5.8%, respectively. Serum magnesium was significantly lower in the PPI (2.1 mg/dL) than in the non-PPI (2.3 mg/dL) group (P <0.001). Median ΔACI was significantly higher in the PPI (5.0%) than in the non-PPI (3.8%) group (P = 0.009). A total of 77 (39%) patients had a higher ΔACI. Multivariate analysis revealed that PPIs (odds ratio = 2.23; 95% confidence interval = 1.11–4.49), annual mean calcium phosphorus product, ACI in 2016, baseline serum magnesium levels, and HD vintage were independent factors associated with higher ΔACI progression after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionPPI use may accelerate vascular calcification in patients on HD. Further studies are necessary to elucidate their influence on vascular calcification.

The relationship between poor nutritional status and progression of aortic calcification in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

BackgroundAlthough aortic calcification has a significant negative impact on prognosis in patients on hemodialysis (HD), risk factors for aortic calcification progression remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between malnutrition and aortic calcification progression in patients on HD.MethodsBetween April 2015 and October 2016, we treated 232 patients on HD. Of those, we retrospectively evaluated data from 184 patients who had had regular blood tests and computed tomography (CT) scans. The abdominal aortic calcification index (ACI) was quantitatively measured by abdominal CT. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). A normalized treatment ratio of functional urea clearance was evaluated by Kt/V. The difference in ACI values between 2015 and 2016 was evaluated as a ΔACI, and patients were stratified into two groups according to ΔACI value: high (≥75th percentile, ΔACI-high group) and low (<75th percentile, ΔACI-low group). Variables such as age, sex, comorbidities, dialysis vintage, serum data, and GNRI were compared between ΔACI-high and ΔACI-low patients. Factors independently associated with a higher ΔACI progression (ΔACI ≥75th percentile) were determined using multivariate logistic analysis.ResultsMedian values of ACIs in 2015 and 2016 were 40.8 and 44.6%, respectively. Of 184 patients, 125 (68%) patients experienced ACI progression for 1 year. The median ΔACI and 75th percentile of ΔACI were 2.5% and 5.8%, respectively. The number of patients in the ΔACI-low and ΔACI-high groups were 128 (70%) and 56 (30%), respectively. There were significant differences in sex, presence of diabetic nephropathy, HD vintage, serum albumin, serum phosphate, C-reactive protein, intact parathyroid hormone, Kt/V, and GNRI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that independent factors associated with a higher ΔACI progression were male sex, serum phosphate levels, HD vintage, and GNRI of < 90.ConclusionsOur results suggest that poor nutritional status is an independent risk factor for the progression of aortic calcification. Nutrition management may have the potential to improve progression of aortic calcification in patients on HD.Trial registrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000028050.

Downregulated Serum 14, 15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid Is Associated With Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism

Patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) have increased risk of target-organ damage, among which vascular calcification is an important indicator of cardiovascular mortality. 14, 15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14, 15-EET) has been shown to have beneficial effects in vascular remodeling. However, whether 14, 15-EET associates with vascular calcification in PA is unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between 14, 15-EET and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in patients with PA. Sixty-nine patients with PA and 69 controls with essential hypertension, matched for age, sex, and blood pressure, were studied. 14, 15-Dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (14, 15-DHET), the inactive metabolite from 14, 15-EET, was estimated to reflect serum 14, 15-EET levels. AAC was assessed by computed tomographic scanning. Compared with matched controls, the AAC prevalence was almost 1-fold higher in patients with PA (27 [39.1%] versus 14 [20.3%]; P=0.023), accompanied by significantly higher serum 14, 15-DHET levels (7.18±4.98 versus 3.50±2.07 ng/mL; P<0.001). Plasma aldosterone concentration was positively associated with 14, 15-DHET (β=0.444; P<0.001). Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that lower 14, 15-DHET was an independent risk factor for AAC in PA (odds ratio, 1.371; 95% confidence interval, 1.145-1.640; P<0.001), especially in young patients with mild hypertension and normal body mass index. In conclusion, PA patients exibited more severe AAC, accompanied by higher serum 14, 15-DHET levels. On the contrary, decreased 14, 15-EET was significantly associated with AAC prevalence in PA patients, especially in those at low cardiovascular risk.

Colon cancer laterality is associated with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

Primary right-sided colon cancer (RCC) is associated with a higher mortality than left-sided colon cancer (LCC), but the etiology of this phenomenon remains unclear. We sought to study whether cancer laterality is associated with the prevalence of clinical coronary artery disease, calcific atherosclerosis as measured by computed tomography (CT), and cardiovascular risk factors. We conducted a single center retrospective study of 546 participants who had previously been diagnosed with colon cancer between January 2005 and December 2014. The presence of coronary and aortic calcifications was assessed by CT in 486 of these patients. We examined the prevalence of clinical cardiovascular disease (CAD) (prior myocardial infarction or revascularization), comorbidities, coronary and aortic calcification in patients with RCC (n=261) and LCC (n=285). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the likelihood of clinical CAD and calcific atherosclerosis by cancer laterality. Compared to patients with LCC, patients with RCC were more likely to have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism and clinical CAD. In the patients with available CT scans, RCC was associated with higher prevalence of coronary, thoracic, and abdominal calcifications than LCC. On univariate and multivariate analyses, RCC was associated with higher likelihood of clinical CAD (adjusted risk ratio 2.15, 95% CI, 1.37-3.38, P=0.001) as well as radiological evidence of calcific atherosclerosis compared to LCC. we found that both clinical CAD and vascular calcifications are prevalent in patients with colon cancer, and are independently increased in patients with RCC compared to LCC.

Aortic Calcification Progression in Heterozygote Familial Hypercholesterolemia

BackgroundPatients with homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) develop severe aortic calcifications in an age- and gene dosage-dependent manner. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of progression of aortic calcification in patients with HeFH. MethodsWe performed thoracoabdominal computed tomography scans and quantified aortic calcium (AoCa) score in 16 HeFH patients, all with the null low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor DEL15Kb mutation. Patients (12 men, 4 women) were rescanned an average of 8.2 ± 0.8 years after the first scan. ResultsMean LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) during treatment was 2.53 mmol/L; all patients were receiving high-dose statin/ezetimibe; 5 of 16 were receiving evolocumab. Baseline LDL-C was 7.6 ± 1.3 mmol/L. Aortic calcifications increased in all patients in an exponential fashion with respect to age. Age was the strongest correlate of AoCa score. Cholesterol, LDL-C, or age × cholesterol did not correlate with AoCa score or its progression. Control patients (n = 31; 8 male, 23 female; mean age 61 ± 11 years) who underwent virtual colonoscopy were rescanned over the same period and showed an abdominal AoCa score of 1472 ± 2489 compared with 7916 ± 7060 Agatston U (P < 0.001) in patients with HeFH during treatment (mean age, 60 ± 14 years). The rate of progression was 159 vs 312 Agatston U/y in control participants vs those with HeFH. ConclusionsHeFH patients exhibit accelerated aortic calcification that increases exponentially with age. LDL-C at baseline or during treatment seems to have little effect on the rate of progression of AoCa score. Strategies to prevent aortic calcifications with statins have not met with clinical success and novel approaches are required; statins might also contribute to the process of arterial calcification.

Ten-year progression of coronary artery, carotid artery, and aortic calcification in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased vascular calcification, although the rate of progress of calcification is uncertain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the progression of and the predictors for calcification in different vascular beds over 10years. The 10-year actual coronary calcium score (CS) and 10-year predicted coronary CS, based on the pattern of the general population, were compared. Calcification of the coronary and carotid artery and the aorta was assessed by multi-detector computed tomography. Significant CS progression was determined by the difference between the square root of baseline and square root of follow-up calcium score (i.e., SQRT method). The 10-year predicted coronary CS was based on the mathematical formula derived by the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. A total of 49 patients (54±11years, 90% female) had a follow-up scan after 10.0±0.2years. The CS in all vascular beds was significantly increased; 55% of the patients had a significant progression of CS in the coronary, 29% in the carotid, and 80% in the aorta. Age and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were independently associated with calcification progression in all vascular beds. Importantly, the absolute increase in 10-year actual coronary CS was significantly higher than that predicted. In patients with RA, calcification in all vascular beds significantly increased over 10years and was independently associated with age and SBP. Importantly, the absolute increase in 10-year actual coronary CS progression was significantly higher than that predicted.

High prevalence of abdominal aortic calcification in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism as evaluated by Kauppila score.

The prevalence of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is unknown. We assessed both prevalence and severity of AAC in PHPT postmenopausal women. In this study 70 PHPT postmenopausal women and 70 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Each participant underwent biochemical evaluation, lateral spine radiograph, bone mineral density (BMD) measurement (lumbar, femoral, radial sites), and kidney ultrasound. Lateral lumbar films were analyzed in the region of L1-L4 vertebrae and the Kauppila score (a semi-quantitative grading system) was used to assess the severity of AAC. There were no differences regarding demographic and cardiovascular risk factors in the two groups. PHPT patients had higher prevalence of kidney stones (30% vs 7%, P=0.0008) and lower radial BMD values (0.558±0.071 vs 0.588±0.082 g/cm(2), P<0.05) compared with controls. PHPT patients showed higher prevalence of AAC (31 vs 18, P=0.03), with more severe calcifications (Kauppila score 7.35±6.1 vs 5.05±3.5, P=0.007). PHPT patients with AAC were older and had been suffering from the disease for a longer period compared with those without ACC. Moreover, PHPT patients with severe AAC had mean higher serum parathyroid hormone levels compared with patients with moderate or mild calcifications. In PHPT patients with AAC, multiple regression analysis, adjusted for age and years since diagnosis, showed that only parathyroid hormone significantly correlated with Kauppila score. We found a higher prevalence and severity of AAC in PHPT related to parathyroid hormone effect.

Abdominal aortic calcification in patients with CKD

BackgroundAbdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is independently associated with cardiovascular events in dialysis patients and in the general population. However, data in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are limited. We analyzed determinants and prognostic value of AAC in non-dialysis CKD patients.MethodsWe included patients with CKD not receiving renal replacement therapy from the MASTERPLAN study, a randomized controlled trial that started in 2004. In the period 2008–2009, an X-ray to evaluate AAC was performed in a subgroup of patients. We studied AAC using a semi-quantitative scoring system by lateral lumbar X-ray. We used baseline and 2-year data to find determinants of AAC. We used a composite cardiovascular endpoint and propensity score matching to evaluate the prognostic value of AAC.ResultsIn 280 patients an X-ray was performed. In 79 patients (28 %) the X-ray showed no calcification, in 62 patients (22 %) calcification was minor (<4), while 139 patients (50 %) had moderate or heavy calcification (≥4). Older age, prior cardiovascular disease, higher triglyceride levels, and higher phosphate levels were independent determinants of a calcification score ≥4. AAC score ≥4 was independently associated with cardiovascular events, with a hazard ratio of 5.5 (95 % confidence interval 1.2–24.8).ConclusionsAssessment of AAC can identify CKD patients at higher cardiovascular risk, and may provide important information for personalized treatment. Whether this approach will ultimately translate into better outcomes remains to be answered.

Protective Effect of Myo-Inositol Hexaphosphate (Phytate) on Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physiological levels of myo-inositol hexaphosphate (phytate) and cardiovascular (CV) calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted from December 2012 to June2013. Sixty-nine consecutive patients with CKD who were not undergoing renal replacement therapy. All subjects were given lateral lumbar X-rays to quantify abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). Clinical laboratory analyses and phytate food frequency questionnaires were also performed. Phytate urinary excretion, estimated phytate consumption (based on food frequency questionnaire) and AAC score. Patients were divided into two groups based on median abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) score: no/mild AAC (AAC≤6, n=35) and moderate/severe AAC (AAC>6, n=34). Patients with no/mild AAC were younger, had lower pulse pressure, greater dietary intake of phytate, greater urinary phytate and the prevalence of prior CV disease was significantly lower compared to patients with moderate/severe AAC. Among the top 10 phytate-rich foods, lentil consumption was significantly greater in patients with no/mild AAC than in those with moderate/severe AAC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, prior CV disease, urinary phytate (or lentil consumption) were independently associated to AAC. Our results suggest that adequate consumption of phytate can prevent AAC in patients with CKD. Further prospective studies must be performed to elucidate the benefits of a phytate-rich diet and the associated risk of phosphorus bioavailability in these patients.