Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 is a Predictor of Aortic Artery Calcification in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with elevated plasma FGF23 (cFGF23) levels in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and to determine whether plasma FGF23 level is related to aortic artery calcification (AAC). Methods: This study included 120 MHD patients and 20 controls. The FGF23 level was measured using a C-terminal assay and AAC was detected by a lateral lumbar X-ray plain. Results: Plasma FGF23 levels were significantly higher among dialysis patients compared to controls: FGF23 level of 27691.42 +/- 55646.41 RU/mL in MHD patients versus 49.89 +/- 23.94 RU/mL in health people. Significant correlations were observed between FGF23 levels and vintage, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum phosphate, total calcium, 25(OH) D, urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (SCR). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the independent parameters associated with FGF23 level were serum phosphate, total calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), SCR, and prealbumin. There were 73 patients (60.83%) with visible calcification in the abdominal aorta. Bivariate analysis showed that AAC score correlated with FGF23, phosphate, total calcium, vintage, age, and diastolic blood pressure. Forward logistic analysis showed that the independent parameters associated with AAC were age, total protein, and Lg FGF23. Conclusion: Plasma FGF23 level is significant increased in hemodialysis patients and is independently associated with AAC.