Aortic Arch Calcification and Bone-Associated Molecules in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background/Aims: Aortic arch calcification (AoAC) is a fatal complication in dialysis. AoAC progression-related molecules in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) remain unclear. Methods: AoAC was estimated using plain chest radiography scoring (AoACS) in 30 CAPD patients (age 49.3 +/- 13.4 years). AoAC progression was defined as increased AoACS on follow-up chest X-ray at the end of the study (progressors). Fibroblast growth factor-23 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured. Results: Median follow-up was 38.5 months. Progressors were older, had shorter PD vintage, higher body mass index, and higher serum OPG levels (255.6 +/- 109.2 pg/mL) than nonprogressors (183.4 +/- 68.2 pg/mL; p = 0.0400). Progressors also showed higher pulse pressure (62.4 +/- 20.0 mm Hg) and pulse wave velocity (1,909.9 +/- 310.6 cm/s) than nonprogressors (48.5 +/- 13.6 mm Hg; p = 0.0030 and 1,390.1 +/- 252.8 cm/s; p = 0.0005, respectively). Conclusion: AoAC progression was associated with increased aortic stiffness. OPG may be associated with AoAC progression in CAPD. (c) 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.