The Progression and Impact of Vascular Calcification in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract

Background Progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) has been described in hemodialysis patients, and severe CAC has been associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events in this population. Little information is available regarding peritoneal patients. Aim To prospectively evaluate peritoneal dialysis patients in order to identify the variables associated with the rate of CAC progression, as well as to determine the impact that baseline CAC has on clinical outcomes over a 1-year follow-up period. Methods Using multislice coronary tomography, calcium scores were estimated at baseline and after 12 months in 49 peritoneal dialysis patients. Patients with and without CAC progression were compared with respect to clinical characteristics and biochemical variables, including lipid profile, parameters of mineral metabolism, and markers of inflammation. Cardiovascular events, hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality were recorded. Results At baseline, 29 patients (59%) presented CAC and a median calcium score of 234.7 (range 10.3 – 2351) Agatston units. Progression of CAC was observed in 13 patients (43%) who, in comparison with those presenting no CAC progression, were older, presented higher baseline calcium scores, and had higher mean glucose levels, lower mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and more months using low calcium peritoneal solution. We also observed a trend toward more often presenting with a history of hypertension, exhibiting more hyperphosphatemic and hyperglycemic events, and having lower albumin levels. In multiple logistic regression, only baseline calcium score was independently associated with progression of CAC. A shorter cardiovascular event-free time and a trend toward lower survival rates were observed in the group with CAC. Hospitalization event-free time did not differ between the groups. Conclusion Determining CAC provides important prognostic data in peritoneal dialysis patients. Baseline calcium score and disturbances in glucose, mineral, and lipid metabolism were indicative of higher risk of CAC progression in this population.