FETUIN-A AND OTHER RISK FACTORS IN HD PATIENTS WITH CARDIAC CALCIFICATIONS

Introduction:

Cardiac calcifications are a frequent finding in HD. Fetuin-A and MGLA protein are able to keep in solution calcium phosphate.

Aim:

To evaluate the risk factors of cardiac calcifications and the role of fetuin-A levels in HD pts.

Methods:

120 pts on HD, age 59.1±13.1 years, HD age 63.5±61.8 months, M/F 77/43, were submitted to evaluation of a cardiac calcification score with fast Multilayer Computerized Tomography. Calcium phosphate metabolism, lipid and inflammatory parameters, among which PINI, Fetuin-A and PCR and Hb were measured.

Results:

More than 80% pts had frankly pathologic Score values. Fetuin-A was much lower than normal 0.328±0.11 g/L; NV 0,519±0.15 g/L. Multiregression analysis showed selected age p<0.0001, serum Chol<0.0001, Ca <0.003, Triglycerides <0.033 and HDL <0.059 as variables predictive of log calcium Score, while Fetuin-A was excluded. In addition the coronary calcium Score was correlated to calcitriol IV administration p<0.001. Prealbumin was correlated to Fetuin-A in the MRA, while CPR and PINI were among the excluded variables. In addition Fetuin-A was predictive of Hb concentration.

Conclusion:

Low serum Fetuin-A levels not seems induce cardiac calcifications, which were mainly linked to age, serum calcium and lipid profile. Fetuin-A seem to be linked to inflammatory and nutritional parameters known to affect Hb concentration and atherogenesis.