Background: Mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients remains unacceptably high compared with that of the general population and despite the continuous improvement of dialysis techniques. This study aimed to assess the role of alkaline phosphatase serum levels on cardiovascular and overall mortality in the RISCAVID study cohort through a long follow-up period, looking for associations with known risk factors for poor outcome.
Methods: In June 2004, a prospective observational study was started focusing on the cardiovascular risk in hemodialysis patients who lived in the north-west area of Tuscany (RISCAVID, "RISchio CArdiovascolare nei pazienti afferenti all'Area Vasta In Dialisi").