Gla-Rich Protein Is Associated with Vascular Calcification, Inflammation, and Mineral Markers in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

: Vascular calcification (VC) is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations. However, the specific relationship between VC and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains to be fully understood. The identification of new biomarkers to improve VC diagnosis and monitoring would significantly impact cardiovascular risk management in these high-risk patients.

Peritoneal Protein Loss, Inflammation, and Nutrition: Refuting Myths.

Peritoneal protein loss (PPL) has been correlated with mortality, malnutrition and inflammation. More recently overhydration was brought to the equation. This study aims to review classic and recent factors associated with PPL.

Gla-Rich Protein, Magnesium and Phosphate Associate with Mitral and Aortic Valves Calcification in Diabetic Patients with Moderate CKD.

Accelerated and premature cardiovascular calcification is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Valvular calcification (VC) is a critical indicator of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in this population, lacking validated biomarkers for early diagnosis. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a cardiovascular calcification inhibitor recently associated with vascular calcification, pulse pressure, mineral metabolism markers and kidney function.

Gla-Rich Protein (GRP) as an Early and Novel Marker of Vascular Calcification and Kidney Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients with CKD: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study.

Vascular calcification (VC) is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. New diagnostic/prognostic tools are required for early detection of VC allowing interventional strategies. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a cardiovascular calcification inhibitor, whose clinical utility is here highlighted.

Low Magnesium Levels and FGF-23 Dysregulation Predict Mitral Valve Calcification as well as Intima Media Thickness in Predialysis Diabetic Patients.

Background. Mitral valve calcification and intima media thickness (IMT) are common complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) implicated with high cardiovascular mortality. Objective.

What is the role of apelin regarding cardiovascular risk and progression of renal disease in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy?

Aims: To evaluate the association of different apelin levels with cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization, renal function, and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients with mild to moderate CKD.

Methods: An observational, prospective study involving 150 patients divided into groups according to baseline apelin levels: 1 ≤ 98 pg/mL, 2 = 98-328 pg/mL, and 3 ≥ 329 pg/mL. Baseline characteristics were analyzed and compared.

Phosphorus as an early marker of morbidity and mortality in type 2 chronic kidney disease diabetic patients.

Aims: To evaluate the association of different phosphorus levels with cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations risk in type-2 diabetic patients in phase 3/4 of CKD.

Methods: An observational, prospective study involving 119 patients divided into groups according to baseline phosphorus levels: 1, ≤3.60 mg/dL; 2, 3.

Risk factors for high erythropoiesis stimulating agent resistance index in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients, stages 4 and 5.

Background/aims: Anemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, the erythropoiesis-stimulating agent/hemoglobin level (ESA/Hb) index emerged as a new factor associated with increased morbidity and mortality in this population. In this study, we evaluated the factors that influence the ESA/Hb index in a pre-dialysis CKD population.

Statins and vitamin D: a friendly association in pre-dialysis patients.

The increased mortality rate observed in patients with chronic kidney disease is related to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in this population. Recently, it has been shown that interventional therapy with statins and/or vitamin D could improve the outcomes of these patients. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for mortality in a group of patients with chronic kidney disease (stages 4 and 5--pre-dialysis) and verify whether vitamin D and statins could change the outcome.

Inflammation, homocysteine and carotid intima-media thickness.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic renal patients. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is one of the most accurate markers of atherosclerosis risk. In this study, the authors set out to evaluate a population of chronic renal patients to determine which factors are associated with an increase in intima-media thickness.

Nutritional and inflammatory status influence darbepoetin dose in pre-dialysis elderly patients.

Anaemia is a common finding in elderly patients particularly in those with chronic kidney disease. Effective correction of anaemia improves survival and quality of life. The association between anaemia and a poor nutritional status as well as the presence of inflammation has already been documented.

Anaemia correction in predialysis elderly patients: influence of the antihypertensive therapy on darbepoietin dose.

Anaemia and hypertension are common in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. The correction of anaemia with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) can improve survival and decrease the decline of renal function. Angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (AIIRA) can also slow the progression of renal failure, but the blockade of the renin-angiotensin system can worsen anaemia.

Risk factors for left ventricular hypertrophy: role of Na(+)-Li+ countertransport.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with an increase in cardiovascular death in essential hypertension (EH). The factors involved in LVH are multiple and complex. We looked for risk factors of LVH in a group of 28 nonobese patients with EH (mean age = 45.