Thirty-month follow-up of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients: different roles for inflammation and abnormal calcium-phosphorous metabolism?

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is considered a marker of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). The CAC progression and factors that influence it were evaluated during a 30-month period.

Aortic stiffness in patients undergoing hemodialysis is positively related to antigen presenting cell-dependent T-lymphocyte reactivity.

Background: Aortic stiffness is increased in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), and it is associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality. Among others, aortic stiffness has been correlated with serum markers of inflammation, indicating a role of the immune system in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of antigen-presenting cell-dependent T-lymphocyte reactivity on aortic stiffness in HD patients.

The value of computed tomography-derived coronary artery calcification score in coronary artery disease detection in asymptomatic hemodialysis patients.

Background: We evaluated the value of coronary artery calcification (CAC) score in coronary artery disease (CAD) detection in asymptomatic hemodialysis (HD) patients by evaluating the association among CAC score, exercise electrocardiography (EECG), and Thallium-201 dipyridamole scintigraphy. Correlation between aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and CAC score was also evaluated.

Methods: CAC score was assessed with conventional computed tomography in 40 patients.

Effect of 1-year oral alpha-tocopherol administration on anticardiolipin antibodies in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) have been related to an increased incidence of thrombotic episodes and atherosclerosis progression. ACA levels are elevated in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Atheroembolic episodes are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in this population.