Abdominal Aortic Calcifications Predict Survival in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Background: Peripheral arterial disease and vascular calcifications contribute significantly to the outcome of dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of severity of abdominal aortic calcifications and peripheral arterial disease on outcome of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using methods easily available in everyday clinical practice.

Methods: We enrolled 249 PD patients (mean age 61 years, 67% male) in this prospective, observational, multicenter study from 2009 to 2013.

Bone histomorphometry and indicators of bone and mineral metabolism in wait-listed dialysis patients.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between bone histomorphometry and bone volume measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in wait-listed dialysis patients. Further, the circulating markers of mineral metabolism and bone turnover were compared.

Material And Methods: Bone biopsies were performed on 61 wait-listed dialysis patients.

Abdominal aortic calcification in dialysis patients: results of the CORD study.

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 have a high prevalence of vascular calcification, but the specific anatomical distribution and severity of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), in contrast to coronary calcification, is less well documented. AAC may be recorded using plain radiographs. The present report is an analysis of baseline data on AAC in patients enrolled in the CORD (Calcification Outcome in Renal Disease) study.

Serum lipids in relation to sciatica among Finns.

Objectives: Atherosclerosis of arteries supplying the lumbar region has been suggested as a mechanism leading to intervertebral disc degeneration and sciatica. The study described here examined whether serum lipid levels or pharmacologically treated hyperlipidemia were associated with sciatica.

Methods: A nationally representative sample (n=8028) of Finns aged 30 years or over was interviewed and examined.

MR aortography and serum cholesterol levels in patients with long-term nonspecific lower back pain.

Study Design: A cross-sectional analysis of the feeding arteries of the lumbar spine and cholesterol levels on patients with long-term nonspecific lower back pain.

Objectives: To evaluate whether occlusion of lumbar and middle sacral arteries or serum cholesterol levels are associated with lower back pain and/or with disc degeneration.

Summary Of Background Data: Atherosclerosis in the wall of the abdominal aorta usually develops at the ostia of branching arteries and the bifurcation, and may obliterate orifices of lumbar and middle sacral arteries.