Evaluation of the coronary circulation and calcification in children on regular hemodialysis.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the coronary circulation and calcification in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis.

Methods: A total of 50 children with ESRD and 50 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Cardiac functions and coronary blood flow were evaluated with conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was evaluated using high-resolution multidetector computed tomography (CT).

Results: The hyperemic coronary flow volume (CFV) and coronary flow reserve were significantly lower in the patient group than in the controls, while there was no significant difference in the baseline CFV between the two groups. Hypertension was present in 60% and CAC was observed in 20% of the children in the patient group. CAC was present in 30% of the children in the hypertensive subgroup. The left ventricle myocardial performance index (LV MPI), CAC score, duration of hypertension and level of diastolic blood pressure were independent predictors of the coronary blood flow, and LV MPI, serum parathyroid hormone, duration of dialysis and E'/A' mitral valve were independent predictors of coronary calcification.

Conclusion: High diastolic blood pressure, long duration of hypertension, high LV MPI and increased CAC scores are independent risk factors for impaired coronary blood flow in children with ESRD.