Impact of coronary calcification assessed by coronary CT angiography on treatment decision in patients with three-vessel CAD: insights from SYNTAX III trial

 Open in a separate windowOBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to determine Syntax scores based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and to assess whether heavy coronary calcification significantly limits the CCTA evaluation and the impact of severe calcification on heart team’s treatment decision and procedural planning in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) with or without left main disease.METHODSSYNTAX III was a multicentre, international study that included patients with three-vessel CAD with or without left main disease. The heart teams were randomized to either assess coronary arteries with coronary CCTA or ICA. We stratified the patients based on the presence of at least 1 lesion with heavy calcification defined as arc of calcium >180° within the lesion using CCTA. Agreement on the anatomical SYNTAX score and treatment decision was compared between patients with and without heavy calcifications.RESULTSOverall, 222 patients with available CCTA and ICA were included in this trial subanalysis (104 with heavy calcification, 118 without heavy calcification). The mean difference in the anatomical SYNTAX score (CCTA derived—ICA derived) was lower in patients without heavy calcifications [mean (−1.96 SD; +1.96 SD) = 1.5 (−19.3; 22.4) vs 5.9 (−17.5; +29.3), P = 0.004]. The agreement on treatment decision did not differ between patients with (Cohen’s kappa 0.79) or without coronary calcifications (Cohen’s kappa 0.84). The agreement on the treatment planning did not differ between patients with (concordance 80.3%) or without coronary calcifications (concordance 82.8%).CONCLUSIONSAn overall good correlation between CCTA- and ICA-derived Syntax score was found. The presence of heavy coronary calcification moderately influenced the agreement between CCTA and ICA on the anatomical SYNTAX score. However, agreement on the treatment decision and planning was high and irrespective of the presence of calcified lesions.     

甲状旁腺切除术对终末期肾脏疾病患者冠状动脉钙化的影响

目的 评价甲状旁腺切除术(PTX)对终末期肾脏疾病(ESRD)患者冠状动脉钙化(CAC)的影响.方法 收集2008年1月至2009年5月我院30例行PTX的ESRD患者资料,对患者进行多层螺旋CT扫描,再根据Agaston方法计算CAC积分,比较存在CAC者手术前、后CAC积分.比较患者手术前、后甲状旁腺素、血钙、血磷...     

肾移植排斥反应时血浆骨桥蛋白水平的变化及意义

目的 探讨肾移植排斥反应时血浆骨桥蛋白( OPN)水平的变化及意义.方法 对46例肾移植受者的临床资料及生物样本进行回顾性分析.根据移植肾组织学检查结果,46例受者被分为3组:移植肾功能稳定,且移植肾组织学检查未显示有排斥反应证据者16例,为非排斥组;移植肾组织学检查证实有急性细胞性排斥反应者22例,为急排组;移植肾组织学检查证实为慢性移植肾肾病(CAN)者8例,为慢排组.另以6名亲属活体供者作为对照组.于移植肾组织样本采集前抽取外周血,用人OPN酶联免疫吸附试验检测试剂盒测定血浆OPN水平,参照Banff 03标准对排斥反应进行分级.结果 对照组血浆OPN水平为(12.23±5.95)μg/L,非排斥组稍高,为(19.38±8.23)μg/L,两组间的差异无统计学意义( P＞0.05);慢排组血浆OPN水平为(27.77±12.27)μg/L,与非排斥组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);急排组血浆OPN水平为(41.84±18.51)μg/L,与非排斥组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),与慢排组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P＜0.05).急排组血浆OPN水平与排斥反应的级别具有正相关性(r=0.87,P＜0.05),发生Ⅰa级排斥反应和Ⅱb级排斥反应者间血浆OPN水平的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 血浆OPN水平变化与急性排斥反应关系密切,其水平高低与排斥反应的级别呈正相关,可以作为诊断移植肾急性细胞性排斥反应、评估其严重程度的一个辅助指标.     

血液透析患者冠状动脉钙化的危险因素

目的 研究血液透析患者冠状动脉钙化情况,并分析其相关危险因素.方法 选择行血液透析治疗的患者201例,横断面调查所有患者血红蛋白、透析前后血清钙、血清磷、血清钾、尿素氮、肌酐、全段甲状旁腺激素、总蛋白、白蛋白、总胆固醇、甘油三酯、C反应蛋白、血清铁、铁蛋白、总铁结合力和冠状动脉钙化情况,分析冠状动脉钙化相关危险因素.结果 201例血液透析患者中发生冠状动脉钙化137例,总钙化发生率为68.2％.冠状动脉钙化组与无钙化组比较,年龄、性别、高血压、糖尿病、收缩压、脉压差、血钾、血磷、Kt/V及腰臀比差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).年龄、透析龄、性别、收缩压、脉压差、血钾、血磷为冠状动脉钙化的独立危险因素(P＜0.05);Kt/V为冠状动脉钙化的独立保护因素(P＜0.05).结论 血液透析患者冠状动脉钙化的发生率偏高;年龄、透析龄、性别、收缩压、脉压差、血钾、血磷为冠状动脉钙化的独立危险因素;Kt/V为冠状动脉钙化的独立保护因素.     

Tight relations between coronary calcification and atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid artery in chronic dialysis patients

Aim: Both vascular calcification and atherosclerosis are highly prevalent in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and have been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity. Because those two phenomena might be only coincidentally related in chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients, in this study, coronary artery calcification (CAC), common carotid artery intima media thickness (CCA‐IMT) and thickness of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery were simultaneously measured. Methods: In a cross‐sectional study of 47 HD patients (31 male, mean age 56.8 ± 11.4 years, and 16 female, mean age 56.0 ± 7.5 years) without history of major cardiovascular complications. CCA‐IMT and presence and thickness of atherosclerotic plaques were measured with ultrasound and CAC with multidetector computed tomography. Results: The CAC were present in 70.2% of patients. The mean CAC was 1055 ± 232, the mean CCA‐IMT was 0.96 ± 0.21. The atherosclerotic plaques in the common carotid arteries were visualized in 38 patients (80.1%), the mean thickness of the atherosclerotic plaque was 1.61 ± 0.8 mm. We found a significant positive correlation between CAC and CCA‐IMT (r = 0.70, P < 0.001). The thickness of atherosclerosis plaque positively correlated with CAC as well as with CCA‐IMT (r = 0.60, P < 0.001 and r = 0.7, P < 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The study revealed close relationships between CAC, intima media thickness and the thickness of atherosclerotic plaques in dialysis patients. It may indicate that both vascular calcification and atherosclerotic lesions frequently coexist in patients with ESRD and that the intima media thickness could serve as a surrogate marker of vascular calcification.     

成纤维细胞生长因子23与慢性肾脏病中晚期患者冠状动脉钙化的关系

目的 探讨慢性肾脏病（CKD）中晚期患者血成纤维细胞生长因子23（FGF23）水平与冠状动脉钙化的关系。 方法 2010年4月至12月我院肾脏科病房、腹透中心、血透中心的CKD非透析（CKD 3~5期）、腹膜透析和血液透析患者共150例为对象;年龄、性别匹配的25例健康体检者为对照。收集患者临床和相关生化指标资料。采用酶联免疫法测定血清全段FGF23水平。对入选患者进行冠脉多层螺旋CT（MSCT）检查。分析FGF23水平与CKD中晚期患者冠脉钙化的关系。 结果 CKD中晚期患者血清FGF23水平显著高于健康对照组[196.46（83.09,355.02） ng/L比27.17（21.63,51.20） ng/L,P < 0.01];透析患者的FGF23水平显著高于非透析患者（P < 0.01）;血透患者的FGF23水平显著高于腹透患者[6048.29 （1129.08,34807.45） ng/L比1625.80（602.83,7521.78） ng/L,P < 0.01]。CKD中晚期患者冠脉钙化发生率较高（74/130,56.9%）,血清FGF23水平与冠脉钙化分数（CaS）呈正相关（r = 0.177,P < 0.05）。Logistic回归分析显示年龄（β = 0.091,OR = 1.095,P < 0.01）、透析龄（β = 2.013,OR = 7.483,P < 0.05）和FGF23水平（β = 0.838,OR = 2.311,P < 0.05）是CKD中晚期患者发生冠脉钙化的独立危险因素。冠状动脉钙化的ROC曲线显示,FGF23曲线下面积为0.705（P < 0.01）,当检测的截点为786.73 ng/L时,其敏感度和特异性分别为62.5%和75.9%;碱性磷酸酶（AKP）的曲线下面积为0.626（P = 0.017）,当检测的截点为79.75 U/L时,其敏感度和特异性分别为84.5%和41.5%。血磷在诊断冠脉钙化时没有统计学意义。 结论 血清FGF23水平与CKD中晚期患者冠脉钙化发生相关。FGF23作为诊断冠脉钙化的参考指标,其敏感度低于AKP,特异性优于AKP。     

Iron,coronary artery calcification,and mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis

ObjectiveA high coronary artery calcification score (CACS) may be associated with high mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Recently, effects of iron on vascular smooth muscle cell calcification have been described. We aimed to investigate the relationships between iron, CACS, and mortality in HD patients.MethodsWe studied 173 consecutive patients who were undergoing maintenance HD. Laboratory data and Agatston’s CACS were obtained at baseline for two groups of patients: those with CACS ≥400 (n = 109) and those with CACS <400 (n = 64). Logistic regression analyses for CACS ≥400 and Cox proportional hazard analyses for mortality were conducted.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) age and duration of dialysis of the participants were 67 (60–75) years and 73 (37–138) months, respectively. Serum iron (Fe) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels were significantly lower in participants with CACS ≥400 than in those with CACS <400, although the serum ferritin concentration did not differ between the groups. TSAT ≥21% was significantly associated with CACS ≥400 (odds ratio 0.46, p<0.05). TSAT ≥17%, Fe ≥63 µg/dL, and ferritin ≥200 ng/mL appear to protect against 5-year all-cause mortality in HD patients, independent of conventional risk factors of all-cause mortality (p < 0.05).ConclusionWe have identified associations between iron, CACS, and mortality in HD patients. Lower TSAT was found to be an independent predictor of CACS ≥400, and iron deficiency (low TSAT, iron, or ferritin) was a significant predictor of 5-year all-cause mortality in HD patients.     

Relationship between coronary artery calcification and outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective To evaluate the relationship between coronary artery calcification (CAC) and outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods Eighty-six patients who were on MHD between October 2014 and May 2015 in the blood purification center of our hospital were enrolled prospectively. CAC was measured and scored by multiple slice computed tomography (MSCT). According to the CAC score (CACs), the patients were divided into mild CAC (CACs＜100) group and severe CAC (CACs≥100) group. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze the survival rates of the two groups, and a COX proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the risk factors of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality in MHD patients. Results Severe CAC (CACs≥100) was present in 62.8% (54/86) patients. The median of follow-up duration was 28.9(23.8, 29.4) months. During the follow up, 2(6.3%) patients in CACs＜100 group and 18 (33.3%) patients in CACs≥100 group died. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients in CACs≥100 group had higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality as compared with patients in CACs＜100 group (P=0.007, P=0.030). Multivariate COX regression analysis demonstrated that CACs≥100 (HR=7.687, 95%CI 1.697-34.819, P=0.008) and low single-pool Kt/V (HR=0.092, 95%CI 0.020-0.421, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. Old age (HR=1.192, 95%CI 1.100-1.291, P＜0.001), short duration of dialysis (HR=0.598, 95%CI 0.445-0.804, P=0.001), low 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (HR=0.461, 95%CI 0.326-0.630, P＜0.001), and low total cholesterol (HR=0.405, 95%CI 0.213-0.772, P=0.006) were independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease mortality. Conclusions The CACs is significantly related with overall survival in MHD patients. Large multicenter prospective studies are to be evaluated the association between CACs and long-term survival in MHD patients.     

Association of osteopontin with calcification in human mitral valves

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the long-standing inflammation leading to calcification within heart valves. Osteopontin, a phosphorylated glycoprotein, is present within atheromatous calcific plagues in response to vascular endothelial injury. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether osteopontin exists in calcific mitral valve leaflets in human beings, and to determine a link between chronic inflammation leading to mitral stenosis and the osteopontin status of mitral valvular tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the case histories of 17 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement therapy for mitral stenosis between 1995 and 1997 (8 men and 9 women, mean age 61 years). Hybrid mouse monoclonal immunoglobulin G1 antibodies were used for immunohistochemical detection of osteopontin in the acetone-fixed specimen. The control group consisted of normal mitral valve tissue from cardiomyopathy patients who underwent cardiac transplantation. RESULTS: A weak osteopontin immunoreactivity was present in apparently normal mitral valve tissue obtained from cardiomyopathy patients. All mitral stenosis patients had immunoreactivity (17/17) for osteopontin within calcific deposits of mitral valve tissue. The intensity of osteopontin activity had a strong association with increasing macrophage and calcium aggregations in the mitral valvular tissue. We found no correlation between osteopontin status and clinical features on the prognosis of calcific mitral stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that osteopontin coexists with intimal macrophages in calcific human mitral valve tissue. Demonstration of such association between the presence of osteopontin and calcification in human mitral valves is consistent with the hypothesis that calcification in this tissue is, at least in part, an actively mediated phenomenon.     

Association of sonographically detected calcification with thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Calcification can be detected in both benign and malignant nodules and is often neglected by clinical physicians. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of thyroid nodule calcification detected on ultrasound with thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: One hundred seven cases of thyroid carcinoma and 215 cases of benign thyroid nodules were selected from the records of inpatients of our hospital who had high-resolution ultrasonography preoperatively and pathologic diagnosis postoperatively between 2001 and 2004. The case numbers and percentage of calcification, fine stippled psammomatous (FSP), and non-FSP calcification in benign nodules and thyroid carcinoma, sex, and age groups (<45 years and >or=45 years) were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and odds ratio. Sensitivity and specificity of calcification and FSP calcification on ultrasonography were also calculated. RESULTS: The incidence of calcification, non-FSP calcification, and FSP calcification were significantly higher in thyroid carcinoma than in the benign group (p < .001, p = .03, and p < .001, respectively). However, FSP calcification was more significant than the non-FSP calcification (p = .001) for predicting thyroid cancer. The incidence of non-FSP calcification and FSP calcification did not differ significantly between the sexes (p = .50 and p = .83, respectively). The relative risk of malignancy incidence was significantly higher in those younger than 45 years old with FSP calcification (p < .001). The incidence of non-FSP calcification was significantly higher in the older group (p = .03). The sensitivity of calcification and FSP calcification for the detection of malignancy was 63.55% and 24.30%, respectively; the specificity was 69.77% and 96.77%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of calcification on ultrasonography should increase the clinical index of suspicion for thyroid carcinoma and alert the physician. FSP calcification is valuable and has a very high specificity for predicting thyroid carcinoma, particularly for those younger than 45 years old or with calcified regional lymph nodes. To increase the sensitivity for the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma, tests such as fine-needle aspiration cytology should also be performed. The use of these modalities could result in earlier detection of thyroid carcinoma. The use of ultrasound to detect calcification and FSP calcification is as efficient as thyroid papillary macrocarcinoma in predicting microcarcinoma.     

Effect of oral calcium carbonate on aortic calcification in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice with chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, the intake of calcium-based phosphate binders is associated with a marked progression of coronary artery and aortic calcification, in contrast to patients receiving calcium-free phosphate binders. The aim of this study was to reexamine the role of calcium carbonate in vascular calcification and to analyse its effect on aortic calcification-related gene expression in chronic renal failure (CRF). METHODS: Mice deficient in apolipoprotein E underwent either sham operation or subtotal nephrectomy to create CRF. They were then randomly assigned to one of the three following groups: a control non-CRF group and a CRF group fed on standard diet, and a CRF group fed on calcium carbonate enriched diet, for a period of 8 weeks. Aortic atherosclerotic plaque and calcification were evaluated using quantitative morphologic image processing. Aortic gene and protein expression was examined using immunohistochemistry and Q-PCR methods. RESULTS: Calcium carbonate supplementation was effective in decreasing serum phosphorus but was associated with a higher serum calcium concentration. Compared with standard diet, calcium carbonate enriched diet unexpectedly induced a significant decrease of both plaque (p<0.05) and non-plaque-associated calcification surface (p<0.05) in CRF mice. It also increased osteopontin (OPN) protein expression in atherosclerotic lesion areas of aortic root. There was also a numerical increase in OPN and osteoprotegerin gene expression in total thoracic aorta but the difference did not reach the level of significance. Finally, calcium carbonate did not change the severity of atherosclerotic lesions. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model of CRF, calcium carbonate supplementation did not accelerate but instead decreased vascular calcification. If our observation can be extrapolated to humans, it appears to question the contention that calcium carbonate supplementation, at least when given in moderate amounts, necessarily enhances vascular calcification. It is also compatible with the hypothesis of a preponderant role of phosphorus over that of calcium in promoting vascular calcification in CRF.     

终末期肾脏病透析患者骨密度与冠脉钙化的相关性分析

目的探讨终末期肾脏病(end stage renal disease,ESRD)透析患者骨密度与冠状动脉钙化(coronary artery colcification,CAC)之间的相关性。方法本研究为横断面研究。纳入115例ESRD患者,收集相关人口学特征、原发病、实验室检查等资料,双能X射线评估腰椎、股骨颈及髋部骨密度,多层螺旋计算机断层扫描(MSCT)检查患者CAC发生情况。以钙化积分100为界,将患者分为高钙化组和低钙化组。结果高钙化组56例,占维持性透析患者48%,其中男性36例,占高钙化组人数64.3%。高钙化组年龄、透析龄及血清甲状旁腺激素、碱性磷酸酶、25(OH) D水平均明显高于低钙化组,而股骨颈骨密度、髋部骨密度、血清胆固醇水平明显低于低钙化组(P0.05);男性高钙化组股骨颈骨密度及髋部骨密度明显低于低钙化组,且其冠脉钙化积分与股骨颈骨密度(r=-0.34,P0.05)、髋部骨密度(r=-0.65,P0.01)呈负相关。多元线性回归分析校正了年龄、透析龄等因素后仍显示男性髋部骨密度与冠脉钙化积分呈负相关(β=-1870.47,P0.05)。但在女性患者中,高钙化组与低钙化组骨密度无明显差异。结论骨密度降低可能是男性维持性透析患者冠脉钙化风险增高的危险因素。     

Carotid atherosclerosis is a predictor of coronary calcification in chronic haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcification scores (CACS) calculated by electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) have been correlated with atherosclerotic burden in the non-uraemic population. However, the validity of this test in chronic haemodialysis patients (HD) is currently uncertain. In the present cross-sectional study, associations between carotid atherosclerosis and coronary calcification in HD patients are investigated. METHODS: We studied 79 chronic HD patients (39 male, 40 female; mean age, 45+/-12 years). The mean time on HD was 68+/-54 months (range, 6-187 months). In these patients, we measured serum calcium, phosphorus, total cholesterol, cholesterol subgroups and iPTH levels. EBCT, echocardiography, and high-resolution B-mode carotid Doppler ultrasonography were also performed. RESULTS: Plaque-positive HD patients had significantly higher CACS than plaque-negative patients (851+/-199 vs 428+/-185, mean+/-SE, P = 0.006). Coronary calcification scores were correlated with serum phosphorus (r = 0.37; P = 0.001). Only 8 of the 24 HD patients without coronary calcification had carotid plaques (33%), whereas 34 of the 53 patients with coronary calcification had carotid plaques (64%) (P = 0.015). Carotid plaque scores were correlated with CACS (r = 0.40; P = 0.001). A stepwise linear regression (model r = 0.72; P<0.001) revealed that CACS (log-transformed data of CACS) was associated with age (P<0.001), time on dialysis (P = 0.004), serum phosphorus level (P = 0.016) and carotid plaque scores (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Atherosclerosis is independently associated with coronary artery calcification and with hyperphosphataemia in chronic HD patients. CACS appeared to be predictive of both coronary atherosclerosis and carotid atherosclerosis.     

Impact of high coronary artery calcification score (CACS) on survival in patients on chronic hemodialysis

Background Electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) is a noninvasive measure of coronary artery calcification and, therefore, could be a marker of developing cardiovascular disease. Whether the coronary artery calcification score (CACS) is a prognostic marker in chronic dialysis patients is not known.Methods In the present study, the mortality rate was observed in relation to the baseline CACS. EBCT was performed in 104 chronic hemodialysis patients (62 men and 42 women) in one dialysis unit. The mean (SD) duration of hemodialysis was 48.7 (62.6) months at the time of EBCT. The mean (SD) age at EBCT was 55.9 (13.6) years, ranging from 23 to 88 years. The duration of follow-up was 43.8 (19.3) months after the EBCT. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to examine the impact of CACS on survival after adjusting for age, sex, duration of dialysis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, serum albumin, and dyslipidemia.Results The CACS was distributed from zero to 5896, with a median of 200. During the study period, 24 patients (15 men and 9 women) died, 7 in the low CACS group (200) and 17 in the high CACS group (200). The 5-year cumulative survival rate was 84.2% in the low CACS group and 67.9% in the high CACS group. The adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval) of death was 1.001 (1.000–1.002); P = 0.0003, for the absolute value of CACS.Conclusions The present study suggested that CACS was an independent predictor of death in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Patients with a high CACS should be carefully monitored and evaluated for reversible prognostic factors such as dyslipidemia and, probably, hyperphosphatemia and a high value for the calcium × phosphate product.     

Progression of coronary calcification in pediatric chronic kidney disease stage 5

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is common in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and progresses with time. However, data are limited for younger patients. We have previously reported CAC in eight of 53 children with CKD. After 2 years, CAC evaluation was repeated in 48 patients. The median CAC score (CACS) increased from 101.3 (1473.6 ± 1978.6, range 8.5–4332) to 1759.2 (2236.4 ± 2463.3, range 0–5858) Agatston units (AU). When the individual changes in CACS were evaluated one by one, we showed a mild decrease in two patients on hemodialysis (HD) and in one transplant (Tx) recipient, a moderate increase in one patient on HD, one on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and one Tx recipient, and a large increase in one HD patient. Also, CAC disappeared in one HD patient. All patients with no calcification at baseline remained calcification-free at follow-up. To obtain the individual cumulative exposure, we calculated time-averaged mean values, using the laboratory values from the beginning of dialysis to the first and second multidetector spiral computed tomography (MDCT) scans (baseline and final values, respectively). Final CACS was positively related to final calcium–phosphorus (Ca×P) product, while CAC progression was inversely associated with final serum albumin level. This report is the first study with the largest number and the youngest cohort to document the natural history of coronary calcification.     

The relationship between calcification inhibitor levels in chronic kidney disease and the development of atherosclerosis

AimWe aimed to investigate the factors affecting the development of atherosclerosis and the role of calcification inhibitors fetuin-A, matrix-Gla protein (MGP), osteoprotegerin (OPG) in atherosclerosis progress.Material and methodsThe study was planned to investigate the relationship of serum OPG, MGP and fetuin-A levels with the development of atherosclerosis in the stage 2–3–4–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who did not require dialysis treatment.Results32 (17 female, 15 male) healthy individuals and 92 (49 females, 43 males) CKD patients were included. The mean carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), C-reactive protein (CRP), fetuin-A, OPG and MGP of the two groups were compared statistically. In CKD patients, age, body mass index (BMI), CRP, triglyceride, urea, systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood sugar have a positive linear relationship, fetuin-A, OPG, GFR have a negative linear relationship with CIMT. The mean CIMT, right CIMT, left CIMT, blood urea, CRP, urinary albumin excretion creatinine and age show a negative linear relationship with fetuin-A.ConclusionFetuin-A levels begin to decline from the early stages of CKD and are significantly lower in patients with atherosclerosis as expressed with CIMT. This suggests that fetuin-A may be used as an early marker in CKD for increased cardiovascular risk. Early recognition of these risk factors is important and large-scale studies on vascular calcification inhibitors are needed.     

Abdominal aortic calcification score among several vascular calcification scores of plain radiograph is the most reliable predictor of severe coronary artery calcification in dialysis patients

Aim: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) score on computed tomography (CT) or vascular calcification (VC) scores on plain radiographs are associated with cardiovascular events and fracture. We investigated which VC score among several VC scores on plain radiographs is predictor of CAC, and whether VC scores are related with bone mineral density (BMD) in dialysis patients.

Methods: We checked several plain radiographs (hands and pelvis [HP], feet and lateral lumbar spine), BMD and multidetector CT scans of 55 patients maintaining dialysis in this cross-sectional study. We analyzed data to find predictors for severe CAC which was defined as CAC scores >400 on CT.

Results: Patients with severe CAC on CT had a higher proportion of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) score ≥5, HP score ≥3 and feet ≥1 than those without severe CAC. The CAC score on CT was positively correlated with all VC scores on plain radiographs. The AAC and CAC scores were negatively correlated with T-scores for the BMD at the forearm and positively correlated with osteoprotegerin levels. Among several VC scores on plain radiographs, the AAC ≥5 were independently associated with severe CAC on CT.

Conclusions: Several plain radiographs evaluating VC scores, including a lateral lumbar spine view at the very least, can replace CT checking CAC score in dialysis patients. The AAC score ≥5 may not only reveal severe CAC but also give a hint of low bone mass at the forearm.     

Is chlamydia pneumoniae associated with calcification in coronary atherosclerosis?

Background The various factors that initiate coronary atherosclerosis and calcification are unclear. Chlamydia pneumoniae has been implicated in several diseases, including atherosclerosis. The possible association of chlamydia pneumoniae with calcification in coronary atherosclerosis, has not been previously elucidated. Methods Coronary endarterectomy specimens were harvested from 73 patients (67 males, 6 females), aged 40 to 75 years (average age 58 years) at Coronary Artery Bypass Graft [CABG] operation, and analysed by immunohistology, Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR], and electron microscopy. T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and Chlamydia pneumoniae were identified using appropriate cell-specific antibodies. Results Calcification was observed in all specimens, varying from calcific stippling to diffuse calcification. Numerous T-cells and macrophages were seen within atherosclerotic plaques and areas of calcification. Large numbers of cells that stained positive for the antibody to Chlamydia pneumoniae, were distributed in 69% of specimens within atherosclerotic plaques, especially within areas of calcification, in close association with inflammatory cells, but not in the adjacent normal segments. Deoxy-ribo DNA chlamydia pneumoniae was identified in 65% of specimens by PCR. Clumps of chlamydia pneumoniae were observed in about 61% of specimens by transmission electron microscopy. Conclusions This study demonstrated Chlamydia pneumoniae within foci of calcification in atherosclerotic coronary artery plaques obtained following endarterectomy in Indian patients. Chlamydia pneumoniae, in association with macrophages and T-lymphocytes, may contribute to the chronic inflammatory reactions resulting in calcification of atherosclerotic coronary plaques. This finding may improve the treatment of coronary artery disease since Chlamydia pneumoniae is sensitive to antibiotic therapy.     

不停跳冠状动脉旁路移植手术中的内皮素变化

目的 检测不停跳冠状动脉旁路移植(OPCAB)术中、术后不同时段不同部位血浆内皮素水平,观察手术中各个循环内皮素水平的变化.方法 30例冠心病患者分为两组.A组[15例,男13例,女2例,年龄(57.4±8.25)岁]使用左乳内动脉+大隐静脉移植;B组[15例,均为男性,年龄(50.50±7.05)岁]进行全动脉化移植.手术中各桥血管移植前后,分别取冠状静脉、肺动脉、桡动脉血,检测内皮素水平.术后2、24 h分别取肺动脉、桡动脉血,检测内皮素水平.结果 A组,手术中冠状静脉(34.31±15.10)ng/L、肺动脉(35.79±18.89)ng/L、桡动脉(34.65±15.62)ng/L]血内皮素无显著升高;手术后2 h,肺动脉(45.93±20.58)ng/L、桡动脉(52.68±21.46)ng/L血明显升高;手术后24 h,肺动脉(39.21±23.39)ng/L、桡动脉(33.31±21.54)ng/L血下降至术前水平.B组,搭桥前、左乳内动脉搭桥开放后,冠状静脉(36.77±21.45)ng/L、肺动脉(35.50±24.39)ng/L、桡动脉(33.17±20.80)ng/L血内皮素无明显变化;在剩余移植桥开放后,冠状静脉(52.00±20.86)ng/L、肺动脉(48.84±23.26)ng/L、桡动脉(49.66±21.22)ng/L血显著升高.术后2、24 h,肺动脉(52.52±30.34)ng/L、桡动脉(53.72±33.42)ng/L血维持高水平.结论 OPCAB会引起血浆内皮素水平小幅升高.全动脉与乳内动脉+大隐静脉比较术中血浆内皮素升高较早持续时间较长.