Association of Fetuin-A Levels with Carotid Intima Media Thickness and Valvular Calcification in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background: Fetuin-A is a negative acute-phase reactant which prevents vascular calcification. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most important cause of mortality in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT). The key element of cardiovascular disease (CVD) seen in end-stage renal disease patients who are on dialysis treatment is accelerated calcific atherosclerosis. There are a limited number of studies in which HD and PD is compared in terms of fetuin-A level.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association of serum fetuin-A level with valvular calcification and predictors of CAD in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

MATERIAL and METHODS: 39 HD (24 males, 15 females) and 39 PD (25 males, 14 females) patients were included in the study. We determined carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) and evaluated heart valve calcification via echocardiography. We also measured serum fetuin-A level, CRP, ferritin, fibrinogen and serum albumin level. According to fetuin-A level, patients were stratified into quartiles.

RESULTS: Fetuin-A level was significantly lower in HD patients when compared with that of PD patients (28.6±5.934 ng/ml, 32±4.8 ng/ml respectively p<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between CIMT and fetuin-A level. CIMT was found to be lower in PD patients than in HD patients. We found a positive correlation between fetuin-A and dialysis adequacy and albumin level. There was a negative correlation of fetuin-A with age, fibrinogen, ferritin and CRP. Fetuin-A level was lower in patients with aortic calcification.

CONCLUSION: Fetuin-A level was found to be lower in HD patients. Fetuin-A may be a novel marker for CVD in patients undergoing RRT.