Relationship between Calcium-Phosphorus Product and Severity of Valvular Heart Insufficiency in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND

Recent interests have mainly focused on the roles of serum calcium and phosphorus and their product (Ca-P product) in the development of valvular heart disease. The present study assessed the relationship between the Ca-P product and the severity of valvular heart disease in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study reviewed the clinical course of 72 consecutive patients with the final diagnosis of ESRD candidated for chronic hemodialysis. The severity of valvular heart disease was determined using M-mode two-dimensional echocardiography. The serum calcium and phosphate values adopted were those values measured on the day between the two consecutive dialyses, and the Ca-P product was calculated.

RESULTS

The most common causes of ESRD were diabetic nephropathy, malignant hypertension, and chronic glomerulonephritis. The mean Ca-P product level in the dialysis patients was 50.44 ± 17.78 mg(2)/dL(2). The receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve illustrated that a Ca-P product level > 42 mg(2)/dL(2) was the optimal value in terms of sensitivity and specificity for predicting the presence of valvular insufficiency. Aortic insufficiency was directly associated with a high Ca-P product value after adjustment for age, gender, serum albumin, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and serum creatinine (β = 0.412, SE = 158, p value= 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

A positive relationship between the Ca-P product value and the severity of aortic insufficiency is expected. Achieving an appropriate control of the Ca-P product level may decrease aortic valve calcification and improve the survival of patients on chronic hemodialysis.