Fetuin-A, inflammation, and coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients

Hemodialysis patients have extremely increased cardiovascular mortality. Vascular calcification, inflammation, and low serum fetuin-A levels are implicated for increased mortality. In this study, relationship between coronary artery calcification, inflammation, and serum fetuin-A levels were investigated. Seventy-eight hemodialysis patients (38 male, 40 female, mean age: 52±14.5 years) were included. All patients were on dialysis for more than 6 months. Coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) are determined by electron-beam computed tomography. Serum CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and serum fetuin-A levels were measured. Mean CACS value was 488.5±94.5. Serum fetuin-A levels were negatively correlated with CACS (r:-0.30, P=0.009). Patients are divided into two groups according to total CACS value; group 1 (CACS<10), group 2 (CACS≥10). There was a statistically significance difference in fetuin-A levels between CACS group 1 and group 2 (P=0.001). In this study, serum fetuin-A levels were associated with total CACS. This Fetuin-A may play a role in increased mortality in this group of patients via facilitating CAC.