Abstract: Objective To observe vascular calcification and to investigate the relationship between plasma fetuin-A level and vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients. Methods Fifty hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this study. Vascular calcification was quantitatively evaluated by plain X-ray films of abdomen, pelvis and hands. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Plasma fetuin-A and other parameters related to calcification were examined. Results Vascular calcification on X-ray films presented in 33 cases (66%). Of the 33 cases, 90.9% and 36.4% case were found to have calcification on abdominal aorta and peripheral arteries, respectively, and 33% cases were found to have moderate to severe degree of calcification. In patients with calcification of peripheral arteries, 75% of them were accompanied by abdominal aorta calcification. Moderate to severe degree of calcification usually occurred in male patients of older age and in those complicated with diabetes or having lower diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05). Plasma fetuin-A was lower in hemodialysis patients than in healthy control (P<0.01). Lower plasma fetuin-A was frequently seen in patients with moderate to severe vascular calcification (P<0.01). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that score of vascular calcification and serum albumin concentration were the independent factors affecting plasma fetuin-A level. Conclusions Vascular calcification is commonly present in hemodialysis patients. The calcification usually locates on abdominal aorta. Score of vascular calcification and serum albumin concentration are two independent factors affecting plasma fetuin-A level.

Key words: Plain X-ray film, Vascular calcification, Fetuin-A