Abdominal Aortic Calcification is an Independent Predictor of Left Ventricular Mass Deterioration in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Left ventricular mass (LVM) is related to poor outcomes of HD patients. Possible contributions of vascular calcification to LVM changes over time have not been well established. This is a prospective cohort study. At baseline, left lateral lumbar spine radiograph was conducted. The echocardiogram was performed respectively at baseline and 2 years later. The dialysis records were documented in the first week of the first month for each quarter during the two years. Fasting blood samples were collected. The averages were calculated. After the second echocardiogram, patients were followed up for another five years. One hundred and four patients were enrolled, with 57 males (54.8%) and an average age of 60.0 ± 11.1 years. Ninety-one patients had AAC (87.5%). The average level of LVMI changes 2 years later was 3.31 (− 1.51 ~ 8.18) g/m2.7, and 68 patients had increased LVMI. After another five years, 28 patients died (26.9%). Patients with worsening LVMI had significantly higher baseline AAC scores (8.0 (3.0 ~ 12.0) vs 4.0 (1.3 ~ 7.0), P = 0.022). The 5-year mortality rate was also higher (23/68 vs 5/31, P = 0.029). Multiple stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that baseline AAC was an independent predictor for increased LVMI (P = 0.005). For one point increase in AAC scores, LVMI increased by 0.27g/m2.7 2 years later. The independent correlated factors baseline AAC were age and hs-CRP. In conclusion, AAC is an independent predictor of LVMI deterioration over time in HD patients. Whether direct intervention for LVM can benefit MHD patients is controversial. Prevention and treatment of VC may be an important intervention target to improve LVM and prognosis.