Association of serum fibroblast growth factor-23 with Doppler pulse wave velocity in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

We aimed to study the association of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) as a novel cardiovascular risk factor with Doppler pulse wave velocity (PWV) as an arterial stiffness measuring tool in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study in which blood samples from 86 HD patients were obtained to estimate FGF 23 and other parameters. Flow waveforms were obtained at two locations within right common carotid artery, and right femoral artery by Doppler ultrasound with ECG recorded in addition. The time differences between the R wave of the ECG signal and the onset of the flow waveforms at the two sites yield ΔT. Distances between sampling sites were measured using a tape measure. PWV was defined as (m/s) = D (m)/ ΔT (s). In the current study, we found significant positive correlations between Doppler PWV and both age (r = 0.401, P = 0.039) and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.602, P = 0.034), while no significant association between Doppler PWV and FGF-23 (r = 0.123, P = 0.259) could be detected. Serum FGF-23 levels are not significantly associated with Doppler PWV in HD patients.

Intact Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Peripheral Vascular Complications in Patients on Hemodialysis

“…In chronic kidney disease patients, cardiovascular (CV) complications are increased due to the direct impact of FGF23 in addition to the effects of altered mineral metabolism. Even though high serum FGF23 levels induce myocardial cell hypertrophy in hemodialysis patients, the relationship of the elevated I-FGF23 serum levels with the structural changes in the peripheral vessels is still being investigated 9 . Although the correlation between the increased FGF23 and mortality in hemodialysis patients has already been established, the underlying mechanism of this relationship is still unknown 10 .…”