Relation between Magnesium Level and Cardiovascular Calcification in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are susceptible to cardiovascular calcification because of a variety of factors. It is possible that magnesium (Mg) may play a role in the calcification of the arteries in several ways. Objectives: The goal of this research was to examine the relationship between serum magnesium level and vascular stiffness & valvular calcification in hemodialysis patients. Patients and methods: This prospective cross sectional case control study included a total of 100 prevalent hemodialysis patients who were maintained on thrice weekly hemodialysis sessions, attending at hemodialysis unit, Ain Shams university Hospitals. The included subjects were divided into two groups; Group I: consisted of 68 individuals with normal Mg levels, while group II: contained 32 patients with low Mg levels. Results: No statistically significant differences were found as regards the laboratory and radiological investigations between both groups apart from hemoglobin (Hb) result. Mg level was positively correlated with Hb level. Conclusion: It could be concluded that there is high prevalence of cardiovascular calcification among hemodialysis patients that may be related to age but without a statistically significant correlation to Mg level. Cardiac functions decrease with the progression of atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness.