NIERARTERIECALCIFICATIES BIJ PATIËNTEN MET CHRONISCH NIERFALEN : BEOORDELING OP CT-SCANS

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease are found to have relatively more atherosclerosis and calcifications of atherosclerosis, compared to the general population. This might be caused by disorders of the mineral metabolism. These calcifications are frequently found in the coronary arteries and the aorta, and are associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality. The calcifications are also found in, for example, the renal arteries. The meaning of these renal artery calcifications (RAC) are less known. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if there might be an association between chronic kidney disease and RAC. Material & methods: This study included 211 patients, with various renal function. The renal arteries were scored for calcifications. Furthermore, data were registered about age, gender, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, smoking, body mass index and the laboratory values of creatinine, calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone. Results: The prevalence of significant RAC in this study is 47,4%. This percentage varied between groups, with significant differences. The prevalence varies between 32,6% within the group of patients with normal renal function, and 69,8% within the group of patients with an estimated renal function of less than 15 ml/minute. The estimated renal function and age appeared to be predictors of the presence of significant RAC. Conclusion: An association is found between the estimated renal function and age, and the presence of significant RAC. De hypothesis that disorders of the mineral metabolism are causing the RAC cannot be confirmed by this study.