0433 : Screening and risk factors of abdominal aortic calcifications in chronic hemodialysis: contribution of lateral abdominal X-ray

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases are the first leading cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic hemodialysis. Cardiovascular calcifications are common in this population. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of aortic abdominal calcifications (AAC) in a hemodialysis center.MethodsCross-sectional study including 51 chronic hemodialysis (for more than six months) who have been tested for AAC by lateral abdominal Xray with evaluation of risk factors from clinical and biological parameters by SPSS statistical software.ResultsThe AAC were found in 49% of cases with no sex predominance and a mean age of 61.4 years. The most common nephropathy was diabetes. A score> 6 concerned 44% of patients. Four aortic segments were involved in 24% of cases with a predilection for the posterior wall. Compared with the group without CAA, patients with CAA were older (61 vs 55.6 years, P 0.002), had more cases of dyslipidemia (6 vs 2), ischemic heart disease (5 vs 1, P 0.038) and were older hemodialysis (107.4 vs 57.4 months, P 0.03). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding serum calcium, phosphorus, hemoglobin or CRP. Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the presence of calcifications and advanced age and dialysis duration.DiscussionOur results demonstrate a high prevalence of abdominal aortic calcification in hemodialysis. The advanced age and long duration in hemodialysis are independent risk factors. Although calcium phosphate parameters are not involved in our study, it is recognized that the use of low doses of calcium carbonate, vitamin D and diet low in dairy products, and the use of noncalcium chelating phosphorus could reduce the prevalence and progression of these calcifications.ConclusionThe lateral abdominal X-ray is a simple and reproducible tool for the detection and monitoring of this complication in hemodialysis