Malnutrition as a risk factor for cardiac valve calcification in patients under maintenance dialysis: a cross-sectional study

Prognostic significance of the hs-CRP/Alb ratio for cardiovascular events in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive power of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to albumin (Alb) ratio for cardiovascular events in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 202 ESRD patients undergoing MHD at Bobai County People's Hospital from November 2020 to November 2022, with follow-up extending to November 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of cardiovascular events during follow-up: the occurrence group (n = 92) and the non-occurrence group (n = 110). Clinical data were compared between these groups. Independent risk factors for cardiovascular events post-MHD were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. The hs-CRP/Alb ratio's predictive utility was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, establishing an optimal cutoff value. A decision tree prediction model was developed to further delineate the probability of cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

The occurrence group was older and had a longer duration of dialysis compared to the non-occurrence group (P < 0.05). They also showed a higher prevalence of diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy and a higher proportion of smokers (all P < 0.05). Notably lower levels of hemoglobin (HGB), triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, albumin (Alb), and calcium were detected (all P < 0.05), whereas β2-microglobulin (β2-mg), hs-CRP, phosphorus, and the hs-CRP/Alb ratio were markedly increased (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed diabetic nephropathy or hypertensive nephropathy, a high hs-CRP/Alb ratio, and elevated phosphorus levels as risk factors for cardiovascular events, while high hemoglobin levels were protective (P < 0.05). The ROC analysis indicated the hs-CRP/Alb ratio (AUC = 0.884) outperformed other predictors with an optimal cutoff at 0.111. Patients with a hs-CRP/Alb ratio ≥ 0.111 were found to have a 29-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events (95% CI: 11.304-74.842).

CONCLUSION

The hs-CRP/Alb ratio is a significant predictive biomarker for cardiovascular events in ESRD patients undergoing MHD. An elevated hs-CRP/Alb ratio is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, underscoring its utility in this patient population.

The association of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis on mitral and aortic valve calcification associated mortality: a meta-analysis

Cardiac valve calcification (CVC), characterized by the accumulation of calcium in the heart valves, is highly prevalent among patients undergoing dialysis. This meta-analysis aimed to provide an updated summary of recent studies on the prognostic value of CVC in patients undergoing dialysis. We conducted a search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify observational studies investigating cardiovascular or all-cause mortality associated with CVC in dialysis patients until March 2023. Hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the meta-analysis, and the strength and significance of the associations between CVC and mortality outcomes in dialysis patients were assessed. From 6218 initially identified studies, we included 10 critical studies with a total of 3376 dialysis patients in a further meta-analysis. Pooled analyses demonstrated a significant association between CVC and an elevated risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. In our study, we discovered HRs of 1.592 (95% CI 1.410-1.797) for all-cause mortality and 2.444 (95% CI 1.632-3.659) for cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed elevated all-cause mortality among patients with mitral valve calcification (HR 1.572; 95% CI 1.200-2.060) compared to those with aortic valve calcification (HR 1.456; 95% CI 1.105-1.917). Similarly, patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis faced a greater risk for all-cause mortality (HR 2.094; 95% CI 1.374-3.191) than those on hemodialysis (HR 1.553; 95% CI 1.369-1.763). This highlights the possibility of CVC being an independent risk factor for dialysis patients, particularly in relation to mitral valve calcification or peritoneal dialysis.

Effects of health concept model-based detailed behavioral care on mood and quality of life in elderly patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

With the intensification of social aging, the susceptibility of the elderly population to diseases has attracted increasing attention, especially chronic heart failure (CHF) that accounts for a large proportion of the elderly.

AIM

To evaluate the application value of health concept model-based detailed behavioral care in elderly patients with CHF.

METHODS

This study recruited 116 elderly CHF patients admitted from October 2018 to October 2020 and grouped them according to the nursing care that they received. The elderly patients who underwent health concept model-based detailed behavioral care were included in a study group (SG; n = 62), and those who underwent routine detailed behavioral nursing intervention were included as a control group (CG; n = 54). Patients’ negative emotions (NEs), quality of life (QoL), and nutritional status were assessed using the self-rating anxiety/ depression scale (SAS/SDS), the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Ques-tionnaire (MLHFQ), and the Modified Quantitative Subjective Global Assessment (MQSGA) of nutrition, respectively. Differences in rehabilitation efficiency, NEs, cardiac function (CF) indexes, nutritional status, QoL, and nursing satisfaction were comparatively analyzed.

RESULTS

A higher response rate was recorded in the SG vs the CG after intervention (P < 0.05). After care, the left ventricular ejection fraction was higher while the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and left ventricular end systolic diameter were lower in the SG compared with the CG (P < 0.05). The post-intervention SAS and SDS scores, as well as MQSGA and MLHFQ scores, were also lower in the SG (P < 0.05). The SG was also superior to the CG in the overall nursing satisfaction rate (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Health concept model-based detailed behavioral care has high application value in the nursing care of elderly CHF patients, and it can not only effectively enhance rehabilitation efficiency, but also mitigate patients’ NEs and improve their CF and QoL.

Influencing factors of cardiac valve calcification (CVC) in patients with chronic kidney disease and the impact of CVC on long-term prognosis: a single-center retrospective study

Objective

To investigate the effect of cardiac valve calcification (CVC) on the prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

A total of 343 CKD patients were retrospectively analyzed, and divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of cardiac valve calcification. All patients were followed until death, loss to follow-up, or the end point of the study (December 2021).

Results

The incidence of CVC among the 343 CKD patients was 29.7%, including 21 cases of mitral valve calcification, 63 cases of aortic valve calcification, and 18 cases of mitral valve combined with aortic valve calcification. The incidence of CVC in CKD stages 1-2 was 0.3%, 5.2% in CKD stages 3-4, and 24.2% in CKD stage 5 (P < 0.05). Advanced age, higher serum albumin, higher cystatin C and lower uric acid levels were all associated with a higher risk of CVC. After six years of follow-up, 77 patients (22.4%) died. The causes of death were cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in 36 cases (46.7%), infection in 29 cases (37.7%), gastrointestinal bleeding in nine cases (11.7%), and "other" in the remaining three cases (3.9%). A Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed that the overall survival rate of patients with CVC was lower than that of patients without CVC.

Conclusion

The incidence of CVC, mainly aortic calcification, is high in patients with CKD. Advanced age, higher serum albumin and higher cystatin C levels were associated with a higher risk of CVC. Hyperuricemia was associated with a lower risk of CVC. The overall survival rate of patients with CVC was lower than that of patients without CVC.

Associated factors of cardiac valve calcification and its prognostic effects among patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Cardiac valve calcification (CVC) is highly prevalent and a risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the risk factors for CVC and association between CVC and mortality in CKD patients.

Method

Three electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies up to November 2022. Hazard ratios (HR), odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using random-effect meta-analyses.

Results

22 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analyses showed that CKD patients with CVC were relatively older, had a higher body mass index, left atrial dimension, C-reaction protein level, and a declined ejection fraction. Calcium and phosphate metabolism dysfunction, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and duration of dialysis were all predictors for CVC in CKD patients. The presence of CVC (both aortic valve and mitral valve) increased the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients. However, the prognostic value of CVC for mortality was not significant anymore in patients with peritoneal dialysis.

Conclusion

CKD patients with CVC had a greater risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Multiple associated factors for development of CVC in CKD patients should be taken into consideration by healthcare professionals to improve prognosis.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier [CRD42022364970].

Bone fragility, sarcopenia and cardiac calcifications in an elderly population: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and sarcopenia are very common age-related conditions. This study aimed at investigating the relationships of cardiac calcifications, as assessed by using GCCS with BMD, fragility fractures and sarcopenia in elderly subjects.

METHODS

In a cohort of 106 subjects (age 70.4 ± 5.8 yrs) we measured lumbar (BMD-LS), femoral BMD (femoral neck: BMD-FN, total femur: BMD-TH) and body composition (BMD-WB) with Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) method. We also evaluated the presence of sarcopenia on the basis of the EWGSOP Consensus. All subjects, simultaneously, underwent to a transthoracic color doppler echocardiography exam to assess the presence of cardiac calcifications. The degree of non coronaric cardiac calcifications was evaluated using the Global Cardiac Calcium Score (GCCS).

RESULTS

The degree of cardiac calcification assessed by GCCS was significantly higher in osteoporotic patients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, an inverse correlation emerged between BMD and GCCS, statistical significance was found at lumbar spine and femoral sub-regions in female population (p < 0.01). Moreover by dividing population according to the presence of fragility fractures, we observed that GCCS values were significantly higher in subjects with fractures in respect of non-fractured ones (p < 0.05). Multiple regression models showed that BMD-LS and BMD-FT were independently associated with cardiac calcification. GCCS values were significantly associated with BMI and ASMM in women (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and with handgrip strength in men (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm the presence of a relationship between cardiac calcifications and decreased BMD values. It's also the first study that relates sarcopenia and valvular calcifications.

Cardiac valve calcification in patients on maintenance dialysis. The role of malnutrition-inflammation syndrome, adiposity andcomponents of sarcopenia. A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Cardiac valve calcification (CVC) is a predictor of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. Several risk factors are related to CVC in patients with ESKD including traditional ones as well as inflammation, bone mineral disease and malnutrition. Adiposity is associated with dyslipidemia and proinflammatory activity which could predispose for CVC. Sarcopenia or dynapenia is a state common in patients with ESKD. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of adiposity, sarcopenia and malnutrition-inflammation markers with CVC in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

METHODS

CVC in aortic (AVC), mitral valves (MVC) and systolic and diastolic dysfunction (DD) were assessed by using two-dimensional echocardiography. Nutritional, adiposity and anthropometric assessments were made using several indices respectively. Creatinine index and muscle strength measurements were also performed. Biochemical parameters such as total proteins, albumin, calcium, phosphate, plasma lipoproteins, C-Reactive Protein and parathyroid hormone were also measured.

RESULTS

Adiposity, nutritional, and sarcopenia parameters did not show any difference between patients with or without CVC. Age ≥ 65 years [PR: 1.47 p = 0.012], DD [PR: 2.31, p = 0.005], high CRP/albumin ratio [PR: 1.46, p = 0.01], mid arm circumference (MAC) < 26 cm [PR: 1.37, p = 0.03] were associated with increased prevalence of AVC, while DD [PR: 1.97 p = 0.02], high CRP/albumin ratio [PR: 1.56, p = 0.02], and MAC < 26 cm [PR: 1.52, p = 0.01], showed positive correlation with MVC. Age ≥ 65 years [PR: 1.33, p = 0.028], DD [PR: 1.72, p = 0.01], high CRP/albumin ratio [PR: 1.53, p = 0.003], and MAC < 26 cm [PR: 1.4, p = 0.006], related to greater prevalence of calcification at any valve.

CONCLUSIONS

Ageing, diastolic dysfunction, MAC and increased CRP/albumin ratio were powerful predictors of CVC in patients on hemodialysis.

Cardiac valve calcification as a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in peritoneal dialysis patients: an inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular events (CVE) are the leading cause of death in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The predictive value of cardiac valve calcification (CVC) for CVE in dialysis patients remains controversial. In particular, such studies are limited in PD patients. We aimed to examine the predictive role of CVC for CVE and cardiovascular mortality in PD patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who initiated PD in our hospital. According to the result of echocardiography, patients were divided into CVC group and non-CVC group. The differences in baseline demographic characteristics, biochemical variables, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared. Kaplan-Meier method was used to obtain survival curves. The Cox regression model was used to evaluate the influence of CVC for cardiovascular outcomes. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to eliminate influence of the confounders in the groups.

RESULTS

458 peritoneal dialysis patients were enrolled in this study. 77 patients were in CVC group and 381 patients in non-CVC group. The average follow-up time was (32 ± 21) months. At baseline, the absolute standardized difference (ASD) of age, BMI, history of CVE, diabetes, LVEF, LVMI, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, triglycerides, hsCRP, urine volume, Kt/V, statins and vitamin D intake rate were greater than 0.1 between the two groups. All of ASD dropped to less than 0.1 after IPTW, which meant that the balance had been reached between the two groups. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that advanced age, diabetes, and hyperphosphatemia were associated with CVC. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed the cumulative CVE-free survival rate and cardiovascular survival rate of CVC group were significantly lower than that of non-CVC group before and after IPTW (log-rank P < 0.05). After IPTW was used to eliminate the effect of confounders, multivariate Cox regression analysis still showed CVC was an independent risk factor for CVE (HR = 2.383, 95% CI 1.331~4.264, P = 0.003) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 2.347, 95% CI 1.211~4.548, P = 0.012) in PD patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CVC is high in peritoneal dialysis patients. CVC is an independent risk factor for CVE and cardiovascular mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Prognosis and risk factors for cardiac valve calcification in Chinese end-stage kidney disease patients on combination therapy with hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration

BACKGROUND

Cardiac valve calcification (CVC) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular complications. However, limited data are available concerning the prevalence, clinical features and risk factors for CVC in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. In this study, we aimed to assess these parameters in Chinese ESKD patients receiving combination therapy with hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 293 ESKD patients undergoing combination therapy of hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from October 2014 to December 2015. CVC was evaluated via echocardiography.

RESULTS

ESKD patients with CVC had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, aortic and/or coronary artery calcification, arrhythmia, heart failure and coronary heart disease; increased systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure; longer duration of hemodialysis and hypertension; reduced hemoglobin, albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels; and increased serum calcium and calcium-phosphorus product levels compared with those without CVC. Logistic regression analysis showed that increased dialysis duration (p = 0.006, OR = 2.25), serum calcium levels (p = 0.046, OR = 2.04) and pulse pressure (p < 0.001, OR = 3.22), the presence of diabetes (p = 0.037, OR = 1.81) and decreased serum albumin levels (p = 0.047, OR = 0.54) were risk factors for CVC. The correlation analysis indicated a significantly increased CVCs prevalence with an increase prevalence of heart failure, aortic and coronary artery calcification.

CONCLUSIONS

CVC represents a common complication and a danger signal for cardiovascular events in ESKD patients undergoing combination therapy of hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration. The presence of diabetes, increased pulse pressure, long dialysis duration, hypoalbuminemia and high serum calcium levels were independent risk factors for CVC.

A Novel Substrate-Inspired Fluorescence-Based Albumin Detection Improves Assessment of Clinical Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients Receiving a Nursing Nutrition Intervention

Background

Albumin level does not precisely reflect nutritional status. We aimed to investigate the impact of a nutrition intervention on hemodialysis patients by use of fluorescence-based plasma albumin (FPA) detection.

Material/Methods

Eighty patients underwent maintenance hemodialysis for more than half a year and had a mean albumin <3.5 g/dL for over 3 months. The subjects were randomly divided into either a Control Group (CG) or an Intervention Group (IG). The IG received nutritional supplementation, and the CG group received routine nutritional support for 12 months. FPA and plasma albumin (PA) concentrations were measured. The fluorescence probe 1,3-Dichloro-7-hydroxy-9,9-dimethyl-2(9H)-acridone methyl biphenyl benzoate was used in FPA detection. Quality of life was estimated using WHOQOL-BREF (Quality of Life Scale developed through the World Health Organization), the 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36), and the 6-minute walking test (6MWT).

Results

After a 6-month and a 12-month intervention, PA and FPA concentrations increased, and the increase in FPA concentration was higher than that of PA in the IG group (P<0.05). Comparatively, the parameters of quality of life and 6MWT were improved in the IG group (P<0.05) but there were only minor changes in the CG group (P>0.05). There is an obvious association between the changes in FPA concentration and the parameters of quality of life and 6MWT but not PA.

Conclusions

Use of the fluorescence probe improves the detection sensitivity of plasma albumin and provides a potential method to assess clinical outcomes in hemodialysis patients.