Vascular and Valvular Calcification in Diabetic Patients with or without CKD

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with atherosclerosis, heart failure, valvular heart disease, arrhythmia, cardiovascular calcification, and sudden cardiac death. The calcification of the cardiovascular system increases as CKD progresses and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

This study was undertaken to assess vascular calcification and its risk factors in diabetics with early CKD.

Methods: This is a prospective, observational study. Data analysis of the outcomes was done by SPSS-17 version. Patients were enrolled from the nephrology out-patient/ in-patient department at St Johns Medical College hospital, Bangalore. Patients were studied between July 2010 to July 2012 for a period of 2 years.

Study Population: The study population included 60 diabetic patientswere divided into 2 groups (Group A- diabetic patients with normal renal functions; Group B- diabetic patients with CKD) in 1:1 ratio after matching the age, duration of diabetes and history of smoking.

Results: In this study we observed that vascular and valvular calcification were significantly higher in the Group B (diabetics with CKD) as compared to Group A (diabetics with normal renal functions).

Higher serum phosphorous levels and lower mean eGFR levels showed significant correlation with vascular calcification in Group B.

A significant correlation was found between lower mean eGFR levels and vascular calcification in Group B. Also, correlation was found to be significant between vascular calcification and valvular calcification in Group B.