Increased levels of serum parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor-23 are the main factors associated with the progression of vascular calcification in long-hour hemodialysis patients.

The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency and factors associated with the progression of vascular calcifications (VCs) using a semiquantitative X-ray score. We included all prevalent hemodialysis patients with initial radiological scores ranging from 0 to 3 according to the severity of the VCs. Patients were classified as non-progressors or progressors after 3 years. Among the 85 patients, 44.7% were classified as progressors. Only exhibiting high levels of serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH, >190 pg/ml) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 levels (>3,000 RU/ml) is associated with the risk of VC progression (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.7-19.8, p = 0.004). Calcitriol analogs (38%), cinacalcet (15%), dialysate calcium (mean 1.48 mmol/l), dialysis session time (4-8 h) and calcium- (10%) and non-calcium-based phosphate binders (38%) were prescribed on an individual basis. Hyperphosphatemia (<10%) and, especially, hypercalcemia (1%) and hyperparathyroidism (>585 pg/ml = 0%) were infrequently observed. In conclusion, the main factor associated with VC progression was the association of higher serum PTH and FGF-23 levels. It remains to be seen whether patients should be treated to lower their PTH value, even within the target range, using calcitriol analogs, calcimimetics, parathyroidectomy, or by modifying the Klotho-FGF-23 axis.