View clinical trials related to Aortic Calcification.
Filter by:Aim and background: This study will seek to identify physiological and biochemical factors explaining and predicting a higher than expected central (aortic) blood pressure (BP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The basic hypothesis of the study is that the degree of aortic calcification is an important component of elevated central BP, which, in turn, is important for the organ-damage and increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with CKD. Methods: Adult patients with varying degrees of CKD undergoing scheduled coronary angiography (CAG) at Aarhus University Hospital will be included in this study. During the CAG procedure, systolic and diastolic BP is determined in the ascending part of aorta by a calibrated pressure transducer connected to the fluid-filled CAG catheter. Simultaneous with the registration of invasive aortic BP, estimation of central BP is performed using radial artery tonometry (SphygmoCor®), while a corresponding brachial BP is also measured. Prior to the CAG, a non-contrast CT scan of aorta in its entirety will be performed to enable blinded quantification of calcification in the wall of aorta and coronary arteries. Furthermore, echocardiography, resting BP measurement and a range of blood- and urine samples will be performed.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which means that it is important to find out risk factors of CVD in order to prevent or treat it. In recent years, there has been more and more recognition of a very high prevalence of CV calcification in the ESRD population. Many observational cohort studies have shown that CV calcification in these patients can predict mortality, CV mortality and morbidity. Electrolyte imbalance is easily found in the ESRD patients which may result in vessel calcification. Calcification leads to arterial stenosis and increasing arterial stiffness and then heart afterload, both contribute to the development of CVD. Besides, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia pave the way for a chronic, immune-mediated vascular inflammation and cardiovascular disease. These factors are prevalent in ESRD patients, which would also cause arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness and stenosis would increase the risk of CV events and mortality. Aortic pulse wave velocity is strongly associated with the presence and extent of atherosclerosis and constitutes a forceful marker and predictor of cardiovascular risk. At the same time, high prevalence of peripheral artery occlusion disease (PAOD) should also be found while arterial stiffness and stenosis, which would increase the condition of infection and gangrene. Thus, life safety and quality would be influenced severely and early detection might prevent future amputation. As compared with HD or pre-dialysis patients, uremic patients treated with PD have a higher risk for metabolic syndrome. Therefore, more studies to evaluate the condition of arterial stiffness and PAOD, especially in PD patients, are needed for future management and preventions of CV related morbidity and mortality.