Relationship between serum FGF23 and klotho levels and vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) and klotho levels and vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients. MethodsA total of 65 patients who were admitted into our hospital from January 2016 to March 2017 due to hemodialysis were selected. The levels of serum FGF23 and klotho were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). X-ray was used to detect vascular calcification in the abdominal aorta, femoral and radial arteries. ResultsThe patients showed remarkable increases in the levels of serum FGF23 and klotho, compared with the normal values (P<0.05). According to X-ray examination, there were 42 patients with vascular calcification at different sites to various degrees, including 21 mild cases, 11 moderate cases and 10 severe cases. There was significant difference in serum FGF23 and klotho levels between mild vascular calcification patients and those in moderate to severe conditions (P<0.05). ConclusionsVascular calcification is prevalent in hemodialysis patients, and serum FGF23 and klotho levels are independent risk factors for vascular calcification.