Serum fetuin-A levels and its relationship with biochemical parameters in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: Cardiovascular events are the most important complications of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The role of fetuin-A and vascular calcification inhibitors in cardiovascular complications, dysregulated biochemical markers, and mortality is uncertain in patients under hemodialysis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of fetuin-A with cardiovascular complications and biochemical markers in hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 65 patients undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled. Blood samples were taken at pre-dialysis to determine serum fetuin-A, calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, as well as blood hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The data was analyzed considering the statistical significance level of 0.05. Results: Out of 65 patients, seven patients died during the study, and 58 patients were finally evaluated. Mean (±SD) serum fetuin-A level was 1268.71 ± 1229.4 μg/mL. There was no significant difference in the mean fetuin-A level between genders (P=0.904). There were no significant correlations between the serum level of fetuin-A and age, duration of dialysis, heart diseases, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, PTH, albumin, CRP, cholesterol and finally blood hemoglobin. However, significant relationships were found between fetuin-A level and serum triglyceride (TG) level (P=0.019) and body mass index (BMI) (P=0.024). Conclusion: Fetuin-A level was significantly associated with serum TG level and BMI. Regarding the links of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), controlling serum TG level and body weight can reduce the risk of vascular atherosclerosis in patients undergoing dialysis.