The prevalence of coronary artery calcification among hemodialysis patients and its association with other characteristics and biomarkers in The North of West Bank, Palestine.

Description

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis are at markedly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, partly due to disturbances in mineral metabolism that accelerate vascular calcification. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), assessed using lateral lumbar spine radiography, is widely used as a surrogate marker for coronary artery calcification and an important predictor of cardiovascular morbidity. This project aims to investigate the prevalence of vascular calcification among hemodialysis patients in the northern West Bank, Palestine, and to explore its association with clinical characteristics and biochemical markers. Particular emphasis will be placed on serum magnesium levels, as emerging evidence suggests that magnesium may play a protective role against vascular calcification by modulating calcium–phosphate metabolism and inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell calcification. The study will be conducted as a cross-sectional investigation at the Hemodialysis and Radiology Departments of An-Najah National University Hospital. Participants will undergo a lateral lumbar spine X-ray to estimate the abdominal aortic calcification score. Blood samples will be collected during routine laboratory testing; an additional serum sample will be obtained specifically for the measurement of serum magnesium concentration to ensure accurate biochemical analysis. Clinical data and laboratory parameters, including renal function tests, electrolytes, calcium, phosphate, and serum magnesium will be collected from hospital records. Statistical analysis will be performed to evaluate the relationship between serum magnesium levels and the presence and severity of vascular calcification. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the role of magnesium in vascular calcification among hemodialysis patients and could help inform future preventive strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk in this vulnerable population.