title: FGF-23 and the progression of coronary arterial calcification in patients new to dialysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), a regulator of phosphorus metabolism, is a risk marker in CKD. FGF-23 has been associated with coronary arterial calcification (CAC), but it is not known whether FGF-23 predicts CAC progression in CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of FGF-23 with CAC progression in advanced CKD.
  
  
  METHODS
  FGF-23 levels and CAC were measured by electrocardiography-triggered multislice computed tomography in 99 individuals initiating dialysis. Patients were enrolled in the study from April 2008 to July 2010. CAC was calculated using Agatston and calcium volume score. Sixty-seven study participants had repeat CAC measures at 1 year. Linear regression was used to assess the association of FGF-23 with CAC.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of study participants was 50 years; 33% were women, and 64% were black. The median FGF-23 level was 1238 relative units (RU)/ml (interquartile range, 515-2218 RU/ml). According to Agatston score, FGF-23 was not associated with baseline CAC (P=0.14) but was significantly associated with CAC progression. There was a 192.3-Agatston unit change in CAC score per 1-SD change in FGF-23 (P=0.008) in models adjusting for known risk factors for CAC and serum phosphate. This association persisted after adjustment for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, 25-OH vitamin D levels, and the use of phosphorus binders. Results were similar when change in calcium volume score was used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In individuals with advanced CKD, serum FGF-23 is strongly associated with CAC progression. FGF-23 may be a marker of cardiovascular risk in CKD.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Abigail May
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Julio A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Chirinos
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Litt
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Sylvia E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Rosas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D000089703:Fibroblast Growth Factor-23; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; C000717427:FGF23 protein, human; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D000089703:Fibroblast Growth Factor-23