Vascular calcification is not related to serum fetuin-A and osteopontin levels in hemodialysis patients

Introduction Vascular calcification (VC) in hemodialysis (HD) patients is a sign of severe cardiovascular disease and can predict cardiovascular outcomes. Fetuin-A and osteopontin (OPN) inhibit VC. Serum fetuin-A levels are lower in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and in those who are on chronic HD therapy. However, there are limited data concerning OPN in patients who are on dialysis. The aim of our study was to determine VC in HD patients, the relationship between VC and 25-OH-vitamin D, fetuin-A, and OPN levels, and independent predictors of VC.