The prevalence and risk factors of dialysis-related amyloidosis-data from a Chinese hemodialysis center

Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA). Methods Shoulder ultrasound examination was performed in 70 patients on long-term hemodialysis (HD) by using the high-resolution ultrasound. DRA was diagnosed if ultrasound showed a rotator cuff (RC) 0. 8cm in thickness and/or presence of an echogenic pad (EP) between the muscle layers of the rotator cuff . Serum levels of advanced glycation end products (AGE), 132-microglobulin ((32-rn) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured at same time. Results The amyloid arthropathy was found in 42 (60 %) of the 70 dialyzed patients. The prevalence of the amyloid arthropathy rose with dialysis duration, and was found more often in right shoulder compared with left one. Serum AGE levels, but not 132-rn levels and diabetic nephropathy , was independent risk factor for DRA. Conclusions The incidence of DRA is up to 60% in our patients with long-term HD. The serum levels of AGE and the duration of HD are related with the occurrence of DRA.