BACKGROUND:Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients frequently suffer from frailty, characterized by reduced physical function and poor prognosis. Myokines, such as myonectin, secreted by muscle, are emerging regulators of systemic health. This study investigated the relationship between serum myonectin, adipokines (adiponectin, omentin), and objective measures of physical function in MHD patients, excluding previously planned cardiac data. METHODS:This cross-sectional study included 23 MHD outpatients. We assessed physical function using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score and the 5-Sit-to-Stand Test (5-SST). We also measured body composition, physical activity (accelerometer-derived step count), and serum concentrations of myonectin, adiponectin, and omentin. Correlation analysis and comparison between high (≧ median) and low (< median) myonectin groups were performed. RESULTS:Serum myonectin was positively correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and the SPPB score. No significant correlations were observed between myonectin and other physical function or physical activity indicators. Furthermore, the high myonectin group showed significantly better performance compared to the low group, completing the 5-SST in a shorter time and achieving a higher SPPB score. Adiponectin showed significant inverse correlations with BMI, muscle mass, and fat mass. CONCLUSION:Serum myonectin levels are positively associated with superior physical function (SPPB) and faster lower-extremity performance (5-SST) in MHD patients. Myonectin may serve as a simple, novel biomarker to identify MHD patients with better preserved functional capacity and potentially less frailty-related limitation. These findings underscore the critical role of muscle health in maintaining function in this vulnerable population.

Abstract Background Hypoalbuminemia, a manifestation of protein-energy wasting (PEW) or malnutrition, which is commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease, is associated with increasing cardiovascular risk. Recently, C-reactive protein (CRP) / albumin ratio has been developed as a newly surrogate marker of the PEW because the PEW seems to result not only from an inadequate diet but also rather be induced by chronic inflammatory status. The aim of this study was to clarify whether pre-procedural CRP/albumin ratio levels could predict amputation and/or mortality after lower extremity revascularization for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients on haemodialysis (HD). Methods A total of consecutive 1,850 HD patients successfully undergoing lower extremity revascularization (494 bypass surgery and 1,356 endovascular therapy) were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into tertiles according to pre-procedural CRP/albumin ratio levels; low (<0.6, n=619), middle (0.6-3.7, n=609) and high tertile (>3.7, n=622). They were followed up for up to 8-year. The primary endpoint was defined as amputation and/or mortality. Results During follow-up period (median of 53 months), 162 major amputation (8.8%) was performed and 508 patients (27.5%) died. Cumulative incidence rates of amputation and/or mortality at 8-year were 47.4%, 56.2% and 70.0% in low, middle and high tertile of CRP/albumin ratio, respectively (p<0.0001). After adjustment for male, age, traditional risk factors, body mass index, history of coronary artery disease or stroke, procedure (bypass vs. endovascular therapy), infrapopliteal disease and ulcer/gangrene, the CRP/albumin ratio was identified as an independent predictor for amputation and/or mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.72, p=0.0028 for middle vs. low tertile, and aHR 2.53, 95% CI 2.07-3.09, p<0.0001 for high vs. low tertile, respectively]. Similar results were also observed even for major amputation and mortality, respectively (aHR 2.73, 95% CI 1.77-4.31 for amputation and aHR 2.32, 95% CI 1.82-2.97 for mortality with p<0.0001 for high vs. low tertile in both, respectively, Figure). Conclusion Pre-procedural CRP/albumin ratio could predict both of amputation and mortality after lower extremity revascularization, and could stratify the risk in HD patients with PAD. Measurement of CRP/albumin ratio in such high-risk population may be useful because this newly surrogate marker of the PEW is simple and can be easily obtained in daily practice.

The effect of drug-coated balloons (DCB) on hemodialysis (HD) in patients with femoropopliteal (FP) disease remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of DCB therapy in patients with FP artery disease on HD. A total of 185 patients with FP lesions (140 HD patients) who underwent DCB treatment were included in the study. The incidence of restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months were measured. Risk factors for TLR were also investigated. The mean age was 71.7 years, and diabetes was observed in 82.3% of patients. The mean duration of receiving dialysis was 8.8 years. The mean lesion length was 11.0 cm, and approximately half of the lesions were severely calcified. Severe dissection after DCB therapy was observed in 19.5% of patients. During the follow-up period, 74 restenosis, 68 TLRs, 8 major amputations, and 28 deaths were observed. The freedom rates from restenosis and TLR at 12 months were 63.8% and 71.3%, respectively. The freedom rates after low- and high-dose DCB at 12 months were 61.9% and 70.6% for restenosis (P = 0.49) and 66.4% and 79.4% for TLR (P = 0.095), respectively. Independent risk factors for TLR at 12 months of age were diabetes, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and severe calcification. When patients were divided into four groups according to the number of these three risk factors, the rates of freedom from TLR at 12 months were 100%, 94.8%, 76.7%, and 30.3% in the groups with no risk factors, any one risk factor, any two risk factors, and all risk factors, respectively (P < 0.0001). Clinical outcomes after endovascular therapy in HD patients with FP disease remain unsatisfactory, even if they are treated with DCB. In particular, patients on HD with diabetes, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and severe calcification have poor outcomes.

Abstract Background Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is still a major problem not only in general patients but also in regular hemodialysis (HD) patients. We have reported about prognostic value of coronary flow reserve (CFR) derived from N13-ammonia PET in HD population for all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac event (MACE) in prior studies. We investigated the impact of diabetes and low CFR on the mortality in HD population. Methods A total 1,027 HD patients who undergone 13N-ammonia PET for suspected IHD were enrolled. We divided them into four groups according to CFR (cut off value = 2.0) and whether DM or not. We collected and evaluated their all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality and MACE, and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods and uni/multivariate cox regression model. Results The number of DM with better CFR group was 194, DM with worse CFR was 244, non-DM with better CFR was 361 and non-DM with worse CFR was 221. We found 285 case of all-cause mortality, 121 case of CV mortality, 164 case of CV mortality and 424 case of MACCE. Whether DM or not, CFR predicts HD patients’ prognosis precisely (See figure). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression model showed CFR (continuous value) was an independent predictor for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR); 0.774, 95% confidential interval (CI) 0.606-0.979, p value=0.037) and MACCE (HR0.769, 95%CI0.630-0.932, p=0.009) in DM and HD population. Furthermore, CFR predicted all-cause mortality (HR0.731, 95%CI 0.569-0.940, p=0.015) and non-CV death (HR0.636, 95%CI0.451-0.896, p=0.010) in non-DM and HD population. Conclusion The HD patients with DM and low CFR had worst prognosis in all-cause mortality, CV death, non-CV death and MACCE.

Abstract Background In the clinical setting, ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major problem not only in general patients but also in regular hemodialysis (HD) patients. 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography (13NH3PET) is an established and excellent diagnostic test for IHD. We have reported about the predictability of coronary flow reserve (CFR) in poor prognosis in HD population. Some prior studies show that low CFR predicts poor prognosis for not only cardiovascular event but also all-cause mortality. Although it is well-known that CFR is an important predictor, there are limited data about predictability of CFR for non-cardiovascular (non-CV) mortality. We investigated the prognostic predictability of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality and non-CV mortality. Methods In total 1020, patients who underwent NH3+PET suspected of ischemic heart disease from May 2013 to May 2022 were included. They are divided into two groups according to CFR cut off value (CFR=2.0). 465 patients were included into low CFR group and 555 patients were included into high CFR group. We collected all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality and non-CV mortality. CV mortality was defined death from myocardial infarction, sudden death, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia and ischemic colitis. We have followed them in 1282 days (median, 1st-3rd quartile was 510-2116). Results We found any cause death were 285 cases (the high CFR group vs the low CFR group; 165 (35.5%) vs 118 (21.3%), p<0.001), CV death were 121 cases (52 (9.4%) vs 68 (14.6%), p=0.010) and non-CV death were 164 cases (66(11.9%) vs 97 (20.9%, p<0.001)). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and Cox regression model shows the low CFR groups shows poor prognosis for all-cause mortality (log rank; p<0.001, hazard ratio (HR); 1.9964, 95% confidential interval (CI); 1.576-2.529), CV mortality (log rank; p=0.0009, HR; 1.834, 95%CI; 1.278-2.633) and non-CV mortality (log rank; p<0.0001, HR; 2.213, 95%CI; 1.555-2.907). Furthermore, multivariate cox regression model shows the continuous value of CFR is an independent predictor for both all-cause mortality (HR0.180, 95%CI 0.074-0.435, p=0.0001) and non-CV mortality (HR0.553, 95% CI0.397-0.769, p=0.0004). Conclusion In dialysis population, CFR is an important predictor for all-cause mortality, CV mortality and non-CV mortality. In addition, CFR would predict non-CV death in HD population even though CFR is an index for IHD.

The impact of drug-coated balloon (DCB) on hemodialysis (HD) patients with coronary lesions remains unclear. This study aimed to compare outcomes after DCB treatment between HD and non-HD patients with de novo coronary lesions. A total of 235 consecutive patients who electively underwent DCB treatment for de novo coronary lesions were included (HD group: n = 100; non-HD group: n = 135). Angiographic follow-up was performed 6 months after the procedure. Patients were clinically followed up for 2 years. The incidence rates of target lesion revascularization (TLR) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were investigated. Diabetes and a history of coronary bypass grafting were more frequent in the HD group than in the non-HD group (69.0% vs. 50.7%, p = 0.007, and 24.0% vs 9.1%, p = 0.013, respectively). The reference diameter and pre-procedural diameter stenosis were greater in the HD group than in the non-HD group (2.49 mm vs. 2.24 mm, p = 0.007, and 65.9% vs. 59.6%, p = 0.015, respectively). Calcification was observed in 65.5% of all lesions, and rotational atherectomy was performed in 30.2% patients. The average diameter of the DCB was 2.51 mm (2.57 mm, HD group vs. 2.47 mm, non-HD group, p = 0.14). Although post-procedural diameter stenosis was similar between the groups, late lumen loss on follow-up angiography was larger in HD patients than in non-HD patients (0.27 mm vs. − 0.03 mm, p = 0.0009). The 2-year rates of freedom from TLR and MACE were lower in HD patients than in non-HD patients [79.3% vs. 91.7%, hazard ratio (HR) 2.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–6.77, p = 0.014; and 61.6% vs. 89.4%, HR 4.60, 95% CI 2.30–10.2, p < 0.001, respectively]. In conclusion, the rates of TLR and MACE after DCB treatment were higher in HD patients than in non-HD patients.

To investigate the clinical outcomes after biodegradable-polymer (BP) and durable-polymer (DP) everolimus-eluting stent (EES) implantation in hemodialysis (HD) patients with coronary artery disease. We enrolled 221 consecutive HD patients successfully treated with EES implantation for coronary lesions. Over the following 2 years, we assessed the incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR) and major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as the composite endpoint of TLR, all-cause mortality, or myocardial infarction. We performed a propensity-score matching analysis and collected follow-up coronary angiography data. There were 91 patients in the BP-EES group and 130 in the DP-EES group. Male sex and diabetes rates were significantly lower in the BP-EES group than in the DP-EES group. A debulking device was less frequently used in the BP-EES group than in the DP-EES group (7.6% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.006). TLR occurred in 38 patients, while stent thrombosis was observed in 3 patients; 19 patients died. TLR and MACE rates at 2 years were comparable between the two groups (19.2% in the BP-EES group vs. 20.4% in the DP-EES group, p = 0.73 and 26.9% vs. 34.2%, p = 0.93, respectively). In the propensity-score-matched cohort, TLR and MACE rates were similar between the two groups (19.2% in the BP-EES group vs. 18.1% in the DP-EES group, p = 0.69, and 26.9% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.66, respectively). Restenosis rates at follow-up angiography were similar between the two groups (p = 0.79). In hemodialysis patients, BP-EES and DP-EES showed similar 2-year clinical outcomes.

Objectives To compare the long-term clinical outcomes after self-expandable bare nitinol stent (BNS) implantation between hemodialysis (HD) and non-HD patients with femoropopliteal (FP) disease. Background Although a BNS has been commonly used in patients with FP disease, the long-term efficacy of BNSs in HD patients remains unknown. Methods In total, 427 HD patients treated with a BNS for FP disease were enrolled, along with 157 non-HD patients as a control group. Over the following 5 years, the incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR), major amputation and mortality was investigated. We also performed propensity-score matching analysis. Results The 5-year TLR rate (45.2 vs. 32.5%, p = .013) and mortality rate (39.3 vs. 14.0%, p = .0002) were significantly higher in the HD group than in the non-HD group. The major amputation rate was comparable between the groups (7.2% in the HD group vs. 2.8% in the non-HD group, p = .16). In the propensity-score-matched cohort, the TLR rate, and mortality rate were remained higher in the HD group than in the non-HD group (48.9 vs. 34.1%, hazard ratio [HR] 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-3.49, p = .0024, and 47.9 vs. 12.0%, HR 3.38, 95% CI 1.86-6.56, p < .0001, respectively). The adjusted amputation rate was consistently similar between the groups (1.7% in the HD group vs. 2.7% in the non-HD group, HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.26-2.99, p = .86). Conclusions The TLR rate and mortality at 5 years post BNS implantation for FP disease were significantly higher in HD patients than in non-HD patients, though the limb salvage rate was similar.

Abstract Background In clinical setting, patients with traditional coronary risk factors are at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Such patients who complain chest discomfort are usually performed nuclear myocardial perfusion (MP) test. We sometimes find patients whose PET result shows normal MP and abnormal coronary flow reserve (CFR). However, there are limited data about the predictors for decreased CFR. In the view of describe above, we have investigated the parameters for decreased CFR in the patients without MP abnormality. Methods and results From 20th April 2013 to 21st December 2018, we performed 2,930 13N- ammonia PET for suspected CAD. After excluding the follows; 966 patients with repeated test, 54 patients with incomplete data, one patient missed, we investigated 1,909 eligible patients' data. We performed least square to identify the factors decreased CFR. Hemodialysis (HD), age, prior revascularization, diabetes (DM) and body mass index (BMI) were independent risk factor for decreased CFR in all population. On the other hand, HD, age, DM, hypertension and BMI were independent risk factor for decreasing CFR in patients without MP abnormality. According to the result of least square methods, we classified all patients into four groups; without DM/ without HD group, with DM/ without HD group, without DM/ with HD group and with DM/ with HD group. The value of CFR in each group were as follows: without DM/ without HD group (median, 1st quartile-3rd quartile; 2.88, 2.21–3.52), with DM/ without HD group (2.65, 2.00–3.38), without DM/ with HD group (2.29, 1.67–2.95) and with DM/ with HD group (1.97, 1.43–2.68). There were statistically significant intergroup differences. The value of CFR in the patients without MP abnormality were as follows: without DM/ without HD group (3.04, 2.47–3.65), with DM/ without HD group (2.98, 2.40–3.61), without DM/ with HD group (2.52, 2.10–3.08) and with DM/ with HD group (2.38, 1.86–2.97). Even in the patients without MP abnormality, there were also statistically significant intergroup differences. Conclusion According to our 13N-ammonia PET data analysis, DM and HD were important and independent factors for decreased CFR. Even in the patients without MP abnormality, DM and HD were important factor for decreased CFR. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Abstract Background In clinical setting, ischemic heart disease is a challenging problem in hemodialysis (HD) population. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) measured by 13 ammonia positron emitting tomography (13NH3PET) is an established and reliable modality for detecting coronary artery disease. Furthermore, some prior studies show CFR is an important and independent predictor for cardiovascular event and mortality. On the other hand, HD patients with malnutrition status have poor prognosis. We have reported about the relationship between cardiovascular events and geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI). Now, we wonder the predictability of combination of CFR and GNRI. Methods and result We collected 438 consecutive HD patients who received 13NH3PET in our hospital suspected for ischemic heart disease. 29 patients were excluded due to undergoing coronary revascularization within 60 days, 103 patients were excluded due to incomplete database. In total, 306 HD patients were classified into 4 group according the median value of CFR (1.99) and GNRI (97.73); Low CFR Low GNRI group (n=77), High CFR and Low GNRI group (n=76), Low CFR High GNRI group (n=78) and High CFR High GNRI group (n=75). We collected their follow up data up to 1544 days (median 833 days) about all-cause mortality and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Surprisingly, there is no mortality event in High CFR High GNRI group. We analyzed about all-cause mortality, CV mortality. Kaplan-Meyer analysis shows there are statistically intergroup differences in each (all-cause mortality; log rank p<0.01, CV mortality; log rank p=0.02). Furthermore, we calculated area under the curve (AUC) analysis, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI)m adding GNRI and CFR on conventional risk factors. There are intergroup differences for all-cause mortality in AUC [conventional risk factors, +GNRI, +GNRI+CFR; 0.70, 0.72 (p=0.29), 0.79 (p<0.01)], NRI [+GNRI; 0.32 (p=0.04), +GNRI+CFR 0.82 (p<0.01)] and IDI [+GNRI; 0.01 (p=0.05), +GNRI+CFR 0.09 (p<0.01)]. Conclusion HD patients with low CFR and malnutrition status has statistically significant poorer prognosis comparing HD patients with high CFR and without malnutrition status. Adding combination of GNRI and CFR on conventional risk factors improves the predictability of HD population's prognosis. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Abstract Background In the clinical setting, ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major problem not only in general patients but also in regular hemodialysis (HD) patients. Positron emission tomography (PET) is becoming a reliable modality for detecting coronary artery disease. Of course, PET illustrates myocardial perfusion (MP), PET also measures myocardial blood flow (MBF) directly. We have reported stress MBF is an independent predictor in HD population. Although some prior studies show CFR is an independent predictor for their prognosis in patients without MP abnormality, there is limited data about the predictability of stress MBF in HD patients without MP abnormality. Methods A total 438 of HD patients who undergone 13NH3PET for suspected IHD were enrolled. All patients were undergone13NH3PET at Nagoya Radiological Diagnosis Foundation. After we excluded patients whose summed stress score (SSS) <4, we identified 182 eligible patients. Patients were divided into two group according to the median value of CFR levels; low stress MBF group (≤2.56) and high stress MBF group (>2.56). We followed up them up to 4.2 years (median 2.4 years) and collected their data. We evaluated their major adverse cardiac cerebrovascular event. We performed Kaplan-Meyer analysis and multivariable cox regression models. Furthermore, we evaluated the incremental value with C-index, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) when CFR added into a model with established risk factors. Result There were intergroup difference in baseline characteristics: age, gender, prior CVD and diabetes. Kaplan-Meyer analysis shows statistically intergroup difference [log rank p=0.013, hazard ratio (HR) 0.413, 95% confidential interval (CI) 0.220–0.775]. Multivariable cox regression model for MACCE shows CFR is an independent risk factor (p=0.004, HR 0.311, 95% CI 0.137–0.684). As regarding model discrimination, all of C-index (0.832 vs 0.796, p=0.15), NRI (0.513, p=0.008) and IDI (0.032, p=0.033) were greatest in a predicting model with established risk factors plus stress MBF. Conclusion The low stress MBF group has poor prognosis in MACCE comparing to the high stress MBF group. Stress MBF is an independent risk factor for MACCE. Adding stress MBF on conventional risk factors could more accurately predict MACCE in HD patients, even in patients without MP abnormality. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Objective Protein-energy wasting is associated with chronic inflammation and advanced atherosclerosis in haemodialysis (HD) patients. We investigated association of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), C reactive protein (CRP) with prediction of mortality after coronary revascularisation in chronic HD patients. Methods We enrolled 721 HD patients electively undergoing coronary revascularisation. They were divided into tertiles according to preprocedural GNRI levels (tertile 1 (T1):<91.5, T2: 91.5–98.1 and T3:>98.1) and CRP levels (T1:≤1.4 mg/L, T2: 1.5–7.0 mg/L and T3:≥7.1 mg/L). Results Kaplan-Meier 10 years survival rates were 32.3%, 44.8% and 72.5% in T1, T2 and T3 of GNRI and 60.9%, 49.2% and 23.5% in T1, T2 and T3 of CRP, respectively (p<0.0001 in both). Declined GNRI (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.58 to 3.74, p<0.0001 for T1 vs T3) and elevated CRP (HR 2.31, 95% CI 1.58 to 3.43, p<0.0001 for T3 vs T1) were identified as independent predictors of mortality. In combined setting of both variables, risk of mortality was 5.55 times higher (95% CI 2.64 to 13.6, p<0.0001) in T1 of GNRI with T3 of CRP than in T3 of GNRI with T1 of CRP. Addition of GNRI and CRP in a model with established risk factors improved C-statistics (0.648 to 0.724, p<0.0001) greater than that of each alone. Conclusion Preprocedural declined GNRI and elevated CRP were closely associated with mortality after coronary revascularisation in chronic HD patients. Furthermore, combination of both variables not only stratified risk of mortality but also improved the predictability.

Abstract Background Carotid atherosclerosis such as increased intima-media thickness (IMT) is associated with poor cardiovascular outcome. On the other hand, protein-energy wasting (PEW) or malnutrition, currently considered to be due to inflammatory process rather than poor nutritional intake, is highly prevalent in in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, particularly those on haemodialysis (HD). We investigated the association of carotid atherosclerosis, PEW and inflammation, and their joint role with prediction of mortality in chronic HD patients. Methods Carotid ultra-sound was performed in a total of 774 CKD patients stably undergoing HD therapy. Carotid atherosclerosis is defined as IMT>0.8mm as median value with hyperechoic plaque. Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) which calculated from serum albumin levels, body weight and height as a surrogate marker of the PEW, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at the same point. Patients were followed-up for 7 years. Results Declined GNRI and elevated CRP levels were independently associated with carotid atherosclerosis [odds ratio (OR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93–0.98, p=0.0082 and OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.64, p=0.019, respectively] accompanied with age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, p=0.0024) and hypertension (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.12–2.91, p=0.013). During follow-up period (median of 67 months), 180 patients (23.3%) died. Carotid atherosclerosis [62.7% vs. 79.3% for 7-year survival rate, hazard ratio (HR) 1.57, 95% CI 1.12–2.16, p=0.0078], GNRI<91.2 as an established cut-off value (58.8% vs. 83.7%, HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.35–2.59, p=0.0002) and CRP>1.1 mg/l as a median value (65.8% vs. 88.6%, HR 2.87, 95% CI 2.00–4.22, p<0.0001) were identified as independent predictors of mortality after adjustment for other confounders. When patients were divided into groups according to number of these three risk factors, 7-year Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 92.7%, 91.1%, 56.8% and 37.2% among groups with no risk factor, any 1 risk factor, any 2 risk factors and all risk factors, respectively (p<0.0001 for trend). After adjustment for other confounders, patients with any 1, any 2 and all risk factors had 2.21-fold (95% CI 1.26–4.14), 5.44-fold (95% CI 3.13–10.1) and 7.19-fold (95% CI 3.67–14.6) higher risk for mortality compared to those without any risk factor, respectively (p<0.0001 for trend). Conclusions Presence of carotid atherosclerosis was closely associated with both declined GNRI and elevated CRP levels in CKD patients on HD. Combination of these predictors was also additively associated with an increasing risk of mortality. These results clearly manifested the so-called malnutrition, inflammation and atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome in this high-risk population.

BACKGROUND:Noninvasive assessment of coronary plaque is important for coronary risk stratification. Whereas integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound (IB-IVUS) has proven effective for analysis of the tissue components of coronary plaque, plaque assessment by 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has not been established. We therefore evaluated the accuracy of MDCT compared with IB-IVUS for identification of coronary plaque components and determination of plaque volume.METHODS:Thirty-one sites in 17 coronary vessels (7 left anterior descending, 5 left circumflex, and 5 right coronary arteries) with substantial stenosis were visualized by both 64-slice MDCT and IB-IVUS. Coronary plaque was evaluated by MDCT and the findings were compared with those of IB-IVUS at the same sites and for the same vessel lengths. Plaque was classified as low-attenuated, fibrous, or calcified, and the volume of each plaque component and total plaque volume were calculated.RESULTS:Total plaque volume per vessel determined by MDCT was significantly correlated with that determined by IB-IVUS (r=0.704, P<0.05, n=17). However, the volumes of individual plaque components determined by the two approaches were not correlated. The predominant plaque morphology as determined by the two approaches was consistent in 12 of the 17 vessels (70.6%), whereas calcified and low-attenuated plaques were overestimated by MDCT in the remaining vessels.CONCLUSIONS:MDCT is a promising approach for noninvasive detection of different types of coronary plaque and may therefore contribute to coronary risk stratification. The ability of MDCT to determine the volume of individual plaque components, however, is limited.