The Relationship Between Bone Metabolism and Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients on Hemodialysis: The Potential Role of Osteocalcin

INTRODUCTION: To examine the factors associated with PAD, with a specific focus on bone metabolism factors such as osteocalcin. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined factors about demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters including bone metabolism biomarkers in hemodialysis patients. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured in all patients, with PAD diagnosed as an ABI <0.9. RESULTS: Out of the 71 patients, PAD was found in 23 individuals. These patients had an average age of 63.5±13.0 years, with 59.2% being male. Compared to non-PAD patients, those with PAD were older, had a lower proportion of males, and had a higher prevalence of diabetes and coronary artery disease. Among the factors related to bone metabolism, only osteocalcin exhibited a significant increase in the PAD group compared to the non-PAD group. CONCLUSION: PAD in patients on hemodialysis was independently linked to high levels of osteocalcin in the bloodstream, indicating the presence of bone metabolism disorders.