Custos do tratamento do hiperparatireoidismo secundário à doença renal crônica, com cinacalcete ou paratireoidectomia, para pacientes não controlados com a terapia clínica convencional sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde / Secondary hyperparathyroidism treatment costs with cinacalcet or PTX, for uncontrolled patients with conventional clinical therapy under Brazilian Public Health System perspective

Objetivos: Estimar a população elegível para o tratamento de pacientes com hiperparatireoidismo secundário (HPTS), não controlados com terapia convencional, bem como avaliar a utilização de recursos para o tratamento dessa população com cinacalcete ou paratireoidectomia (PTX). Métodos: Utilização da técnica Delphi por painel de especialistas. A pesquisa foi realizada utilizando questionário estruturado, enviado por meio eletrônico aos especialistas, e seguida de encontro presencial. Os custos foram obtidos de bases de dados governamentais. Apenas custos médicos diretos foram incluídos, sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (em reais no ano de 2014). Os dados foram avaliados pelo Microsoft Excel versão 2013. Resultados: A população no cenário de mundo real indicada para o tratamento com cinacalcete foi de 7.705 pacientes. Já a população real encaminhada para a PTX foi de 7.691 pacientes, sendo esse número 76,3% maior que a população ideal com indicação de PTX, que foi de 1.822 pacientes. O custo estimado do tratamento com cinacalcete foi de R$ 27.712,95 (considerando a dose recomendada em bula para cinacalcete, de 30 a 180 mg/ dia) e de R$ 16.841,85 para PTX (incluindo os períodos pré e pós-cirúrgico). A análise de sensibilidade foi baseada na dose média de cinacalcete, conforme o estudo EVOLVE (66,8 mg/dia). Nesse cenário, o custo do tratamento com cinacalcete foi de R$ 11.924,13 (57% menor que o cenário com a dose de bula). Conclusão: No cenário SUS, o número de pacientes encaminhados para PTX foi 76,3% maior que os idealmente indicados à cirurgia, o que ocorre devido à falta de opções terapêuticas.

Objectives: To estimate patient management patterns, associated medical resource utilization and use of cinacalcet for secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic hemodialysis patients and much uncontrolled with conventional treatment, in the Unified Healthcare System (SUS) setting, in 2014. Methods: An expert panel was carried using the Delphi technique. The research was done by structured and unambiguous questionnaires that were sent by email to the entire Delphi panel, followed by a face meeting. Expense inputs were mainly obtained from government fee schedules and pharmaceutical price tables. Only medical direct costs were included under the perspective of SUS [in 2014 Brazilian Real (BRL)]. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel Worksheet version 2013. Results: The eligible population to cinacalcet treatment was 9,513 patients. Considering an ideal scenario, this number goes to 7,705 patients. The estimated population for parathyroidectomy was 7,691 patients in a real scenario and 1,822 in an ideal scenario (76.3% more patients than the ideally suited to the procedure). The estimated annual cost with cinacalcet treatment is 27,712.95 BRL (considering the label dose for cinacalcet) and 16,841.85 BRL for parathyroidectomy (including pre and post-operative period), respectively. A sensitivity analysis was performed considering the cost of cinacalcet treatment using the drug's dose of EVOLVE study (66.8 mg). This scenario showed a total cost of 11,924.13 BRL (57% less than label dose scenario). Conclusion: 76.3% more patients are indicated to the surgery due the absence of other therapeutic options for management of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic hemodialysis patients and much uncontrolled with conventional treatment, in the SUS setting.

Acesso ao tratamento do câncer bucal na região do colegiado de gestão regional de Campinas - SP: estudo de caso / Access to oral cancer treatment in the regional management collegiate region (colegiado de gestão regional - CGR) of Campinas, SP: a case study

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o desfecho dos casos com diagnóstico de câncer bucal nos serviços de referência em oncologia na região do Colegiado de Gestão Regional (CGR) de Campinas-SP. Estudo do tipo transversal com análise de dados secundários. Foram Avaliados 7 CEOs abrangendo 1.596.728 habitantes. Trata-se de pesquisa exploratória realizada em relatórios gerenciais do CEO Municipal e informações em Sistemas Regionais. Os dados foram coletados a partir de registros de pacientes dos serviços; demografia; tipo histológico, lesão local; diagnóstico de biópsia; data de encaminhamento e primeira consulta no centro de referência; início, conclusão e resultado do tratamento. Os resultados apontam que 94,7% eram homens; 84,2% tinham idade> 50 anos. O tempo entre detecção da lesão e confirmação do diagnóstico <30 (78,9%) dias. Município de referência priorizado em 47,4% dos casos. Os CEOs não tinham registro do tempo decorrido entre diagnóstico e início do tratamento para maioria dos casos, em que a situação de 52,6% dos pacientes é desconhecida para CEOs, com exceção do município de Amparo. Conclui-se ser necessário um melhor acompanhamento de pacientes com câncer oral na região de Campinas (CGR).

The objective of the research was to evaluate outcome of oral cancer cases diagnosed at oncology treatment reference services, Campinas Regional Management Collegiate, SP. Cross-sectional, observational epidemiological study conducted with secondary data analysis. Seven Dental Specialty Centers covering 1,596,728 inhabitants were evaluated in two stages. First, exploratory survey conducted of CEO's management reports, Municipal and Regional Information Systems. Secondly, data were collected from services' patient records: demographic; histological type, lesion site; biopsy diagnostic data; date of referral to, and first consultation at reference center; beginning and conclusion of treatment, outcome. Majority of cases were men (94.7%); age >50 years (84.2%). Mean time elapsed between lesion detection and diagnosis confirmation, <30 (78.9%) days. Municipality prioritized referral (47.4%). CEOs had no record of time elapsed between diagnosis and initiation of treatment for most cases in which the situation of 52.6% of patients is unknown for CEOs, with the exception of Amparo municipality. We conclude that it is necessary a better follow up of oral cancer patients in Campinas, CGR region.

Quadriceps tendon rupture in maintenance haemodialysis patients: results of surgical treatment and analysis of risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Reports of spontaneous quadriceps ruptures in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are scarce, and the assessment of risk factors for tendon rupture is poorly addressed in the majority of the studies. The purpose of the present study is to report a series of patients on haemodialysis with spontaneous quadriceps tendon ruptures operated at our institution. The results of the surgical treatment are described and the potential risk factors associated with the rupture are analyzed. METHODS: Our study consisted of retrospective analysis of patient's charts. Clinical and laboratory findings of the operated group were compared to the ones of a control group of haemodialysis patients matched by age, gender, and time on haemodialysis, but without tendon rupture. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2010, six ESRD patients with 11 spontaneous ruptures of the quadriceps tendon were treated at our institution. On postoperative evaluation all patients were able to walk without crutches after six months of follow-up, and there were no new ruptures. Positive serology for Hepatitis C was present in two cases (33%) but in none of the controls (p = 0.034). Mean serum levels of intact parathormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase were both higher in cases (p = 0.013 and p = 0.034, respectively). In contrast, mean serum levels of albumin, ferritin and haemoglobin were all lower in cases (p = 0.008, p = 0.043 and p = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSION: Reconstructive surgery is a good way to restore knee function in ESRD patients with quadriceps tendon ruptures. Our cases exhibited higher levels of iPTH and alkaline phosphatase than control patients, reinforcing the role of secondary hyperparathyroidism in tendon weakening. They also had a higher frequency of hepatitis C and lower levels of albumin and haemoglobin compared to controls, possibly implicating chronic inflammation as a potential risk factor for tendon rupture.

Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO): design, data elements and methodology.

INTRODUCTION: Mineral bone disorder (MBD) is a common condition in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Data involving prevalence of alterations in bone histological patterns, impact of different treatments and its repercussion in outcomes, such as bone fractures, hospitalization, cardiovascular disease and mortality, are scarce. Data bank registry can be a valuable tool to understand epidemiological aspects of MBD CKD. The Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO) will be a national registry, coordinating by the Brazilian Society of Nephrology - Committee of MBD-CKD. OBJECTIVE: To describe REBRABO's design, elements of data and methodology. METHODS: Will be an online national observational and multicentric data registry divided in two phases (retrospective, 1st phase) and prospective (2nd phase), including information from bone tissue histomorphometric analysis and demographics, clinical and laboratorial data from CKD-MBD patients. RESULTS: The REBRABO's first phase will explore data on demographics, clinical, laboratorial and bone histomorphometric analysis data from January/1986 to December/2013. The first RESULTS are expected in early 2015. CONCLUSION: Studies in the field of CKD-MBD are needed, particularly those analyzing its prevalence, associations between demographic, clinical, histological parameters, and major outcomes. The REBRABO will be a unique retrospective and prospective research platform including bone biopsy data in CKD-MBD patients.

Registro Brasileiro de Biópsias Ósseas (REBRABO): desenho, banco de dados e metodologia / Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO): design, data elements and methodology

Introdução: Os distúrbios mineral e ósseo (DMO) são encontrados com frequência em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) e são causa importante de morbidade e mortalidade nessa população. São escassos na literatura estudos que avaliam a prevalência dos tipos de alterações histológicas no tecido ósseo e suas associações com desfechos clínicos, como fraturas, hospitalização, doença cardiovascular e mortalidade. Os estudos epidemiológicos dos DMO-DRC podem ser facilitados pela criação de registros. O Registro Brasileiro de Biópsias Ósseas (REBRABO) será uma base de dados coordenada pelo Comitê DMO-DRC da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia. Objetivo: Descrever o desenho, banco de dados e metodologia do REBRABO. Métodos: Será uma base de dados eletrônica online, envolvendo informações nacionais, observacionais, multicêntricas retrospectivas (1ª fase), e prospectivas (2ª fase), contendo dados demográficos, clínicos, laboratoriais e de histologia óssea, obtidos por meio da técnica de histomorfometria em pacientes com DMO-DRC; serão empregadas análises estatísticas de relação e comparação para identificar possíveis associações entre os DMODRC e desfechos clínicos, incluindo fraturas, hospitalizações e mortalidade. Resultados: A primeira fase do REBRABO revelará análise de informações demográficas, clínicas, laboratoriais e de histologia do tecido ósseo de janeiro/1986 até dezembro/2013, cujos Resultados são esperados no primeiro semestre de 2015. Conclusão: Existe a necessidade de estudos que avaliem a prevalência, associações entre variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, laboratoriais ...

Introduction: Mineral bone disorder (MBD) is a common condition in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Data involving prevalence of alterations in bone histological patterns, impact of different treatments and its repercussion in outcomes, such as bone fractures, hospitalization, cardiovascular disease and mortality, are scarce. Data bank registry can be a valuable tool to understand epidemiological aspects of MBD CKD. The Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy (REBRABO) will be a national registry, coordinating by the Brazilian Society of Nephrology - Committee of MBD-CKD. Objective: To describe REBRABO's design, elements of data and methodology. Methods: Will be an online national observational and multicentric data registry divided in two phases (retrospective, 1st phase) and prospective (2nd phase), including information from bone tissue histomorphometric analysis and demographics, clinical and laboratorial data from CKD-MBD patients. Results: The REBRABO's first phase will explore data on demographics, clinical, laboratorial and bone histomorphometric analysis data from January/1986 to December/2013. The first Results are expected in early 2015. Conclusion: Studies in the field of CKD-MBD are needed, particularly those analyzing its prevalence, associations between demographic, clinical, histological parameters, and major outcomes. The REBRABO will be a unique retrospective and prospective research platform including bone biopsy data in CKD-MBD patients. .

Secondary hyperparathyroidism status in Brazil: Brazilian census of parathyroidectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) is a common and serious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in the clinical management of SHP, treatment failure still occurs in a significant number of patients. In such cases, parathyroidectomy (PTx) is indicated. OBJECTIVE: To have an overview of the prevalence of severe SHP and of its surgical treatment in hemodialysis (HD) patients in Brazil. METHODS: This was an observational and descriptive study. Data were obtained from questionnaires posted to 660 dialysis units (DU). RESULTS: Results are expressed in absolute values and percentages, or means and standard deviation, as appropriate. 226 (34%) DU answered the questionnaire, providing data about 32,264 HD patients. The prevalence rate of severe SHP (PTH > 1,000 pg/mL) was 10.7 % (n = 3,463). 68 hospitals countrywide perform PTX. Around 40% of them are university centers. 49 (21.7%) DU reported not to have a specialized medical center to refer their patients with severe SHP. 74 (33%) DU reported that the time interval between surgery indication and its performance was over 6 months. The main recognized obstacles to surgery performance were: difficulty to perform the preoperative exams, lack of head and neck surgeons and the long waiting time. CONCLUSIONS: Although severe SHP is highly prevalent in Brazil, a significant number of patients do not have access to PTx. Better public health policies and liaison between nephrologists and head and neck surgeons are urgently required to change this reality.

Situação do hiperparatireoidismo secundário autônomo no Brasil: dados do censo brasileiro de paratireoidectomia / Secondary hyperparathyroidism status in Brazil: Brazilian census of parathyroidectomy

INTRODUÇÃO: O hiperparatireoidismo secundário (HPS) é uma complicação comum e grave no curso da doença renal crônica (DRC), com impacto direto sobre a morbidade e mortalidade desses pacientes. Apesar dos avanços no tratamento clínico do HPS a falência terapêutica ocorre em parcela significativa dos pacientes. Nesses casos, a paratireoidectomia (PTx) é indicada. OBJETIVO: Este trabalho visa abordar a situação atual no Brasil de pacientes com HPS em hemodiálise com indicação de PTx. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, descritivo, com dados obtidos de questionário enviado a 660 centros de diálise (CD). RESULTADOS: Os resultados estão expressos em valores absolutos, médias e desvio padrão; 226 (34 por cento) CD responderam ao questionário, representando 32.264 pacientes em hemodiálise (HD). A prevalência de pacientes com paratormônio (PTH) > 1.000pg/mL foi de 3.463 (10,7 por cento). Em 49 (21,7 por cento) CD não é possível encaminhar os pacientes para PTx. Cerca de 40 por cento dos serviços que realizam PTx são ligados a centros universitários. Em 74 (33 por cento) CD o tempo de espera para que um paciente seja operado é superior a 6 meses. Foram contabilizados 68 serviços que realizam PTx. Os principais problemas relacionados para a realização de PTx foram: dificuldades com a realização dos exames pré-operatórios, escassez de cirurgiões de cabeça e pescoço, e longa fila de espera. CONCLUSÕES: a prevalência de HPS grave é elevada em nosso meio. Uma parcela significativa de pacientes não tem acesso ao tratamento cirúrgico. Uma melhor organização das políticas de saúde pública, além de um maior entrosamento entre nefrologistas e cirurgiões de cabeça e pescoço, em torno dessa questão, são necessários para a mudança dessa realidade.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) is a common and serious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in the clinical management of SHP, treatment failure still occurs in a significant number of patients. In such cases, parathyroidectomy (PTx) is indicated. OBJECTIVE: To have an overview of the prevalence of severe SHP and of its surgical treatment in hemodialysis (HD) patients in Brazil. METHODS: This was an observational and descriptive study. Data were obtained from questionnaires posted to 660 dialysis units (DU). RESULTS: Results are expressed in absolute values and percentages, or means and standard deviation, as appropriate. 226 (34 percent) DU answered the questionnaire, providing data about 32,264 HD patients. The prevalence rate of severe SHP (PTH > 1,000 pg/mL) was 10.7 percent (n = 3,463). 68 hospitals countrywide perform PTX. Around 40 percent of them are university centers. 49 (21.7 percent) DU reported not to have a specialized medical center to refer their patients with severe SHP. 74 (33 percent) DU reported that the time interval between surgery indication and its performance was over 6 months. The main recognized obstacles to surgery performance were: difficulty to perform the preoperative exams, lack of head and neck surgeons and the long waiting time. CONCLUSIONS: Although severe SHP is highly prevalent in Brazil, a significant number of patients do not have access to PTx. Better public health policies and liaison between nephrologists and head and neck surgeons are urgently required to change this reality.

Prevalência e correlatos de doença vascular no exame de ultrassom em pacientes em hemodiálise / Prevalence and correlates of vascular disease at ultrasound examination in patients on hemodialysis / Prevalencia y correlatos de enfermedad vascular en el examen de ultrasonido en pacientes en hemodiálisis

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) apresentam risco aumentado de morte cardiovascular. A espessura íntima-média (EIM) e a presença de calcificações arteriais são fatores de risco bem conhecidos para morte cardiovascular em pacientes em HD. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de EIM e calcificações em pacientes em HD e correlacionar achados de imagem com dados clínicos e laboratoriais. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 75 pacientes em HD por > 12 meses. Os pacientes foram submetidos à ultrassonografia (US) modo-B para determinação da EIM do terço distal das artérias carótidas comuns. As calcificações arteriais foram avaliadas por US de artérias carótidas, femorais e tibiais e consideradas positivas se calcificações fossem encontradas em qualquer sítio arterial. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes tinham 52 ± 13 anos, 57 por cento eram do sexo masculino e 16 por cento eram diabéticos. EIM > 0,9 mm foi encontrada em 57 por cento dos cases e calcificações arteriais na US em 48 por cento. Envelhecimento (décadas) e tabagismo estavam associados com aumento da EIM (odds ratio ajustado [aOR] = 3,4, p < 0,001; aOR = 4,4, p = 0,045, respectivamente) e presença de calcificações vasculares (aOR = 3,0, p < 0,001; aOR = 6,8, p = 0,011, respectivamente). Altos níveis de hormônio paratireoidiano intacto (iPTH) (por 100 pg/ml) estavam associados de forma significante com aumento na EIM (aOR = 1,7, p = 0,021), mas não com calcificação vascular. Em contraste, diabete e tempo de diálise (anos) foram determinantes significantes para calcificações na US (aOR = 15,0, p = 0,009; aOR = 1,39, p = 0,020), mas não para o aumento da EIM. CONCLUSÃO: EIM aumentada e calcificações à US são achados comuns em pacientes em HD. Envelhecimento e tabagismo são determinantes consistentes para ambas as alterações de imagem. Aumento nos níveis de iPTH está associado com aumento na EIM. Diabete e tempo de diálise aumentam de forma substancial o risco de calcificação arterial.

BACKGROUND: Patients on hemodialysis present an increased risk of cardiovascular death. Intimal media thickness (IMT) and presence of arterial calcifications are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular death in hemodialysis patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of IMT and arterial calcifications in HD patients and to correlate image findings with clinical and laboratory data. METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 75 patients on dialysis for >12 months. Patients underwent B-mode ultrasound scan (US) for determination of IMT of the distal third of the common carotid arteries. Arterial calcifications were assessed by US of carotids, femoral and tibial arteries, and labeled positive if calcification was found in any arterial site. RESULTS: Patients were 52±13 years old, 57 percent were males and 16 percent were diabetics. IMT > 0.9 mm was found in 57 percent of cases and arterial calcifications at US in 48 percent. Aging (decades) and smoking were associated with both increased IMT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.4, p < 0.001; aOR = 4.4, p = 0.045, respectively) and presence of vascular calcifications (aOR = 3.0, p < 0.001; aOR = 6.8, p = 0.011, respectively). High intact parathyroid hormone levels (per each 100 pg/ml) were significantly associated with increased IMT (aOR = 1.7, p = 0.021), but not with vascular calcification. In contrast, Diabetes and time on dialysis (years) were significant determinants for calcifications at US (aOR = 15.0, p = 0.009; aOR = 1.39, p = 0.020), but not for increased IMT. CONCLUSION: Increased IMT and calcifications at US are common findings in hemodialysis patients. Aging and smoking are consistent determinants for both image alterations. Parathyroid hormone elevation is associated with increased IMT. Diabetes and time on dialysis substantially increase the risk for arterial calcification.

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes en hemodiálisis (HD) presentan riesgo aumentado de muerte cardiovascular. El espesor íntima-media (EIM) y la presencia de calcificaciones arteriales son factores de riesgo bien conocidos de muerte cardiovascular en pacientes en HD. OBJETIVO:Evaluar la prevalencia de EIM y calcificaciones en pacientes en HD y correlacionar hallazgos de imagen con datos clínicos y de laboratorio. MÉTODOS:Estudio transversal de 75 pacientes en HD por >12 meses. Los pacientes fueron sometidos a ultrasonografia (US) modo-B para determinación de la EIM del tercio distal de las arterias carótidas comunes. Las calcificaciones arteriales fueron evaluadas por US de arterias carótidas, femorales y tibiales y consideradas positivas si fuesen encontradas calcificaciones en cualquier sitio arterial. RESULTADOS:Los pacientes tenían 52±13 años, 57 por ciento eran del sexo masculino y 16 por ciento eran diabéticos. EIM > 0,9mm fue encontrada en 57 por ciento de los casos y calcificaciones arteriales en la US en 48 por ciento. Envejecimiento (décadas) y tabaquismo estaban asociados a aumento de la EIM (odds ratio ajustado [aOR] = 3,4, p < 0,001; aOR = 4,4, p = 0,045, respectivamente) y presencia de calcificaciones vasculares (aOR = 3,0, p < 0,001; aOR = 6,8, p = 0,011, respectivamente). Altos niveles de hormona paratiroidea intacta (iPTH) (por 100 pg/ml) estaban asociados de forma significativa a aumento en la EIM (aOR = 1,7, p = 0,021), pero no a calcificación vascular. En contraste, diabetes y tiempo de diálisis (años) fueron determinantes significativos para calcificaciones en la US (aOR = 15,0, p = 0,009; aOR = 1,39, p = 0,020), pero no para el aumento de la EIM. CONCLUSIÓN:EIM aumentada y calcificaciones en la US son hallazgos comunes en pacientes en HD. Envejecimiento y tabaquismo son determinantes consistentes para ambas alteraciones de imagen. Aumento en los niveles de iPTH está asociado a aumento en la EIM. Diabetes y tiempo de diálisis aumentan de forma sustancial el riesgo de calcificación arterial.

Prevalence and correlates of vascular disease at ultrasound examination in patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients on hemodialysis present an increased risk of cardiovascular death. Intimal media thickness (IMT) and presence of arterial calcifications are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular death in hemodialysis patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of IMT and arterial calcifications in HD patients and to correlate image findings with clinical and laboratory data. METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 75 patients on dialysis for >12 months. Patients underwent B-mode ultrasound scan (US) for determination of IMT of the distal third of the common carotid arteries. Arterial calcifications were assessed by US of carotids, femoral and tibial arteries, and labeled positive if calcification was found in any arterial site. RESULTS: Patients were 52±13 years old, 57% were males and 16% were diabetics. IMT > 0.9 mm was found in 57% of cases and arterial calcifications at US in 48%. Aging (decades) and smoking were associated with both increased IMT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.4, p < 0.001; aOR = 4.4, p = 0.045, respectively) and presence of vascular calcifications (aOR = 3.0, p < 0.001; aOR = 6.8, p = 0.011, respectively). High intact parathyroid hormone levels (per each 100 pg/ml) were significantly associated with increased IMT (aOR = 1.7, p = 0.021), but not with vascular calcification. In contrast, Diabetes and time on dialysis (years) were significant determinants for calcifications at US (aOR = 15.0, p = 0.009; aOR = 1.39, p = 0.020), but not for increased IMT. CONCLUSION: Increased IMT and calcifications at US are common findings in hemodialysis patients. Aging and smoking are consistent determinants for both image alterations. Parathyroid hormone elevation is associated with increased IMT. Diabetes and time on dialysis substantially increase the risk for arterial calcification.