Histopathological assessment of radial artery calcification in patients with end-stage kidney disease

A comprehensive understanding of vascular calcification pathology is significant for the development of cardiovascular disease therapy in high-risk populations. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of radial artery calcification (RAC) and to identify the factors that are associated with RAC in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Detailed medical histories of 180 patients with ESKD were recorded. Fragments of the radial artery obtained during the creation of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis access were stained with alizarin red S. Calcification was localized in the arterial media layer. The prevalence of positive calcification staining in the radial arteries was 21.1% (n = 38). Patients with RAC had a higher glycated hemoglobin level (p 5 years (p = 0.022), and diabetes mellitus (p 5 years (odds ratio [OR], 9.864; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.666-36.502; p