Arterial Calcifications in Nocturnal Hemodialysis and Renal Transplantation Versus Conventional Dialysis

Is Progression of Arteriosclerosis in ESRD Patients Inhibited by Nocturnal Hemodialysis or Renal Transplantation?

Objective:

1. To assess whether nocturnal hemodialysis and renal transplantation are associated with less progression of coronary arterial calcification, compared with conventional hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis;
2. To identify the risk factors for coronary arterial calcification in dialysis and transplant patients, and to assess a possible interaction with treatment modality.

To assess whether nocturnal hemodialysis and renal transplantation are associated with less progression of coronary arterial calcification, compared with conventional hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis; To identify the risk factors for coronary arterial calcification in dialysis and transplant patients, and to assess a possible interaction with treatment modality.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ESRD
• current age > 18 and < 75 yr
• ability to understand the study procedures
• willingness to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• life expectancy < 3 months
• claustrophobia
• allergy to iodinated contrast
• treatment incompliance, i.e. non-adherence to dialysis regimens and drug use
• GFR < 30 ml/min (according to MDRD formula) in renal transplant patients
• pregnancy