Increased Aortic Wall Stiffness Associated with Low Circulating Fetuin A and High C-Reactive Protein in Predialysis Patients

Abstract

Aortic wall stiffness is higher in CKD patients than in controls, and it already develops in the predialysis period. Age is the principal determinant of arterial wall stiffness also in CKD patients. The acceleration of arterial wall stiffness in CKD is associated with additional factors, i.e. fetuin A deficiency and higher CRP and IL-6.