We aimed to study the association of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) as a novel
cardiovascular risk factor with Doppler pulse wave velocity (PWV) as an arterial stiffness
measuring tool in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study in which blood
samples from 86 HD patients were obtained to estimate FGF 23 and other parameters. Flow
waveforms were obtained at two locations within right common carotid artery, and right femoral
artery by Doppler ultrasound with ECG recorded in addition. The time differences between the R
wave of the ECG signal and the onset of the flow waveforms at the two sites yield ΔT. Distances
between sampling sites were measured using a tape measure. PWV was defined as (m/s) = D
(m)/ΔT (s). In the current study, we found significant positive correlations between Doppler PWV
and both age (r = 0.401, P = 0.039) and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.602, P = 0.034), while no
significant association between Doppler PWV and FGF-23 (r = 0.123, P = 0.259) could be detected.
Serum FGF-23 levels are not significantly associated with Doppler PWV in HD patients.