Calcification of heart valves in hemodialized patients and their cardiosurgical correction

Abstract

Abstract: Development of vascular and systemic calcification is one of the more serious and often occuring complications in hemodialyzed patients. The cardiac valves calcifications are of the essential importance. They are result of the very complicated calcification process connected with hyperphosphataemia, hyperparathyroidism, calcium carbonate administering and active vitamin D3 metabolites as well as using dialysis fluids with high concentration of calcium. Elevated P and Ca x P product are both significant predictors of cardiovascular mortality in hemodialized patients. We describe two patients with cardiac failure because of cardiac valves calcification. Both patients underwent artficial valves implantation. The patients showed a marked improvement of the quality of life and haemodynamic status.