The severity and predictors of abdominal aortic calcification among hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

The severity and predictors of abdominal aortic calcification among hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study from Palestine. Download PDF Abstract Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is a clinically important marker of systemic vascular disease and cardiovascular risk in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. This study assessed the prevalence and severity of AAC and identified factors associated with increasing calcification burden among Palestinian hemodialysis patients.

This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted at An-Najah National University Hospital, Palestine, between August 2025 and January 2026. Adults receiving maintenance hemodialysis for at least 6 months were recruited using convenience sampling. AAC was assessed on lateral lumbar radiographs using the validated 24-point Kauppila score and categorized as no calcification (0), mild-to-moderate calcification (1–6), or severe calcification (≥ 7).

Clinical, laboratory, medication, and radiographic data were analyzed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of increasing AAC severity, and a sensitivity model additionally adjusted for serum calcium and phosphate. A total of 163 patients were included, representing 95.9% of the prespecified target sample.

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