Metrics details. Fibroblast growth factor FGF , a novel marker of bone disease in chronic kidney disease CKD has been shown to correlate with vascular calcifications. Pediatric and young adult patients with CKD stages I-V were recruited in this cross sectional study to measure FGF, cystatin C, vitamin D-metabolites and other serum markers of bone metabolism. FGF levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Patients were divided into two age groups, less than 13 years of age and greater than 13 years of age. This cross-sectional study measured serum FGF, in 81 patients 42 females, Upon classification of patients into two age groups, less than 13 years of age and more than 13 years of age, correlational results differed significantly. Fibroblast growth factor FGF is a phosphaturic hormone that increases in early chronic kidney disease CKD before abnormalities in serum calcium, phosphate, or parathyroid hormone PTH become apparent [ 1 , 2 ].
FGF is thought to be produced by altered osteocyte function in early CKD [ 3 ] and is elevated in patients with end-stage kidney disease.
FGF has been linked with mortality, vascular calcification, markers of bone turnover, and left ventricular hypertrophy [ 4 ].
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adult patients with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance dialysis [ 5 ]. Cardiovascular mortality is also a significant issue in children and young adults with kidney disease, largely due to vascular calcifications in the media of vessels [ 6 , 7 ]. As higher phosphate levels are associated with vascular calcifications, several studies have examined the role of serum FGF levels in phosphate metabolism and vascular calcifications.
