Vascular calcification is a common and serious complication in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis. Dialysate composition may influence its progression. Acetate, a weak acid, has traditionally been added to dialysate to maintain chemical stability and prevent precipitation of calcium or magnesium bicarbonate salts. However, long-term acetate exposure has been associated with adverse effects, prompting the search for safer alternatives.
Citrate is a promising substitute that may help reduce vascular calcification by maintaining a neutral calcium balance. Nevertheless, it can lower magnesium levels in the blood (hypomagnesemia), which might counteract its benefits. This supports the idea of adding magnesium to citrate-based dialysate.
This is a prospective, randomized, open-label clinical trial designed to compare the effects of acetate-based dialysate versus citrate-based dialysate with magnesium supplementation in adult hemodialysis patients. Participants will be enrolled and followed for 12 months.
The primary outcome will be changes in calcification propensity (T50). Secondary outcomes include changes in serum magnesium, calcium, and PTH levels, as well as the incidence of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.
The findings may help identify a safer and more effective dialysate composition to improve cardiovascular outcomes in this patient population.
