Low molecular weight advanced glycation end products predict mortality in asymptomatic patients receiving chronic haemodialysis

Abstract

Background. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have biological properties that may contribute to the premature cardiovascular mortality of haemodialysis patients. This study examines the hypothesis that low molecular weight forms of fluorescent AGEs (LMW fluorescence) predict mortality in haemodialysis patients. Methods. The LMW fluorescence was measured in 85 patients treated with chronic haemodialysis and prospectively followed for 4 years. The primary outcome of all-cause mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results. At the end of the follow-up period 37 (44%) patients died. The median LMW fluorescence level was 24.2 arbitrary units (range: 10.6-148...