Grant: Operating Grant

Hemodialysis patients are most likely to die from heart and blood circulation-related problems. This is due, in part, to a process called vascular calcification during which calcium becomes deposited within blood vessel walls causing narrowing of the vessels and altering their flexibility. Matrix Gla protein prevents calcification in the body but it depends on vitamin K to work properly. This multi-center pilot trial is designed to address the feasibility of a large scale randomized controlled trial to determine whether vitamin K prevents progression of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients. Our primary research question is: Is it feasible to perform a large randomized controlled trial in patients with end stage kidney disease requiring hemodialysis therapy to investigate whether vitamin K supplementation with 10 mg of phylloquinone three times per week, compared to placebo, reduces the progression of coronary artery calcification over 12 months in incident patients with a baseline CAC score of greater than or equal to 30 Agaston Units? There are no national guidelines that address an optimal intake of vitamin K in patients with kidney failure. A simple nutrient strategy that modifies arterial calcification, such as propose, could reduce morbidity and save lives. The results of this study will serve to answer some fundamental questions and will inform current clinical practice.