Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Mineral Metabolism Disruption in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease in Abuja

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a bone-derived phosphaturic hormone that is markedly elevated in chronic kidney disease and is an emerging independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. This study evaluates plasma FGF-23 levels and their relationship to mineral metabolism markers, including calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, in patients with end-stage renal disease at the National Hospital Abuja, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical design was adopted, recruiting 80 patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis and 60 stage 3 to 4 CKD patients not yet on dialysis. FGF-23 was measured by ELISA, and mineral metabolism markers were determined by standard clinical chemistry methods. Echocardiographic data on left ventricular hypertrophy, where available, were also collected to examine the FGF-23-cardiac relationship. Multiple linear regression identified independent biochemical predictors of elevated FGF-23. The study bridges an important gap in the Nigerian nephrology literature on FGF-23 biology and provides a locally generated reference range. Findings will inform mineral metabolism management protocols for CKD patients in Nigerian nephrology practice. Keywords: fibroblast growth factor 23, mineral metabolism, end-stage renal disease, parathyroid hormone, Abuja.