eGFR is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis independent of albuminuria: The Dong-gu Study

Objectives: This study evaluated the relationships between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and carotid atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), arterial stiffness, and left ventricular hypertrophy, independent of albuminuria. Methods: The study population consisted of 6694 people aged 50 years and older who participated in the baseline survey of the Dong-gu Study conducted in Korea between 2007 and 2009. The common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT), carotid plaque, ankle-brachial index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of each subjects was assessed. Results: After adjustment for risk factors and albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), kidney dysfunction (eGFR = 30-44 ml/min per 1.73m(2)) was significantly associated with carotid plaque presence (odds ratio [OR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.53) and PAD (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.51-4.62) compared to normal kidney function (eGFR >= 60 ml/min per 1.73m2). Similarly, mean LVMI and baPWV differed significantly according to eGFR after adjustment for other risk factors and ACR; in contrast, no significant difference was observed for CCA-IMT. Conclusions: Independent of albuminuria, eGFR is associated with carotid plaque, PAD, baPWV, and LVMI but not with CCA-IMT in Koreans aged 50 years and older. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.