Between 8% and 16% of the global population has chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the frequency is predicted to rise even more in the coming years. Certain risk factors, such as age, diabetes, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), are associated with mortality in individuals on dialysis. Moreover, a comprehensive research analysis found seven new factors that may also be associated with mortality in CKD.

How Were Studies Included in the Analysis?

Researchers found 18 studies that met the pre-established criteria, which included: 

• Observational or conference abstracts
• Studies involving non-transplant patients with CKD at any stage
• Studies using area under the curve (AUC) analysis with a 95% confidence interval (CI)

What Were the Findings?

Of all the studies analyzed, the research covered 14,579 patients (832 without dialysis and 13,747 on dialysis).

Researchers found 24 mortality predictors. None met the “outstanding” criteria; however, seven met the “excellent” criteria. The factors meeting “excellent” criteria were:

• N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide
• Brain natriuretic peptide
• Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor
• Augmentation index
• Left atrial reservoir strain
• CRP
• Systolic pulmonary artery pressure

What Are the Takeaways?

While there were limitations with the analysis, researchers believe their findings show the importance of monitoring patients’ cardiovascular health. 

“Echocardiography is an important tool for mortality prognostication in CKD patients by evaluating left atrial reservoir strain, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, diastolic function, and left ventricular mass index,” researchers stated.

*Kaltwasser, J. (2021a, August 13). Nephrotic Syndrome Linked With End-Stage Kidney Disease, Cardiovascular Issues. AJMC. https://www.ajmc.com/view/nephrotic-syndrome-linked-with-end-stage-kidney-disease-cardiovascular-issues