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Renal involvement in subjects with peripheral atherosclerosis
B Baggio1, A Budakovic, D Casara
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CNR Center on Aging, University Hospital, Padua, Italy. BBaggio@ux1.unipd.it
Journal of Nephrology
|August 17, 2001
Summary
Extrarenal atherosclerosis silently impairs kidney function, specifically renal plasma flow, even before overt symptoms appear. Regular kidney function assessment is crucial for patients with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Ischemic nephropathy is a significant cause of renal failure.
- Subclinical renal dysfunction can occur in patients with peripheral atherosclerosis.
- These abnormalities may precede overt ischemic nephropathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of extrarenal atherosclerosis on kidney function.
- To assess renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration in subjects with varying degrees of atherosclerosis.
- To identify factors influencing renal function in these patients.
Main Methods:
- 89 subjects with peripheral atherosclerosis were studied.
- Renal function assessed via MAG3 (renal plasma flow) and DTPA (glomerular filtration) clearance.
- Ultrasonography evaluated arterial tree stenosis (ATS); subjects grouped by ATS involvement.
Main Results:
- Renal plasma flow (MAG3 clearance) declined significantly with increased vascular damage.
- MAG3 clearance was independently associated with ATS involvement, smoking, and LDL cholesterol.
- Glomerular filtration (DTPA clearance) and creatinine showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- The observed changes in renal hemodynamics suggest a silent phase of ischemic renal disease.
- Careful renal function assessment is recommended for patients with extrarenal atherosclerosis.
- Cardiovascular risk factors like smoking and high LDL cholesterol are implicated.