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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Association of aortic atherosclerosis and renal dysfunction

Milind Y Desai1, Deborah H Kwon, Deepu Nair

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. desaim2@ccf.org

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : Official Publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
|January 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Aortic atherosclerosis (AA) is strongly linked to declining kidney function. Severe AA significantly increases the risk of moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction, highlighting a critical relationship between these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Aortic atherosclerosis (AA) and renal dysfunction are independent risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality.
  • Understanding the relationship between AA and renal function is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the severity of aortic atherosclerosis (AA) and the degree of renal dysfunction.
  • To determine if AA is a predictor of impaired kidney function.

Main Methods:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography was used to assess descending and aortic arch atherosclerosis in 200 patients.
  • Patients were categorized into groups based on AA severity: normal, mild (<=4 mm), and severe (>4 mm or complex).
  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated to quantify renal function.

Main Results:

  • Mean GFR significantly decreased with increasing AA severity (P < .001).
  • Severe AA was associated with a higher prevalence of moderate-severe renal dysfunction (73% vs. 16%, P < .001).
  • Aortic atherosclerosis severity and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of severe renal dysfunction (GFR < 30).

Conclusions:

  • A strong association exists between aortic atherosclerosis and renal dysfunction.
  • Aortic atherosclerosis is a significant predictor of impaired kidney function.
Abstract

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