Renal function, atherothrombosis extent, and outcomes in high-risk patients

Although prior data showed an association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and atherothrombotic events, little is known about the risk profile and specific outcomes of atherothrombotic outpatients with CKD.

More than 69,000 outpatients at risk of atherothrombotic events were enrolled in the REACH Registry. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was available for 51,208 patients divided into 4 groups: normal (CrCl > or =90 mL/min, n = 13,949), mild (60-89 mL/min, n = 19,474), moderate (30-59 mL/min, n = 15,883), and severe CKD (CrCl <30 mL/min, n = 1902). Baseline characteristics, number of arterial beds overtly affected, medications, overall mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial events, and bleeding events were assessed according to renal function.

The number of arterial beds affected increased with severity of CKD. However, patients with severe CKD were less likely to receive medications of proven benefit. Severe CKD was an independent correlate of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial revascularization, or amputation.

One third of outpatients at risk for atherothrombotic events have moderate to severe CKD. They are less likely to receive beneficial therapies despite a higher atherothrombotic burden and worse outcomes.