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Association between proteinuria and left ventricular mass index: a cardiac MRI study in patients with chronic kidney

Emily P McQuarrie1, Rajan K Patel, Patrick B Mark

  • 1Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO, USA. emilypf@hotmail.com

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
|July 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Proteinuria, a marker of kidney disease, is linked to increased left ventricular mass in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This finding highlights a connection between kidney dysfunction and heart problems, potentially explaining higher mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Biomedical Imaging

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases cardiovascular risks.
  • Proteinuria is a key indicator of kidney damage and potential cardiovascular complications.
  • Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a known contributor to cardiovascular mortality in CKD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between proteinuria and left ventricular mass in CKD patients.
  • To determine if proteinuria is an independent predictor of left ventricular mass.
  • To explore the link between kidney disease, protein excretion, and cardiac structure.

Main Methods:

  • Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was used to measure left ventricular mass index (LVMI).
  • Patients with CKD stages 2-4, including diabetic nephropathy and IgA nephropathy, were recruited.
  • Spot protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR) quantified proteinuria; regression analysis identified predictors of LVMI.

Main Results:

  • Log-protein:creatinine ratio (Log-PCR) showed a significant correlation with LVMI.
  • Systolic blood pressure and Log-PCR were independent predictors of LVMI in regression analysis.
  • LVMI was higher in male patients; renal function was not associated with LVMI.

Conclusions:

  • Urinary protein excretion is independently associated with left ventricular mass in CKD patients.
  • This relationship between proteinuria and LVMI is independent of blood pressure.
  • The study establishes a novel link between CKD, proteinuria, and cardiac remodeling, contributing to cardiovascular risk.
Abstract

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