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Updated: May 23, 2026
10:37
Automated Measurement of Pulmonary Emphysema and Small Airway Remodeling in Cigarette Smoke-exposed Mice
Published on: January 16, 2015
The relationship between pulmonary emphysema and kidney function in smokers
Divay Chandra1, Jason A Stamm2, Paul M Palevsky3
1Emphysema COPD Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Chest
|March 31, 2012
Summary
Kidney dysfunction in smokers is linked to emphysema severity, not airflow obstruction. This finding highlights the importance of assessing emphysema in smokers to identify those at risk for kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Nephrology
- Radiology
Background:
- Tobacco smoking is linked to increased kidney dysfunction.
- The association between smoking-related lung diseases and kidney dysfunction requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between emphysema and kidney dysfunction in smokers.
- To determine if emphysema or airflow obstruction is more strongly associated with kidney dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- 508 smokers underwent CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and serum creatinine measurement.
- Emphysema and airway dimensions were quantified using CT scans.
- Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were calculated.
Main Results:
- Greater emphysema severity was significantly associated with lower eGFR.
- A 10% increase in emphysema was linked to a 4.4 mL/min/1.73 m² decrease in eGFR.
- No association was found between eGFR and airflow obstruction (FEV₁) or airway dimensions.
Conclusions:
- Emphysema severity, not airflow obstruction, is associated with kidney dysfunction in smokers.
- This association is independent of common kidney disease risk factors.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and clinical implications of kidney dysfunction in emphysema patients.
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