Metabolic risk factors in nondiabetic adolescents with glomerular hyperfiltration

In adults, glomerular hyperfiltration is associated with abnormalities related to metabolic syndrome (MetS). We investigated if glomerular hyperfiltration was associated with metabolic abnormalities in US adolescents without diabetes.

We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative sample of US adolescents ages 12-17 years. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined using the bedside Schwartz equation; adolescents with hyperfiltration (eGFR >120 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) were compared to those with normal eGFR (90-120 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). We calculated mean levels of factors related to MetS, insulin resistance and diabetes risk, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, and BMI z -score.

Overall, 11.8% of US adolescents had hyperfiltration [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.6-13.0]. Hyperfiltration prevalence varied by race (20.2% in Hispanics versus 9.8% non-Hispanic whites and 7.4% non-Hispanic blacks; P< 0.001). Compared to those with normal eGFR, adolescents with hyperfiltration had higher adjusted mean levels of triglyceride (83 versus 77 mg/dL; P = 0.05), fasting insulin (15.1 versus 12.9; P< 0.001) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (3.52 versus 3.01; P = 0.001). These differences persisted after adjusting for BMI z- score. Adolescents with hyperfiltration had increased odds for hypertriglyceridemia [odds ratio 1.58 (95% CI 1.11-2.23)]. These relationships varied by racial/ethnic group.

Glomerular hyperfiltration is associated with hypertriglyceridemia and increased insulin resistance independent of BMI z- score in a nationally representative sample of US adolescents. Hispanic adolescents are more likely to have hyperfiltration than other racial/ethnic groups. These findings could have significance in evaluations of renal function and MetS in adolescents to identify related risks and target interventions.