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Kidney dysfunction and cerebral microbleeds in neurologically healthy adults
Sang Hyuck Kim1, Dong Wook Shin1, Jae Moon Yun1
1Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Plos One
|February 17, 2017
Summary
Renal dysfunction is linked to cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in healthy adults. This suggests kidney health may impact brain health, warranting further investigation into preventative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are significant risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases.
- Previous research suggested a link between renal dysfunction and CMBs, but findings were inconclusive.
- This study investigated the association between impaired kidney function and CMBs in adults without neurological symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if renal dysfunction is associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in neurologically healthy adults.
- To explore the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and CMB occurrence.
- To assess the prevalence of CMBs in relation to varying degrees of kidney function.
Main Methods:
- Brain MRI scans were analyzed for cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in 2,518 healthy adults.
- Kidney function was assessed using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- Participants were categorized into groups based on GFR levels indicating normal, mild, moderate, or severe renal dysfunction.
Main Results:
- The study included 2,518 participants (54.3% male, mean age 57.5 years).
- A prevalence of 4.1% for CMBs was observed.
- Moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction was significantly more common in subjects with CMBs (15.5% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001).
- Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction and CMBs (adjusted OR = 2.63, p = 0.008).
- Decreasing GFR levels correlated with an increased presence and number of CMBs (p for trend = 0.031 and p for trend = 0.003, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Renal dysfunction is significantly associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds in neurologically healthy adults.
- These findings highlight a potential link between kidney health and brain microvascular integrity.
- Further research is recommended to explore whether managing kidney disease and its risk factors can prevent CMB progression.
