Lower serum calcium levels are a risk factor for a decrease in eGFR in a general non-chronic kidney disease...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The association between serum calcium levels and kidney dysfunction progression in non-chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations is not well understood.
• Metabolic risk factors like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes are known contributors to kidney disease, but the role of calcium metabolism requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum calcium levels and the progression of kidney dysfunction in a general population without CKD.
• To determine if low serum calcium is an independent risk factor for declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the population-based Iwaki study in Japan.
• Inclusion of participants aged 40 years and above with an eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m².
• Regression analysis and stratification into tertiles based on serum calcium levels to assess the risk of rapid eGFR decline over a 1-year period.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between serum calcium levels and the change in eGFR over one year, even after adjusting for multiple factors.
• Lower serum calcium levels (<9.4 mg/dL) were identified as a significant risk factor for a rapid decline in eGFR (odds ratio 2.41).
• This association remained significant and independent of previously reported metabolic risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Lower serum calcium levels represent a significant risk for accelerated kidney function decline in individuals with non-CKD.
• Maintaining optimal serum calcium levels may be important for preserving kidney function in the general adult population.
• Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying this association and potential interventions.