A follow-up study to explore factors associated with rapid kidney function decline and new-onset kidney disease among...

To explore potential factors associated with rapid kidney function decline and new-onset kidney disease among a Chinese elderly population, and to examine the relationships between baseline serum uric acid (SUA), longitudinal change in SUA and rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline over 5 years for this Chinese elderly population.

A 5-year follow-up study was conducted from 2016 to 2020 in Xiamen City, China; and 2436 elderly people with normal kidney function at baseline was included. The multivariable logistic regressions were used to explore risk factors for rapid eGFR decline and new-onset kidney disease.

The median age of subjects was 65 years, and 38.5% were men. These elderly people experienced a median 5-year decrease in eGFR of 14.50 mL/min/1.73 m² , and 11.2% of them had developed new-onset kidney disease after 5-year follow-up. Participants with elevated SUA change from the normal group to the hyperuricemia group witnessed the highest decrease of eGFR after a 5-year follow-up than other groups. Multivariate analysis found advanced age, female, elevated baseline SUA, elevated SUA change, hypertension and triglyceride-glucose index were risk factors for rapid eGFR decline and new-onset kidney disease.

The Chinese elderly population was more likely to encounter rapid renal function decline and new-onset kidney disease. A regular test for kidney disease was strongly recommended for these elderly people who were female, with advanced age, with elevated baseline SUA and elevated SUA change; and had high levels of insulin resistance, and blood pressure. The derived findings can offer significant evidence for targeted prevention for the Chinese elderly population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 968-975.