Rapid decline of kidney function increases fracture risk in the general population: Insights from TLGS

Although the association between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and all-cause fractures was addressed in previous studies, the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and fractures was poorly addressed. For the first time we examined the association between rapid kidney function decline (RKFD) and fracture incidence among Iranian general population.

In a Tehranian community-based cohort, RKFD was defined as a 30 % decline in eGFR over 2-3 years. Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, sex, current eGFR, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, current smoking, obesity status, waist circumference, prevalent cardiovascular diseases, aspirin, steroid use, education level, and marital status, were used to examine the association of RKFD with different fracture outcomes.

Among 5305 (3031 women) individuals aged ≥30 years, during the median follow-up of 9.62 years, 226 fracture events were observed. The multivariable hazard ratio of RKFD for any-fracture events, lower-extremity, and major osteoporotic fractures were 2.18 (95 % CI, 1.24-3.85), 2.32 (1.15-4.71), and 2.91 (1.29-6.58), respectively. These associations remained significant after accounting for the competing risk of death. The impact of RKFD on the development of incident all-cause fractures was not modified by gender [men: 2.64 (1.11-6.25) vs. women: 2.11 (1.00-4.47)] and according to current CKD status [without CKD: 2.34 (1.00-5.52) vs. with CKD: 2.59 (1.04-6.44)] (all P for interaction >0.5).

RKFD can increase the incidence of fractures among general population, the issue that was equally important among non-CKD individuals, emphasizing the need for early identification and management in those with rapidly declining eGFR.