Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025
A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Carotid intima media thickness and glomerular filtration rate: a baseline analysis of the PolyIran-L trial
Alireza Dehghan1,2, Ali Ardekani3, Mohammadreza Akabri4
1MPH Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Insights
This study found no independent link between kidney function (eGFR) and carotid intima media thickness in adults over 50. Further research is needed for those with severely reduced kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The interplay between kidney and vascular health is recognized, yet detailed understanding remains limited.
- This study investigates the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between eGFR and CIMT in adults aged over 50.
- To provide insights into the connection between atherosclerosis and kidney function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 1562 participants (aged >50) in the PolyIran-L study.
- Assessed maximal CIMT via B-mode ultrasonography and analyzed correlations with eGFR using regression models.
- Considered four cut-off values for abnormal CIMT and adjusted for confounders.
Main Results:
- Crude analysis suggested a potential association between higher eGFR ranges and lower likelihood of abnormal CIMT.
- Fully adjusted analyses revealed no statistically significant association between CIMT and eGFR across different cut-offs.
- The study included a substantial cohort with 48% female participants.
Conclusions:
- The study did not establish an independent association between eGFR and various CIMT cut-offs.
- Further investigation is warranted for individuals with severely diminished eGFR to explore potential associations.
Background:
The relationship between kidney and vascular health is acknowledged, but detailed information is still missing. This study examines the relationship of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and carotid intima media thickness, providing insights into the association between atherosclerosis and kidney function.
Methods:
Participants older than 50 years of age who were part of the PolyIran-L study, a trial nested in the Golestan Cohort Study, were included. The maximal intima media thickness of both common carotid arteries was evaluated using B-mode ultrasonography. Four different cut-off values for abnormal carotid intima media thickness were considered. Correlation of carotid intima media thickness and eGFR was assessed with linear correlation and multivariable binary logistic regression models after adjusting for several confounders.
Results:
In total, 1562 participants (750 females, 48%) were included in this population-based study. Assuming the eGFR < 45 [mL/min/1.73 m2] group as reference in the crude analysis, those with eGFR ≥ 45 and < 60 [mL/min/1.73 m2] showed an association of being less likely to have carotid intima media thickness above the 0.8 cutoff. However, the fully adjusted analysis showed no significant statistical association between carotid intima media thickness and eGFR.
Conclusion:
This study did not support the independent association of eGFR and different carotid intima media thickness cutoffs. This pattern may be different in patients with severely decreased eGFR, a subset of cases in which it should be further investigated.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Glomerular Filtration Rate and its Regulation
GFR regulation involves two primary intrinsic controls: the myogenic and tubuloglomerular feedback mechanisms.
The myogenic...
01:23Renal Clearance
Renal clearance refers to the volume of plasma cleared of a specific substance, such as creatinine, per unit of time. To measure clearance, urine samples are collected over a 24-hour period during each bladder voiding, followed by a single blood sample at the...
01:17Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
01:02Renal Drug Excretion: Glomerular Filtration
Drugs gain access to the kidney via the renal artery, which progressively branches off into afferent arterioles....