Motor Coordination Disorders in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Geriatrics
• Cardiology

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence is rising globally, particularly among seniors.
• CKD patients face a higher incidence of falls, leading to severe complications.
• Comorbidities, especially cardiovascular disorders, significantly impair coordination in CKD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate coordination disorders in CKD patients.
• To assess the relationship between coordination, cardiovascular complications, and vascular status.
• To identify risk factors for falls in the CKD population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 132 patients with CKD stages 2-5.
• Utilized the short form physiological profile assessment (S-PPA) to evaluate coordination.
• Followed patients for 2 years to record falls and cardiovascular events.

Main Results:

• 49 out of 132 patients experienced 84 falls over 2 years.
• Higher S-PPA scores (≥3.36), indicating greater coordination impairment, correlated with increased falls (41 vs. 8).
• Impaired coordination was linked to higher vessel stiffness (AIx@75, augmentation pressure, PWV), more cardiovascular events, and increased mortality.

Conclusions:

• Coordination deficits in CKD patients are strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and vascular conditions.
• Reduced arterial compliance is a key factor contributing to significant coordination disorders.
• Visual impairments, specifically reduced contrast sensitivity, are identified as independent risk factors for falls in CKD patients.