Longitudinal association between kidney and lung function in the Korean general population.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology and Pulmonology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The longitudinal connection between kidney and lung function is not well-established.
• This study investigated the long-term association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lung function in a Korean cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the longitudinal relationship between kidney function (eGFR) and lung function parameters.
• To assess this association in a Korean population with initially normal kidney and lung function.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Ansan and Ansung cohorts of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (2005-2014).
• Employed linear mixed-effects models to analyze eGFR and lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC).
• Adjusted for multiple confounding factors including demographics, lifestyle, and comorbidities.

Main Results:

• A significant bidirectional relationship was observed between decreasing eGFR and declining lung function in both sexes over 8 years.
• These findings persisted after adjusting for a comprehensive list of potential confounders.
• A total of 4,388 participants were included in the longitudinal analysis.

Conclusions:

• A bidirectional long-term relationship exists between kidney and lung function in the general Korean population.
• The precise direction of causality requires further investigation.
• Highlights the importance of concurrent monitoring of kidney and lung health, particularly in aging individuals.