Effect of chronic kidney disease on survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease associated with several comorbidities. Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as one such comorbidity, the effect of CKD on survival in patients with COPD remains uncertain. This study investigated the clinical impact of CKD in patients with COPD, accounting for clinically characteristics and 6-min walking test (6MWT) results.

Patients with COPD who completed the 6MWT and a 3-year follow-up were retroactively enrolled in the study. Data on clinical information, 6MWT parameters, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Among the 141 patients with COPD enrolled, 33 (23.4 %) had comorbid CKD. Patients with CKD were significantly older and more likely to experience heart failure, mortality, and FEV1 decline than patients without CKD. Multivariate analysis revealed that 6-min walking distance <350 m (odds ratio [OR]: 3.65, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-12.06, p = 0.041) and CKD (OR: 4.66, 95 % CI: 1.30-16.76, p = 0.018) were independent risk factors for mortality.

Comorbid CKD was associated with an increased mortality rate and rapid FEV1 decline in patients with COPD. Patients with COPD and comorbid CKD may require intensive monitoring during treatment.