Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a recognized marker for insulin resistance.
• Previous studies suggest associations between the TyG index and adverse cardiometabolic outcomes.
• The relationship between the TyG index and acute kidney injury (AKI) risk requires comprehensive synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis on the association between the TyG index and AKI risk.
• To evaluate the TyG index's predictive value for AKI across diverse clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted.
• Observational studies reporting adjusted associations between TyG index and AKI were included.
• Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis, including dose-response and subgroup analyses.

Main Results:

• Thirty studies with 518,677 participants were analyzed.
• Higher TyG index categories significantly correlated with increased AKI risk (pooled OR = 1.95).
• A 1-unit increase in TyG index was associated with higher AKI risk (OR = 1.48), with a non-linear dose-response relationship.

Conclusions:

• The TyG index is a valuable complementary marker for metabolic risk stratification in patients at risk of AKI.
• It is not a substitute for established AKI diagnostic or prediction tools.
• Findings support the TyG index's utility in identifying individuals for closer AKI monitoring.