Association between glomerular filtration rate and comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters in older adults

This study aimed to investigate the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and a wide range of geriatric syndromes assessed by comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in older adults.

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 1346 patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent CGA in geriatric inpatient and outpatient clinics of a tertiary care hospital between January 2023 and January 2026 were included. Participants were categorized into four groups according to eGFR levels (≥ 90, 60-89, 30-59, and < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²). Geriatric syndromes-including frailty, sarcopenia, functional dependence, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, falls, urinary incontinence, depression risk, and polypharmacy-were systematically evaluated. Associations between eGFR and CGA parameters were analyzed using correlation and logistic regression models.

Lower eGFR levels were significantly associated with older age, greater comorbidity burden, and increased medication use (all p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between eGFR and multiple CGA domains, including functional status, physical performance, frailty, sarcopenia, nutritional and cognitive status, falls, urinary incontinence, and polypharmacy (all p < 0.05). In adjusted analyses, low eGFR (< 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) remained independently associated with higher comorbidity burden, frailty, impaired gait speed, and polypharmacy. Depression risk was not consistently associated with reduced eGFR.

Reduced eGFR is independently associated with a higher burden of geriatric syndromes. Integrating CGA into routine care may enable early detection and multidisciplinary management to improve clinical outcomes in older adults with impaired kidney function.