Carotid intima-media thickness and atherosclerotic plaques are associated with renal function decline: a 14-year longitudinal population-based study

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to increased morbidity and mortality. The underlying causes of CKD are often similar to those of atherosclerosis. We investigated whether carotid atherosclerotic parameters are associated with renal function decline. Methods Within the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), Germany, 2904 subjects were observed over 14 years. The carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) as well as carotid plaques were measured by standardized B-mode ultrasound protocol. CKD is defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and albuminuria as urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) >= 30 mg/g. eGFR was calculated by the full age spectrum (FAS) equation and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Mixed models were applied to associate carotid parameters with change in renal function longitudinally and adjusted for confounding. Results The age range of the study sample was 25-86 years with a median of 54 years at baseline. In longitudinal analyses, subjects with high cIMT and the presence of plaques at baseline showed a greater decrease in eGFR (cIMT: FAS-eGFR: P < .001, CKD-EPI-eGFR: P < .001; plaques: FAS-eGFR: P < .001, CKD-EPI-eGFR: n.s.) as well as an increased risk of developing CKD during the follow-up (cIMT: FAS-eGFR: P = .001, CKD-EPI-eGFR: P = .04; plaques: FAS-eGFR: P = .008, CKD-EPI-eGFR: P = .001). There was no association between atherosclerotic parameters and the risk of developing albuminuria. Conclusions cIMT and carotid plaques are associated with renal function decline as well as CKD in a population-based sample. Furthermore, the FAS equation adapts best to this study population.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the association between carotid atherosclerotic parameters and renal function decline. The results showed that carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaques were associated with a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there was no association between atherosclerotic parameters and the risk of developing albuminuria.