Does rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of kidney disease?

This study assessed the risks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and glomerulonephritis (GN), and subsequently developing cardiovascular (CV) complications. The study concluded that there was an increased risk of CKD and GN in RA patients, and an increased risk of CV complications in patients with RA and CKD.

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease (when the immune system attacks healthy tissue) that causes pain, stiffness, swelling and restricted movement in the joints. There is evidence that RA patients are at an increased risk of developing problems with kidney function. Kidney damage in RA can lead to serious problems in disease management, and could lead to CV problems as well. It is not clear whether CKD (CKD, the gradual loss of kidney function over time) or GN (where the tiny filters inside the kidney become damaged) in particular are associated with RA.

This large study investigated the risk of CKD and GN in RA patients. The study also investigated the risk of CV problems in RA patients with CKD and GN.

This study examined the records of 12,579 patients with RA and 37,737 patients without RA. Patients were followed for 5 years.

Of the patients with RA, 11.5% developed CKD and 3% developed GN. Patients with RA were 31% more likely to develop CKD than patients without RA, and 55% more likely to develop GN.

The rates of CKD were higher in older patients and in patients with other illnesses (such as diabetes or hypertension). Patients with CKD also had a higher risk of developing vascular heart disease. Frequent users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were significantly more likely to develop CKD than non or rare users. 

The study concluded that RA patients had a higher risk of developing CKD and GN, and of developing CV problems thereafter. 

The data in the study was based on secondary health claims data. Patients in this study were primarly of Asian ethnicity. It is not clear from this study whether other ethnicities would also have the same risk of CKD.

Discuss with your physician whether your kidney function should be monitored.