In a nutshell
This study examined the link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and weakened kidney function. The authors concluded that poor kidney function is common in patients with RA and is linked to age, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Some background
It has been estimated that between 5 and 50% of RA patients have impaired kidney function. Some treatments for RA, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, can have a negative effect on kidney function. RA has also been associated with a buildup of protein in the organs and inflammation of the blood vessels. Both have been found to increase the risk of impaired kidney function. Poor kidney function, in turn, has been associated with cardiovascular (health of heart and blood vessels) risk factors, such as high blood pressure. Finding the factors that link RA to kidney disease is important to help identify patients at higher risk and provide treatment early on.
Methods & findings
This study examined the records of 931 patients with RA. The average duration of RA was 11.1 years. Medical examinations and questionnaires recorded RA characteristics and risk factors for kidney impairment for every patient.
8.8% of patients had impaired kidney function. 9% were found to have high protein in the urine (a symptom of kidney disease).
The risk of developing weakened kidney function was increased by 5% in older patients. The average age of patients without kidney impairment was 57.1 years. This was significantly lower compared to RA patients that had impaired kidney function (average age 64.3 years).
The risk of impaired kidney function was 33% higher in patients with higher cardiovascular risk. Patients with high blood pressure were 2.5 times more likely to have weakened kidney function. High systolic blood pressure (pressure when the heart is contracting) was a risk factor for impaired kidney function.
The bottom line
This study concluded that older age, high blood pressure, and increased cardiovascular risk were risk factors for impaired kidney function.
The fine print
The authors did not have a full medical history of all patients.
Published By :
Arthritis Care & Research
Date :
Aug 28, 2015
