Low-Grade Albuminuria Linked With increased All-Cause mortality and CV Mortality
Albuminuria is known as a predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Thus, the importance of albuminuria has been emphasized and monitoring of albuminuria is recommended in high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes mellitus (DM) or chronic kidney disease (CKD).
In a recent study, researchers of Korea reported that low-grade albuminuria was associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. The study findings were published in the journal Kidney 360 on November 5, 2021.
Several previous studies showed that low-grade albuminuria was associated with all-cause mortality. However, these studies were limited to the high-risk patients such as patients with DKD and hypertension or, in the case of the old-aged participants. In addition, evidence from a large-scale population is lacking. Therefore, Jung Pyo Lee and his team conducted a study to further evaluate the association of low-grade albuminuria within the normal range with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular (CV) mortality.
It was an observational cohort study in which the researchers included 43,396 patients who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2016). They divided the patients into four quartiles of albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). The major outcome assessed was all-cause mortality, and they also assessed the CV mortality. They used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models for statistical analysis.
Key Findings of the Study were:
- During a median of 7.9 years follow-up, the researchers observed 3,516 (9.1%) patients died.
- When compared with the reference group (Q1, ACR <4.171 mg/g), they found that low-grade albuminuria groups were associated with all-cause mortality (Q3, 6.211 ≤ ACR <10.010 mg/g, hazard ratio [HR] 1.25 ; Q4, ACR ≥10.010 mg/g, HR 1.57) in a multivariable hazards model.
- They also found a similar pattern in the association of low-grade albuminuria with CV mortality.
- Upon subgroup analyses, they noted that low-grade albuminuria was also associated with all-cause mortality in the nondiabetic group, non-hypertensive group, and non-chronic kidney disease group (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m^2).
The authors concluded, "Our findings suggest that low-grade albuminuria is associated with all-cause mortality and CV mortality. Low-grade albuminuria should be monitored even for patients with few cardiovascular risks." They further added, "In the general population, low-grade albuminuria should be carefully monitored."
For further information:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.34067/KID.0003912021
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.