Chronic kidney disease may increase mortality in patients with COPD: Study

A 6-minute walk of less than 350 meters tripled the mortality risk, whereas chronic kidney disease (CKD) independently quadrupled it, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The patients with CKD who also had COPD were older, more likely to develop heart failure, and saw a quicker loss in lung function. The results published in the Respiratory Medicine journal highlight the necessity of careful observation in this high-risk population.

Lung cancer, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and ischemic heart disease are all linked to COPD. Despite being acknowledged as a prevalent comorbidity of COPD, the impact of CKD on the longevity of COPD patients is still unknown because of the heterogeneity of current study groups. The patients with concomitant COPD had a higher risk of respiratory-related and all-cause death, according to a cohort study of CKD patients.

With an estimated median incidence of 9.5% worldwide, chronic kidney disease represents another significant health care burden. According to a prior meta-analysis, individuals with COPD had a greater frequency of CKD than the general population. Limited exercise capacity in people with COPD has been linked to the presence of numerous comorbidities.

The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) is a well-established metric for forecasting the prognosis of patients with chronic pulmonary diseases, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a valid instrument for assessing their functional exercise ability. Chen-Chuan Hsu examined the clinical effects of chronic kidney disease in patients with COPD in this study, taking into consideration 6MWT parameters and clinically relevant data.

COPD patients who finished the 6MWT and a 3-year follow-up were included in the trial retrospectively. This study gathered and examined data on clinical information, 6MWT parameters, and results. A total of 33 (23.4%) of the 141 COPD patients that were included also had concomitant CKD. When compared to patients without CKD, individuals with CKD were much older and had higher risks of heart failure, death, and FEV1 decrease.

The results of multivariate analysis showed that CKD (OR: 4.66, 95% CI: 1.30–16.76, p = 0.018) and a 6-minute walking distance < 350 m (odds ratio [OR]: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.05–12.06, p = 0.041) were independent risk factors for death. Overall, in individuals with COPD, comorbid CKD was linked to a higher death rate and a quicker fall in FEV1. During therapy, patients with COPD and concomitant CKD may need close observation.

Source:

Hsu, C.-C., Tung, P.-H., Lin, T.-Y., Huang, S.-W., Li, T.-C., Wu, B.-C., Chang, C.-H., Wu, H.-M., Lo, C.-Y., Lin, C.-Y., Lin, H.-C., & Lin, S.-M. (2025). Effect of chronic kidney disease on survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiratory Medicine, 244(108181), 108181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2025.108181