Longitudinal Study of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Change in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate among Chinese Adults

Abstract

<b><i>Background and Objectives:</i></b> Studies on the association between arterial stiffness and kidney function have generated inconsistent results. Whether arterial stiffness is linked to decline in renal function warrants further study. This study aimed to investigate the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and longitudinal change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among Chinese adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this longitudinal study, 8,264 participants in a community-based cohort had baPWV measured in 2010–2011 and were followed in subsequent surveys through to 2016. During each survey visit, fasting blood samples were collected for serum creatinine and eGFR was calculated. Participants were divided into 5 groups (Q1-Q5) by baPWV quintile. The association between baPWV and longitudinal changes in eGFR was assessed using generalized estimating equation models. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 8,045 participants were included in the final analysis. The average age was 54 ± 12 years (age range 24–97 years), and mean eGFR was 93.0 ± 18.6 mL/min/1.73 m². There was an inverse linear association between baseline baPWV and eGFR change rate (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Compared with Q1 (lowest) group, the mean differences and 95% CI in eGFR decrease rate among Q2–Q5 groups were −0.23 (−0.62, 0.16), −0.67 (−1.06, −0.28), −1.11 (−1.50, −0.72), and −1.30 (−1.69, −0.92) mL/min/1.73 m² per year, respectively, after adjustment for age, gender, and other potential confounders (<i>p</i> trend &#x3c; 0.0001). For each 100 cm/s increase in baPWV at baseline, the fully adjusted mean difference in eGFR decrease rate was −0.14 mL/min/1.73 m² per year (95% CI −0.18, −0.10; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001). Compared with participants with baPWV &#x3c; 1,400 cm/s, the fully adjusted mean difference in eGFR decrease rate was −0.92 mL/min/1.73 m² per year (95% CI −1.18, −0.66) for those with baPWV ≥ 1,400 cm/s (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Participants with a higher baPWV at baseline had a greater decrease in eGFR over time. Future studies could examine the relationship between baPWV and decline in renal function in higher risk cohorts, and its potential role in targeting reno-protective interventions to those who may benefit from them most.