The Spectrum of Echocardiographic Findings Across Stages I-V of Chronic Kidney Disease.

AIM AND BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the frequency of cardiac abnormalities across different stages of CKD, providing insights into the relationship between renal dysfunction and cardiac abnormalities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Lahore General Hospital's Nephrology Department, enrolling 356 non-dialysis CKD patients (stages I-V) over one year. Participants aged 18-65 years with CKD duration of three months or more were included. Exclusion criteria encompassed dialysis dependency, transplantation, acute kidney injury, and various cardiac conditions. Detailed echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac structure and function was noted.

RESULTS

This study included 356 patients with CKD across stages I-V, with the majority in stages III (44.7%) and IV (36.5%). Significant variations were observed in age (p<0.000), hypertension prevalence (p=0.004), and smoking status. Haemoglobin, calcium, and phosphate levels differed significantly across stages (p<0.001). Echocardiographic findings revealed significant differences: left ventricular hypertrophy frequency increased from 12.5% in stages I-II to 60.0% in stage V (p=0.001); diastolic dysfunction worsened, with grades 2-3 dysfunction increasing from 6.2% in stages I-II to 51.4% in stage V (p=0.000); systolic dysfunction increased with reduced ejection fraction (<45%) more common in advanced stages (p=0.000); global longitudinal strain worsened from -18.47% to -15.34% (p=0.000); left atrial volume index and pulmonary hypertension also increased significantly (p=0.049).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a significant correlation between the progression of CKD and the severity of echocardiographic abnormalities. As CKD advances, structural and functional cardiac abnormalities increase, underscoring the importance of early cardiac evaluation and intervention to improve cardiovascular outcomes in non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients.