Association of Arterial Stiffness with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract: Introduction: Significant kidney function may be lost before CKD is diagnosed. Arterial stiffness may be a risk factor for CKD and the relationship may be bi-directional. A systematic review of cohort studies was undertaken to ascertain the temporal relationship of arterial stiffness and CKD. Methods: MEDLINE and Embase were searched to 4 October 2023 to identify studies that investigated whether arterial stiffness, as estimated by pulse wave velocity, was predictive of the development or progression of CKD, rapid decline in kidney function, and vice versa. The characteristics and outcomes of the included studies were set out in a qualitative summary. The review protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019129563). Results: Forty-two studies were included, all of which were high quality with respect to bias. Thirteen of seventeen studies that investigated arterial stiffness as a predictor of incident CKD found a positive association (p < 0.05). Of the 10 studies that controlled for CKD risk factors, 6 found a positive association. Eight of seventeen studies that investigated arterial stiffness as a predictor of progression of CKD, and five out of eight studies, which investigated rapid kidney decline, found a positive association. One study of six found kidney function was able to predict future elevated arterial stiffness. Conclusion: Arterial stiffness may predict incident CKD and a rapid decline in CKD. It is uncertain if arterial stiffness is associated with CKD progression or whether reduced kidney function is predictive of increased arterial stiffness. Further longitudinal research is required.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when kidney function permanently declines over time. It can lead to kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness is when the aorta and the other large arteries lose the ability to expand. This results in the body’s small blood vessels, such as those that provide blood to the kidney, being subjected to increased blood pressure and pulsatility, which can result in them becoming damaged. Arterial stiffness can be estimated by way of pulse wave velocity (PWV), which is the speed at which the pressure wave generated by the blood moves down in an arterial wall. This review sought to determine if there is a relationship between arterial stiffness and CKD and whether arterial stiffness can predict future CKD. This review sought to summarize in one document, using predetermined methods, all studies investigating the association of arterial stiffness, assessed by way of PWV, with future CKD and vice versa. Forty-two relevant studies were located. There was reasonable confidence that these studies had correct results on average. It was found that arterial stiffness may predict future CKD. It was uncertain whether arterial stiffness can predict a progression in CKD, but it may be able to predict a rapid decline in kidney function. Moderately reduced kidney function may not lead to a noticeable increase in arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness, which is cheap and easy to estimate, could potentially be used in clinical practice to help predict future CKD incidence and progression. First, more research is required.

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• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Association of Arterial Stiffness with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review ; volume:49 ; number:1 ; year:2024 ; pages:771-780 ; extent:10 ; Kidney & blood pressure research ; 49, Heft 1 (2024), 771-780 (gesamt 10)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Beros, Angela L. ; Sluyter, John D. ; Scragg, Robert

Further information

• DOI: 10.1159/000541076
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2412260149092.844810995434
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.