The prevalence and treatment of chronic kidney disease in a cardiology outpatient clinic.

INTRODUCTION

Patients with cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of adverse outcomes, calling for early monitoring of kidney function to reduce morbidity and mortality. We aimed to estimate CKD prevalence, albuminuria, kidney monitoring practices and adherence to guideline-recommended treatment in cardiology outpatients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 196 patients from a cardiology outpatient clinic in Svendborg, Denmark. Blood and urine samples were analysed for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and secondary markers of kidney impairment, in accordance with international guidelines. Medical history, risk factors and demographic information were obtained from a questionnaire. Regular CKD monitoring (≥ 1 ×/year) and nephroprotective drug use were evaluated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CKD was 50.5%, and 20.9% of patients were categorised with a high or very high CKD risk. In patients with CKD, 23.2% had albuminuria despite normal eGFR, 22.2% had secondary markers of kidney impairment, and only 15.2% were aware of having reduced kidney function. Regular kidney monitoring was lacking in 33.7% of patients, and 64.3% of patients with CKD did not receive the recommended treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CKD was high in cardiology outpatients. Limited awareness of kidney function, in combination with infrequent screening of CKD, led to inadequate prescription of nephroprotective drugs.

FUNDING: Funded by the Cardiovascular Research Unit, Odense University Hospital Svendborg.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.