Association between physical function and hospitalization among older patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease after educational hospitalization: A single-center prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with hospitalization in older patients with pre-dialysis CKD, including physical function.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective cohort study included 111 patients aged ≥65 years with stage 3-5 non-hemodialyzed CKD. Physical function was assessed using the short physical performance battery (SPPB), 10-m walk test, and grip strength test. Hospitalizations and reasons for readmission were tracked from discharge to the end of the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant associations between rehospitalization and SPPB, 10-meter walk speed, and grip strength. The cutoff values predicting rehospitalization were 11 points for SPPB, 1.1 m/s for 10-meter walk speed, and 31 kg for grip strength. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that SPPB, hemoglobin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were independently associated with rehospitalization risk.

CONCLUSIONS

SPPB may predict hospitalization in older pre-dialysis CKD patients, emphasizing the importance of screening and preventing physical function decline.