"Serious Consequences" If Left Untreated... Increases Risk of Kidney Damage and Death

National Institute of Health Research Analysis for World Kidney Day
Renal function declined in 42.5% of patients with the lowest muscle mass

A study has found that reduced muscle mass and protein-energy wasting in patients with chronic kidney disease increase the risk of kidney function decline and mortality.

The group with the highest muscle mass had a 14.3% rate of kidney function decline, whereas the group with the lowest muscle mass had a rate of 42.5%, nearly three times higher. Getty Images

On March 12, in recognition of World Kidney Day, the National Institute of Health Research announced the results of an analysis of long-term follow-up data on chronic kidney disease patients in Korea. The findings revealed that patients with lower muscle mass had a risk of kidney function decline approximately 4.47 times higher than those with higher muscle mass. Additionally, patients who met three or more criteria for protein-energy wasting had up to a 3.78 times higher risk of death.

Correlation between Sarcopenia Index (SI) and Risk of Renal Function Decline. National Institute of Health Research

The research team analyzed the relationship between decreased muscle mass and kidney function decline in 1,957 pre-dialysis patients. The results showed that the group with the highest muscle mass had a kidney function decline rate of 14.3%, whereas the group with the lowest muscle mass had a rate of 42.5%, nearly three times higher. After adjusting for age, underlying diseases, and other factors, the risk of kidney function decline in the group with the lowest muscle mass remained 4.47 times higher than in the group with the highest muscle mass.

The National Institute of Health Research explained that this study confirmed muscle loss is not merely a phenomenon of aging, but rather a health indicator closely associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease. In particular, it was noted that using the Sarcopenia Index (SI), which is calculated from blood test results, allows for the simultaneous assessment of muscle status and kidney disease risk, highlighting its high clinical utility.

Death risk rate according to the degree of protein-energy expenditure. National Institute of Health Research

The researchers also analyzed the association between protein-energy wasting and patient prognosis. Among 2,238 chronic kidney disease patients who had not undergone dialysis, those who met two or more criteria for protein-energy wasting had a mortality risk 2.78 times higher than those with no criteria, while those who met three or more criteria had a mortality risk 3.78 times higher.

In particular, protein-energy wasting is typically considered a risk factor for predicting death when three or more criteria are met. However, this study was the first to confirm that even meeting only two criteria increases the risk of mortality and cardiovascular complications.

Lim Joohyun, Head of the Department of Endocrine and Kidney Disease Research, stated, "The significance of this study lies in confirming the risk of muscle loss through long-term follow-up research on chronic kidney disease patients in Korea." Lim added, "It is necessary to establish evidence-based management strategies for chronic kidney disease patients that include exercise and nutritional interventions going forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.