Relationship between serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and chronic kidney disease in the United States adult population. Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2006.
OBJECTIVE
Elevated serum levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) are a marker of liver injury, but may also be associated with other diseases and death. Currently, the association of serum GGT concentrations with chronic kidney disease has not been established in the U.S. general population.


RESULTS
We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001 through 2006 and examined the association between serum GGT concentrations and chronic kidney disease in a nationally representative sample of 13,188 adults aged 20 years or older. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease defined as eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) or abnormal albuminuria in those with eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) was 13.9% (n = 1842). Serum GGT elevation was associated with an increased odds of chronic kidney disease (odds ratio 2.38, 95% confidence intervals 2.02-2.80, p<0.0001). After adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, daily alcohol consumption, lipid-lowering medications, viral hepatitis status and laboratory measures, the odds ratio of chronic kidney disease per log serum GGT increase was 1.79 (1.41, 2.27; p<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
These results show a strong, independent, relationship of increased serum GGT concentrations with chronic kidney disease in the US adult population.
Targher
G
G
Section of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Verona, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Piazzale Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy. giovanni.targher@univr.it
Kendrick
J
J
Smits
G
G
Chonchol
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood*
D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase