title: Risk profile in chronic kidney disease stage 3: older versus younger patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases with age, but its significance in older patients is uncertain and is regarded by some as part of 'normal aging'. Moreover, subjects ≥75 years are often excluded from research studies. We therefore undertook a prospective study of patients with CKD stage 3 in primary care to compare the risk profile of older versus younger subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 59-30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) on two measurements were recruited from 32 primary care practices. Medical history and demographic data were obtained and participants underwent clinical assessment as well as urine and serum biochemistry tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  1,741 participants were recruited: mean age 72.9 ± 9 years; 60% female; 98% white; 17% diabetic. Mean eGFR was 52.5 ± 10 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and 16.9% had albuminuria. Subjects ≥75 years had a significantly lower eGFR than younger subjects and a higher risk profile characterised by greater albuminuria, more arterial stiffness and higher serum uric acid levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Older subjects with CKD stage 3 evidenced a higher risk profile for CKD progression and cardiovascular events than younger patients. This implies that CKD is not a benign condition in all elderly patients, but further investigation is required to identify those at greatest risk who may benefit from intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK.
authors.forename: Natasha J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Fluck
authors.forename: Christopher W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: Maarten W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Taal
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000453:epidemiology; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000453:epidemiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012306:Risk; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D014527:Uric Acid