Association of Dyslipidemia with Renal Risk Factors eGFR, Proteinuria, Anemia, C-reactive Protein

Background: Dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipid profiles, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has been increasingly implicated in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dyslipidemia contributes to endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, potentially exacerbating renal impairment. However, the association between dyslipidemia and key renal risk factors—estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria, anemia, and C-reactive protein (CRP)—in renal transplant recipients remains inadequately explored. Objective: To assess the association between dyslipidemia and renal risk factors, including eGFR, proteinuria, anemia, and CRP, in renal transplant recipients. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, the CKD and Urology Hospital (CKD&U), and the Kidney Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, Bangladesh, over 13 months (May 2019–June 2020). A total of 105 renal transplant recipients were included through purposive sampling. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, including fasting lipid profiles, serum creatinine, fasting blood glucose, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), CRP, and eGFR (calculated using the MDRD equation). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v16, applying Chi-square tests to evaluate associations between dyslipidemia and renal risk factors. Results: Among renal transplant recipients, 61.9% had elevated triglycerides, 53.3% had high LDL, 33.3% had elevated total cholesterol, and 61.0% had low HDL. The mean triglyceride level was 214.38 ± 128.33 mg/dL, and the mean LDL was 100.41 ± 36.31 mg/dL. Dyslipidemia was significantly associated with reduced eGFR (p=0.04), indicating a decline in renal graft function. Lower ApoA1 levels were significantly linked to elevated CRP (p=0.01) and reduced eGFR (p=0.043), while higher ApoB levels were also associated with reduced eGFR (p=0.038). Hypertriglyceridemia was significantly correlated with anemia (p=0.05). However, no significant associations were observed between lipid markers and proteinuria, hypertension, or diabetes. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia, particularly elevated triglycerides and low HDL levels, is significantly associated with reduced renal function and systemic inflammation in renal transplant recipients. Specific lipid markers, such as ApoA1 and ApoB, may play a critical role in predicting renal dysfunction and inflammatory status. Early detection and management of dyslipidemia may be crucial in preserving renal function and improving long-term transplant outcomes.