Examining the Relationship Between PWV Change and eGFR Change Over Time in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal relationship between pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), an indicator of renal function, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A total of 55 CKD patients (Stage 3–5), not on renal replacement therapy, were prospectively followed for approximately four years. PWV and eGFR were measured at baseline and at the end of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups based on eGFR progression: stable and progressive decline. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. The association between changes in PWV (ΔPWV) and eGFR (ΔeGFR) was analyzed. Results: No significant correlation was found between changes in PWV and changes in eGFR (P>.05). While there was a significant decline in eGFR in the progressive group compared to the stable group (P=.001), ΔPWV did not significantly differ between the groups. Variables such as age, blood pressure, and baseline PWV were not significantly different between groups. Parathormone and phosphorus levels were higher, and hemoglobin and albumin levels were lower in patients with eGFR progression. Conclusion: Over a four-year follow-up, changes in arterial stiffness (PWV) were not significantly associated with changes in renal function (eGFR) among CKD patients. The lack of correlation suggests that separate pathophysiological mechanisms may govern vascular stiffness and kidney function deterioration. Further studies, including molecular-level analyses, are required to clarify these complex interactions.