RENAL DYSFUNCTION AMONG CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE VERSUS OTHER CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASES –AN ANALYTICAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and chronic kidney
disease (CKD) are major global health concerns. Emerging evidence indicates
potential link between these diseases via shared risk factors like systemic
inflammation, oxidative stress, and environmental exposures. However, limited
Indian studies have compared renal dysfunction in COPD with other chronic
respiratory conditions. Hence, we aimed to compare renal between COPD patients
and those with non-COPD chronic respiratory diseases in a tertiary care setting in
Southern India.
Methods: A hospital-based analytical observational study was conducted from June
2019 to May 2020 among 90 adults (≥18 years) with chronic respiratory illness (45
COPD, 45 non-COPD), matched by age and sex. Spirometry confirmed COPD
diagnosis as per GOLD criteria. Renal function was assessed using serum creatinine,
eGFR (CKD-EPI), and spot urine microalbuminuria. CKD was defined as eGFR <60
mL/min/1.73m², persisting for ≥3 months. Comparative analyses were done using
chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Unadjusted Odds ratio was calculated to
determine association between COPD and CKD.
Results: Participants with COPD had a significantly higher prevalence of CKD
(51.1%) compared to those with other chronic respiratory conditions (28.9%,
p=0.03), with an odds ratio of 2.57. No significant differences were observed in
serum creatinine, eGFR, or microalbuminuria between groups, though values were
worser in the COPD group. Lung function was significantly lower in COPD patients
(p<0.05). Conclusion: There was higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease among patients
with COPD compared to those with other chronic respiratory conditions. Early
identification of renal impairmentis essential among COPD patients.