Associations of atrial fibrillation with renal function decline in patients with chronic kidney disease

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) development, but the relationship between AF and subsequent renal function decline in patients with CKD is not well understood. In this study, we explored the role of AF on renal outcomes among patients with CKD. Methods In a retrospective hospital-based cohort study, we identified patients with CKD aged >= 20 years from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018. The patients were divided into AF and non-AF groups. We matched each patient with CKD and AF to two non-AF CKD controls according to propensity scores. The outcomes of interest included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline of >= 20%, >= 30%, >= 40% and >= 50%, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Results After propensity score matching, 6731 patients with AF and 13 462 matched controls were included in the analyses. Compared with the non-AF group, the AF group exhibited greater risks of eGFR decline >= 20% (HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.33 to 1.53), >= 30% (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.36 to 1.66), >= 40% (HR 1.62; 95% CI 1.41 to 1.85) and >= 50% (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.50 to 2.20), and ESRD (HR 1.22; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.34). Higher CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores were associated with greater risks of eGFR decline and ESRD. Conclusions In patients with CKD, AF was associated with greater risks of subsequent renal function decline. CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores may be a useful risk stratification scheme for predicting the risk of renal function decline.

Automated summary

This study found that CKD patients with AF have a higher risk of subsequent decline in renal function and ESRD compared to those without AF. Higher CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores are associated with increased risks of eGFR decline and ESRD.