Chronic Kidney Disease: Determinants of Progression and Cardiovascular Risk

Chronic kidney disease has become an important Public Health issue in most developed and developing countries, with increasing incidence and prevalence rates. The cost associated with chronic kidney disease patients is very high, derived from renal replacement therapy and the cost associated with the high cardiovascular risk of this population. Primary and secondary preventive measures are imperative. In this sense, the comprehension of mechanisms and biomarkers associated with CKD progression and mortality risk in this population is an important area of research. Cohort studies are important tools for testing risk factors and biomarkers. Currently, CKD cohorts, particularly of those not on dialysis, are few and restricted to North America and Europe.

The present study established a cohort of 454 CKD participants (not on dialysis) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, who will be followed for 7-10 years. Baseline data collection was wide, including medical history, diet (food frequency questionnaire), calcium score, echocardiography, pulse wave velocity, cardiac frequency variability, carotid intimal media thickness, retinography, and an extensive biobank. Follow-up is ongoing and made through annual telephone interviews including questions on death, hospitalizations, and need of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Vital status is investigated periodically by a hot-pursuit strategy.