Risk Factors for Impaired Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective:

Cardiovascular mortality accounts for approximately 50% of deaths in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Early detection and intervention for cardiovascular complications can significantly enhance survival. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors associated with impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) in CKD patients

Materials and Methods:

Clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and echocardiographic parameters were collected, with a focus on the prevalence of impaired GLS and its association with traditional echocardiographic parameters. A multivariate regression model was used to analyze the correlation between reduced GLS and clinical and laboratory factors.

Results:

The study included 124 patients (42% male, mean age 57.0 ± 12.4 years). The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 24.0 (interquartile range [IQR] = 14.5–42.8) mL/min/1.73 m² with 41% stage 3, 33% stage 4, and 26% stage 5. The average GLS value was –16.7 ± 2.5%, with a 37% prevalence of reduced GLS. Impaired GLS was associated with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3, 7.7; p = .013) and smoking ≥ 20 pack-years (OR = 5.6, 95% CI = 1.5, 20; p = .009).

Conclusion:

While this study does not evaluate long-term cardiovascular outcomes, it highlights key risk factors associated with impaired GLS, which could serve as an early marker for cardiac dysfunction in CKD patients.