In recent years, a significant global rise in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated cardiovascular complications (CVC) has been observed. The urgent need to slow the advancement of renal impairment and minimize the risk of cardiovascular complications (CVC) is critical, particularly in the context of managing metabolic disorders like iron deficiency (ID).

OBJECTIVE

Tho evaluate the prevalence of iron deficiency and its association with various risk factors contributing to the progression of renal dysfunction in individuals diagnosed with CKD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 1.309 patients with CKD, comprising 731 males and 578 females aged 16—78 years, with a mean age of 40.5±13.6 years. Comprehensive clinical and laboratory evaluations were conducted, including an assessment of the frequency of iron deficiency categorized by CKD stage and sex. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing Statistica 10.0 and Microsoft Excel.

RESULTS

Among the cohort, patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of ≥60 mL/min (Group 1) exhibited higher incidences of grade I obesity, elevated total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and daily proteinuria, as well as decreased serum total protein levels. Conversely, patients with a GFR of <60 mL/min (Group 2) displayed older age, increased hemodynamic indices, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, elevated glucose and potassium levels, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and calcium concentrations. Serum iron levels were significantly different, measuring 17.0±7.1 µmol/L in Group 1 compared to 14.8±7.8 µmol/L in Group 2 (p<0.001). The prevalence of iron deficiency increased with the progression of CKD, from 8.7% at stage C1 to 28.7% at stage C5. Gender differences in iron deficiency prevalence were particularly pronounced at stages C3A (7.5% in males vs. 21.1% in females) and C5 (26.3% in males vs. 31.4% in females). Overall, iron deficiency was identified in 246 patients (26.8%): 116 males (15.8%) and 130 females (22.4%).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that serum iron concentration decreases with the deterioration of renal filtration function in patients with CKD, particularly among females. The prevalence of iron deficiency increases with disease progression, peaking at the pre-dialysis stage. Furthermore, iron deficiency in CKD is closely associated with modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.