Renal dysfunction as a predictor of acute stroke outcomes

OBJECTIVES: To explore if renal dysfunction in terms of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) can be considered a risk factor for stroke outcomes. METHODS: The study population consisted of adults diagnosed with acute stroke admitted to the King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 2012 and 2015. Data was collected by chart review. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation was used to estimate GFR. Patients were classified into 2 eGFR categories: eGFR >60 (normal) and eGFR ≤60 (low). RESULTS: A total of 727 patients were studied of whom 596 (82%) had normal eGFR and 131 (18%) had low eGFR. There were more males (68.5%). Ischemic strokes were more prevalent (87.2%). Urinary tract infections were more likely to occur in the low eGFR group (OR=2.047, 95% CI=1.024 – 4.093). They were also significantly more likely to die during admission (OR=3.772, 95% CI=1.609 – 8.844). There was a statistically significant degree of disability reflected by higher mRS (p=0.010) as well as higher post-stroke National Institute of Health Stroke Score scores in the low eGFR group (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Estimated glomerular filtration rate is a possible predictor of stroke severity, disability and mortality.