AUTHOR=Betzler Bjorn Kaijun , Sultana Rehena , He Feng , Tham Yih Chung , Lim Cynthia Ciwei , Wang Ya Xing , Nangia Vinay , Tai E. Shyong , Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Bikbov Mukharram M. , Jonas Jost B. , Kang Se Woong , Park Kyu Hyung , Cheng Ching-Yu , Sabanayagam Charumathi TITLE=Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) GFR Estimating Equations on CKD Prevalence and Classification Among Asians JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine VOLUME=9 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.957437 DOI=10.3389/fmed.2022.957437 ISSN=2296-858X ABSTRACT=Background

In 2021, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) validated a new equation for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). However, this new equation is not ethnic-specific, and prevalence of CKD in Asians is known to differ from other ethnicities. This study evaluates the impact of the 2009 and 2021 creatinine-based eGFR equations on the prevalence of CKD in multiple Asian cohorts.

Methods

Eight population-based studies from China, India, Russia (Asian), Singapore and South Korea provided individual-level data (n = 67,233). GFR was estimated using both the 2009 CKD-EPI equation developed using creatinine, age, sex, and race (eGFRcr [2009, ASR]) and the 2021 CKD-EPI equation developed without race (eGFRcr [2021, AS]). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73m2 (G3-G5). Prevalence of eGFR categories was compared within each study and within subgroups of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and hypertension status. The extent of reclassification was examined using net reclassification improvement (NRI).

Findings

Of 67,233 adults, CKD prevalence was 8.6% (n = 5800/67,233) using eGFRcr (2009, ASR) and 6.4% (n = 4307/67,233) using eGFRcr (2021, AS). With the latter, CKD prevalence was reduced across all eight studies, ranging from −7.0% (95% CI −8.5% to −5.4%) to −0.4% (−1.3% to 0.5%), and across all subgroups except those in the BMI < 18.5% subgroup. Net reclassification index (NRI) was significant at −2.33% (p < 0.001). No individuals were reclassified as a higher (more severe) eGFR category, while 1.7%−4.2% of individuals with CKD were reclassified as one eGFR category lower when eGFRcr (2021, AS) rather than eGFRcr (2009, ASR) was used.

Interpretation

eGFRcr (2021, AS) consistently provided reduced CKD prevalence and higher estimation of GFR among Asian cohorts than eGFRcr (2009, ASR). Based on current risk-stratified approaches to CKD management, more patients reclassified to lower-risk GFR categories could help reduce inappropriate care and its associated adverse effects among Asian renal patients. Comparison of both equations to predict progression to renal failure or adverse outcomes using prospective studies are warranted.

Funding

National Medical Research Council, Singapore.