Association between albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate and mortality or recurrence in stroke patients

Abstract

Background/aims: In an attempt to find new predictors of stroke prognosis, we evaluated the association of albuminuria (AUr) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with the recurrence of stroke and mortality.

Methods: We evaluated and followed for at least 7 months patients with first-ever stroke or transient ischemic attack admitted to a prospective cohort from March 2005 to December 2007. We analyzed traditional CV risk factors, albumin-to-creatinine ratio and eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m(2)) as predictors of mortality or recurrence.

Results: From a total of 185 patients included [57% (104/185) men, 64 ± 13 years], 38 patients suffered from a recurrent stroke or died, with a mean follow-up of 25.1 ± 8.7 months. AUr (≥30 mg/g) was found in 50.2% (93/185), and 38.9% (72/185) presented an eGFR <60. In univariate analysis, age >65 years, eGFR ≤50, atrial fibrillation (AF), no alcohol intake and AUr >17 mg/g were associated with the composite endpoint. In a multivariate analysis, AF and AUr >17 mg/g were independent predictors of the composite endpoints, but eGFR ≤50 was not.

Conclusion: The presence of AUr >17 mg/g is independently associated with death or recurrence after stroke. Further studies should consider the AUr as a predictor for a worse prognosis in these patients.