Purpose
To identify the risk factors for progression to renal replacement therapy (RRT) and all-cause mortality in patients who underwent renal artery (RA) stent placement for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS).
Materials and Methods
A retrospective study was performed from June 1996 to June 2009 that identified 1052 patients that underwent RA stent placement. The glomerular filtration rate at the time of RA stent placement was estimated from the serum creatinine level and divided into renal disease stages 1–5. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine which factors were associated with each endpoint.
Results
The times to progression to all-cause mortality and RRT were similar for chronic kidney (CKD) stages 1/2/3A and served as the reference group. In multivariable analysis, high-grade proteinuria (P<.001), higher CKD stage [stage 5 vs. 1-3A, (P<.001)], stage 4 vs. 1-3A, (P<.001), stage 3B vs. 1-3A, (P=.02)] remained independently associated with increased risk of progression to RRT. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEi/ARB) use was associated with decreased risk of progression to RRT (P=0.03). Higher CKD stage [stage 5 vs. 1-3A, (P<.001), stage 4 vs. 1-3A (P=.004), carotid artery disease (P<.001), diabetes mellitus (P=.002), and high-grade proteinuria (P<.001) remained independently associated with all-cause mortality. Statin use was associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality (P< 0.001).
Conclusion
Based on this analysis, patients with atherosclerotic RAS who undergo RA stenting who have high-grade proteinuria and CKD stage 3B, 4 or 5 have an increased risk of progression to RRT. Patients with high-grade proteinuria, CKD stage 3B, 4 or 5, carotid disease or diabetes have an increased risk for all-cause mortality after renal artery stenting. ACEi/ARB use in this patient population has a decreased risk of progression to RRT and patients on statins have a decreased risk of all-cause mortality.