The Link between Chronic Kidney Disease and Bleeding Risk

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a higher risk of severe bleeding in older adults. One of the key risk factors for bleeding is the unnecessary use of aspirin. This information comes l.

Lack of Data on Bleeding Risk in Older Populations with CKD

Existing research on bleeding risk in CKD patients has mostly focused on younger individuals or those with advanced kidney disease. This leaves a significant knowledge gap, particularly as Western countries have aging populations. Severe bleeding events can cause considerable health problems and contribute to healthcare costs. The Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial provides a unique opportunity to study bleeding risk in an older population with CKD.

ASPREE Trial: Analyzing Bleeding Risk in Older Adults with CKD

Researchers conducted a secondary analysis on data from 17,976 patients with CKD who were at least 70 years old in the ASPREE trial. The goal was to determine the relationship between CKD status and bleeding in older adults. Participants were given either a daily dose of 100 mg of enteric-coated aspirin or a placebo, and were followed for a median of 4.5 years. CKD was assessed using eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) or UACR (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio).

Increased Risk of Bleeding in CKD Patients

The study found that CKD patients experienced a higher risk of major bleeding events compared to those without CKD (10.4 per 1,000 person-years vs. 6.3 per 1,000 person-years). The presence of CKD was associated with a 35% increased risk of bleeding. Additionally, increased bleeding risk and relative risk for albuminuria were observed in CKD patients.

Other Risk Factors for Bleeding in CKD Patients

Apart from CKD itself, other factors that increased the risk of bleeding in these patients included older age, hypertension, smoking, and aspirin use. However, the study did not find a statistically significant effect of aspirin on bleeding based on CKD status.

Reducing Bleeding Risk in Older CKD Patients

The study concluded that CKD in otherwise healthy older individuals is linked to an increased risk of major bleeding as albuminuria rises or when eGFR drops below 40 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Given the relationship between CKD and bleeding risk in older people, preventive measures such as stopping unnecessary aspirin use, quitting smoking, and controlling blood pressure should be considered.

Related Articles

‍What Do Your Kidneys Do?

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Kidney Health Screening: Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR)

Creatinine and eGFR; What Are They and Why Are They Important?

References‍

Older adults with CKD at increased risk for hemorrhaging

Association Between CKD and Major Hemorrhage in Older Persons: Data From the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly Randomized Trial

Effect of Aspirin on All-Cause Mortality in the Healthy Elderly

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.