Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO939

Air Quality and Kidney Health: Assessing the Effects of PM10, PM2.5, CO, and NO2 on Kidney Function in Primary Glomerulonephritis

Session Information

• Glomerular Diseases: Potpourri
  October 25, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Glomerular Diseases

• 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics

Authors

• Yi, Jinyeong, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Jinyeong Yi, MA

• Oh, Yun Jung, H Plus Yangii Hospital, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)

Yun Jung Oh, MD, PhD

• You, Julee, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)

Julee You, MD

• Ryu, Jiwon, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)

Jiwon Ryu, MD

Background

Although extensive research has established associations between exposure to air pollution and chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the nuanced impact on specific kidney pathologies like primary glomerulonephritis (GN)—an immunological kidney disorder—remains underexplored. Given the increasing burden of GN and the notable gap in research on its relation to air quality, our study focuses on exploring the long-term effects air pollutants on renal function in patients with primary GN.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 1,394 primary GN patients diagnosed at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital. We used time-varying Cox regression and linear mixed models (LMM) to determine the impact of yearly average air pollution levels on renal function deterioration and change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Renal function deterioration (RFD) is defined as a sustained eGFR less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m².

Results

Over a mean follow-up of 5.1 years, 350 patients developed RFD. Notably, increased interquartile range (IQR) levels of air pollutants—PM₁₀ (particles ≤10 micrometers, HR 1.383, 95% CI 1.194–1.601), PM_2.5 (particles ≤2.5 micrometers, HR 1.341, 95% CI 1.15–1.564), CO (carbon monoxide, HR 1.254, 95% CI 1.092–1.441), and NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide, HR 1.174, 95% CI 1.017–1.356)—were significantly linked to higher RFD risk, after adjusting for demographic and health factors. Additionally, exposure to PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 was associated with decreased eGFR.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a significant relationship between exposure to air pollution and renal function in primary GN, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in immune-mediated kidney disease.