BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for early chronic kidney disease (CKD) (GFR 60–89 ml/min/1.73 m²; CKD stage 2) in asymptomatic Chinese individuals undergoing routine health examination.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 9100 individuals who received voluntary medical examinations between 10/01/2011 and 09/30/2017. Demographic data, clinical history, clinical examination, medication, smoking, alcohol, blood biochemistry, urinalysis, and carotid ultrasound were extracted from the medical records. All laboratory analyses were performed routinely. Multivariable logistic regression for factors predicting CKD stage 2 was performed.

RESULTS: A total of 9100 individuals were enrolled (age of 18-65 and 65.4% male). CKD stage 2 was found in 1989/9100 individuals (21.9%). Male gender (OR=6.711, 95%CI: 5.376–8.403, P<0.001), older age (OR=1.077, 95%CI: 1.068–1.086, P<0.001), hemoglobin levels (OR=1.051, 95%CI: 1.046–1.057, P<0.001), triglycerides levels (OR=1.174, 95%CI: 1.067–1.292, P=0.001), HDL-C (OR=0.539, 95%CI: 0.380–0.763, P<0.001), Lp(a) levels (OR=1.000, 95%CI: 1.000–1.001, P=0.03), and carotid atherosclerosis (OR=1.248, 95%CI: 1.005–1.550, P=0.045) were associated with CKD stage 2 among all subjects. Serum triglycerides levels were associated with CKD stage 2 in the 18-45 and 45-65 years of age subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS: Factors that are routinely assessed during routine health examinations (male gender, age, hemoglobin levels, triglycerides levels, HDL-C, Lp(a) levels, and carotid atherosclerosis) can help identify individuals at higher risk of having CKD stage 2. The Chinese dyslipidemia is characterized by high triglycerides and low HDL-C and occurs in young and middle-aged individuals. Those factors could help identify individuals at higher risk for CKD stage 2 and who could benefit from preventive treatments.

Keywords: Fontan Procedure, Renal Insufficiency, Chronic, Risk Factors, Asians, Carotid Artery Diseases, Cholesterol, HDL, Cross-Sectional Studies, dyslipidemias, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Hemoglobins, Hypertension, Hypertriglyceridemia, Logistic Models, Odds Ratio, Triglycerides, young adult