High body mass index and triglyceride levels at health checkups increase the risk of new-onset chronic kidney disease and worsening renal function: the TAMA MED Project-CKD

Background Health checkups are important in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is not easily accompanied by subjective symptoms.

CKD can be caused or aggravated by factors that have not yet been identified.

Methods This retrospective cohort study included 7 483 patients who underwent specific annual health checkups at a medical institution in Tama City, did not have CKD in 2012, and continued to undergo checkups (aged 40–74 years).

We examined the risk factors for new-onset CKD and 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine levels among laboratory values from 2012 to 2020.

Results Age, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride levels, atrial fibrillation, and medication for hypertension (HT) and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for proteinuria, whereas current smoking, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and medication for HT were independent risk factors for estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m^2.

SBP, triglyceride levels and medication for HT were risk factors for a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine levels during course of the study.

The cut-off values of BMI for eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m^2 were 22.2 (men 24.7, women 22.1) kg/m^2 and fasting triglyceride levels for a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine level were 171 (men 247, women 170) mg/dL, respectively.

Conclusions Health checkups provide information to prevent new-onset CKD and worsening of renal function.

It is necessary to increase the rate of health checkups and visits to medical institutions after health checkups as well as to use these results for health guidance.