Is renal function associated with early age-related macular degeneration?

Optom Vis Sci. 2014 Aug;91(8):860-4. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000000288.

Abstract

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and chronic kidney disease both involve immune dysregulation and may share underlying pathophysiologic changes to systemic homeostasis. Hence, we aim to evaluate associations between impaired kidney function and early AMD, in a search for urinary biomarkers for AMD.

Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional analysis of persons aged 45 to 84 years was conducted with renal function measured using serum creatinine and cystatin C levels and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated. Age-related macular degeneration status was ascertained from retinal photographs.

Results: Of 5874 participants, 221 had early AMD. High serum cystatin C and low eGFR (≤60 ml/min/1.73 m) were not associated with early AMD in our multivariate analyses. Among normotensive persons, however, highest versus other deciles of cystatin C were associated with an increased prevalence of early AMD (odds ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 3.23).

Conclusions: Results could not confirm an association between kidney function and early AMD. The borderline association between cystatin C and early AMD in normotensive persons require further verification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cystatin C / blood
  • Female
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Humans
  • Kidney / physiopathology*
  • Macular Degeneration / blood
  • Macular Degeneration / diagnosis
  • Macular Degeneration / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / blood
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cystatin C
  • Creatinine