Arterial Function Worsens Faster than Renal Function in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVE: Early arterial stiffness has been shown in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with preserved renal function. However, to our knowledge, no prospective study evaluated changes in arterial functions in patients with ADPKD. The study aimed to monitor the changes in renal and arterial functions in patients with ADPKD with preserved renal functions. MATERIAL and METHODS: A total of 25 ADPKD patients and 12 controls were included in the study. Data on patient characteristics, biochemical parameters and arterial stiffness were recorded at baseline and at the end of fourth year. Determination of independent correlates of the change in eGFR and arterial functions was performed by linear regression analyses. RESULTS: There was a similar decline in renal functions over the study period in both groups. However, arterial functions deteriorated more rapidly in the ADPKD group. Having ADPKD was the only independent factor associated with the decline in arterial functions. CONCLUSION: There were significant decreases in arterial elasticity characteristics in the ADPKD group compared with the control group despite a similar decline in renal functions. Monitoring of arterial stiffness may be as important as monitoring of renal functions in ADPKD patients.