Factors Associated With Intracranial Aneurysm in Patients With ADPKD

Yusuke Ushio and colleagues reported results of a study comparing the factors associated with intracranial aneurysm in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) stratified by age: ≥50 years and <50 years. 

The study included 519 patients with ADPKD. Median age was 44 years, median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 54.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, and total follow-up duration was 3104 patient-years. 

There were significant associations between the presence of intracranial aneurysm and age ≥50 years, female sex (P=.0027 for interaction), and hypertension (P=.0074 for interaction). The associations between female sex and hypertension were seen only in patients ≥50 years of age.  

In patients <50 years of age, there were significant associations between intracranial aneurysm and stage 4-5 CKD (odds ratio [OR], 3.87; P=.0007) and family history of intracranial aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR, 2.30; P=.0217). For patients ≥50 years of age, there were associations between intracranial aneurysm and stage 4-5 CKD (OR, 2.38; P=.0355), family history of intracranial aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR, 3.49; P=.0094), female sex (OR, 4.51; P=.0005), and hypertension (OR, 5.89; P=.0012). 

In conclusion, the authors said, “Kidney dysfunction and family history of intracranial aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage are risk factors for early-onset intracranial aneurysm. Patients aged <50 years with a family history of intracranial aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage or with CKD stages 4-5 may be at an increased risk of early-onset intracranial aneurysm.” 

Source: Journal of Nephrology