Abstract TH213: Organ Damage and Physical Decline in Pre-Frail Older Adults with Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease

Aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication of hypertension and both diseases share pathophysiological mechanisms. Pre-frailty is a well-established condition. Comorbidities play a fundamental role in developing pre-frailty, frailty, and functional decline. One of the most common tools to detect organ damage and kidney function decline is albuminuria. We evaluated the role of albuminuria and eGFR in pre-frail hypertensive older adults with CKD. Methods: We enrolled pre-frail older patients with hypertension and CKD recruited from March 2021 to March 2023 at the ASL (local health unit of the Italian Ministry of Health) of Avellino, Italy. Albuminuria was defined using a cutoff of 30 mg/dl in 24-hour urine. We performed a physical frailty assessment using the Fried Criteria to diagnose pre-frailty. Results: We evaluated 122 pre-frail older adults with hypertension and CKD. Finally, we enrolled 83 patients. We correlated albuminuria with gait speed, observing a strong and significant result (r 2 : 0.47; p< 0.0001). To further detect the role of kidney function in physical impairment, we evaluated the differences on the basis of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), showing a worse physical function in patients with eGFR<60 (n: 41) compared to an eGFR>60 (n: 42), (p< 0.0001). We confirmed the results after correcting with a multivariable regression analysis. Discussion: The combination of hypertension and CKD could get worse physical impairment in pre-frail older adults. Herein, the management of hypertensive patients should start in mid-life to preserve physical function with a tailored approach to target vascular complications and endothelium.