The Relationship Between Pulse Pressure, the Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, and Urine Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio in Korean Adults

Background/Aims: Pulse pressure (PP) is a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients on haemodialysis. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the relationship between PP, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (uACR) in Korean adults. Methods: Data of 9,409 adults (4,206 men and 5,203 women) aged ≥ 20 years from the Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2014) were analyzed. Results: A multivariate analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β = -0.170, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.216 to -0.159), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β = 0.088, 95% CI 0.108–0.200; p < 0.001), and PP (β = -0.134, 95% CI -0.215 to -0.157) were significant factors determining eGFR. In contrast, SBP (β = 0.152, 95% CI, 0.985–1.456; p < 0.001), DBP (β = -0.062, 95% CI -1.141 to -0.442; p < 0.001), and PP (β = 0.118, 95% CI 0.965–1.436; p < 0.001) were the significant factors determining uACR. The odds ratios (ORs) of a high PP (PP ≥ 60 mmHg) with a normal group [eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m² and uACR < 30 mg/g] as a reference were significant for decreased eGFR [eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m², 1.484 (95% CI, 1.003–2.196)], elevated uACR [uACR ≥ 30 mg/g, 2.592 (95% CI, 2.085–3.223)], and decreased eGFR plus elevated uACR [eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m² and uACR ≥ 30 mg/g, 3.889 (95% CI, 2.519–6.004)]. Conclusion: Enhanced PP was associated with a decreased eGFR and an increase in uACR in Korean adults. In addition, the PP increased greatly when a decrease in eGFR and an increase in uACR appeared simultaneously.