The impact of multiple long-term conditions on mortality, progression to kidney failure and health-related quality of life among people with chronic kidney disease: a multicentre cohort study (NURTuRE-CKD)

BACKGROUND: Multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) are common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study examined the impact of MLTC on mortality, CKD progression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a referred CKD population. METHODS: or KRT), and HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L, at two time points). Participants with eGFR < 15 at baseline were excluded from progression analyses. RESULTS: (SD ± 17.9), and 41% were female. Median baseline comorbidity count was 3 (IQR 2 to 5; range 1 to 19). The commonest baseline comorbidities were hypertension, pain, obesity, hyperuricaemia, diabetes, sarcopenia, and cardiovascular disease. Over a median 1.42 years between baseline and first follow up, the most frequent new comorbidities were pain (285 people (14%)), anxiety and depression (226 (11%)), cognitive impairment (115 (6%)), obesity (98 (5%)), and anaemia (82 (4%)). Increasing comorbidity count was associated with higher mortality (adjusted hazard ratios (vs. 1 comorbidity): 1.37 (2), 1.45 (3), 1.54 (4), and 1.80 (≥5)), with statistical significance at ≥4 comorbidities). Comorbidity number was not associated with CKD progression. Greater number and certain specific comorbidities were associated with worse HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Greater comorbidity burden was associated with mortality and worse HRQoL but not CKD progression in this cohort. CKD management should target prevention of additional conditions, prioritise holistic care and focus on MLTC as much as kidney protection.