Association between physical function and hospitalization among older patients with pre‐dialysis chronic kidney disease after educational hospitalization: A single‐center prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with hospitalization in older patients with pre-dialysis CKD, including physical function. METHODS: This single-center, prospective cohort study included 111 patients aged ≥65 years with stage 3-5 non-hemodialyzed CKD. Physical function was assessed using the short physical performance battery (SPPB), 10-m walk test, and grip strength test. Hospitalizations and reasons for readmission were tracked from discharge to the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant associations between rehospitalization and SPPB, 10-meter walk speed, and grip strength. The cutoff values predicting rehospitalization were 11 points for SPPB, 1.1 m/s for 10-meter walk speed, and 31 kg for grip strength. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that SPPB, hemoglobin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were independently associated with rehospitalization risk. CONCLUSIONS: SPPB may predict hospitalization in older pre-dialysis CKD patients, emphasizing the importance of screening and preventing physical function decline.