# Predictors of elevated carotid intima-media thickness as a surrogate marker for cardiovascular disease in pediatric chronic kidney disease

## TL;DR

This study identifies male sex as a predictor of increased vascular thickness in children with chronic kidney disease, using carotid intima-media thickness as a cardiovascular risk marker.

## Contribution

The study identifies male sex as an independent predictor of elevated CIMT in pediatric CKD patients.

## Key findings

- Approximately 33.8% of children with CKD had increased vascular thickness.
- Male sex was independently associated with increased vascular thickness (adjusted odds ratio: 2.911).

## Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in its late stages, carries significant morbidity and mortality, often due to cardiovascular problems. Mortality rates for children with CKD and cardiovascular disorders remain high even in high-income countries. Elevated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is considered a marker for vascular thickness and future cardiovascular events in younger populations. This study aimed to determine predictors of cardiovascular events in pediatric patients with CKD with CIMT as a surrogate marker.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on children aged 2–18 years with CKD at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from September 1st 2022–31st December 2023. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors at diagnosis (e.g., age, male sex, obesity, CKD stage, and hypertension) associated with elevated CIMT (outcome), measured at least three months post-diagnosis as a proxy for cardiovascular risk.

A total of 71 patients were recruited, 35 (49.3%) of whom were male, and the median age (range) was 14.67 years (4.6–18.8). Twenty-four children (33.8%) had increased vascular thickness. In the multivariate analysis, male sex was independently associated with increased vascular thickness with an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 2.911 (1.012–8.371, p = 0.047).

Approximately one in three children with CKD experienced increased vascular thickness. Male was an independent predictor for increased vascular thickness in children with CKD.