The Prevalence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Significance of Inferior Vena Cava Compression in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study Based on TriNetX

TL;DR

This study finds that compression of the inferior vena cava in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is linked to worse outcomes like higher risk of kidney failure and reduced survival.

Contribution

The study quantifies the clinical significance of inferior vena cava compression in ADPKD using a large multicenter cohort.

Findings

IVC compression in ADPKD is associated with a 2.61-fold increased risk of progressing to ESRD.

Patients with IVC compression had a 4.00-fold higher risk of mortality and reduced 5-year survival.

ESRD patients with IVC compression had a 5.60-fold higher risk of mortality compared to those without compression.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Progressive renal cyst growth in ADPKD can exert mass effects, including compression of the inferior vena cava (IVC), a rare but clinically significant complication with implications for hemodynamic stability and renal outcomes. This study evaluated the prevalence of IVC compression in ADPKD and its impact on progression to ESRD, mortality, and overall survival. We aimed to provide quantitative measures to elucidate its prognostic significance. Materials and Methods: Using the TriNetX database, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 658 ADPKD patients with IVC compression, comparing them to unmatched controls without compression. Outcomes included ESRD incidence, mortality, and survival. Kaplan–Meier curves and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for analysis. Results: ESRD Risk: IVC compression was associated with a higher risk of ESRD (77.4% vs. 29.7%, RR: 2.61, 95% CI: 2.49–2.73, p < 0.001). Survival Probability: 5-year Survival was significantly reduced in patients with IVC compression (42.6%) compared to controls (61.7%) (HR: 4.00, 95% CI: 3.45–4.63, p = 0.002). Mortality: Mortality was higher in the compression group (29.2% vs. 9.1%). Combined Impact: ESRD patients with IVC compression had a lower survival rate (11.9%) than ESRD patients without compression (28.5%) (HR: 5.60, 95% CI: 5.12–6.13, p < 0.001). Conclusions: IVC compression in ADPKD is associated with significantly worse outcomes, including increased ESRD risk, higher mortality, and reduced survival. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and targeted management strategies.

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