Trajectory of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with chronic kidney disease and its association with cardiovascular disease

BackgroundThe role of longitudinal temporal trends in LDL-C in cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes is unclear. This study categorized the long-term LDL-C trajectory and determined its association with the incidence of atherosclerotic CVD in patients with CKD according to diabetes status and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).MethodsThe risk of atherosclerotic CVD was estimated in 137,127 Taiwanese patients with CKD using six LDL-C trajectory classes determined by the latent class mixed model as optimal, near optimal, above optimal, borderline, sustained high, and declined high over 5 years.ResultsThe risk of CVD was higher in the sustained high LDL-C [>160 mg/dL over time; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.45–1.94], declined high LDL-C (>160 to 120 mg/dL).ConclusionThe LDL-C trajectory pattern was associated with the phenotype of CVD risk. The degree of risk varied according to eGFR and diabetes status. A stable low LDL-C over time was potentially beneficial for prevention of CVD. Intensive lipid management and periodic assessment of LDL-C is essential to reduce the risk of CVD in patients with CKD and diabetes.