Biochemical indicators, physical activity, and functional performance in elderly CKD patients: A cross-sectional study

Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of elderly chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients; and the correlation among their biochemical indicators, physical activity, and functional parameters. The findings of this study will hopefully a scientific basis for better understanding the causes and developing the best management methods for CKD in this population. Methods In total, 280 elderly patients with CKD participated in this cross-sectional study. All patients underwent a multidimensional assessment of clinical data, physical activity, and functional performance. Patients were stratified by disease severity into two groups: CKD stages 1–3 and stages 4–5. Additionally, they were categorized as sedentary or nonsedentary based on metabolic equivalent of task (MET) levels. Inter-group differences and correlations among the variables were subsequently analyzed. Results Research findings indicated that although male patients predominated in the overall cohort, female patients were more prevalent among those with advanced CKD (stages 4–5) and those reporting a sedentary lifestyle, and these subgroups also demonstrated a higher likelihood of hypertension and anemia. Compared to patients with CKD stages 1–3, those in stages 4–5 had significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin, albumin, and MET values ( P < . 05), along with higher serum creatinine and Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (BADL) values ( P < . 05). Similarly, when compared to nonsedentary patients, those with a sedentary lifestyle exhibited lower eGFR, hemoglobin, and MET levels ( P < . 05), alongside elevated procalcitonin (PCT) and BADL values ( P < . 05). Correlation analyses further revealed that renal function was significantly associated with both BADL and MET values in the studied CKD population ( P < . 05). Our correlation analysis also revealed that renal function in elderly advanced CKD patients is closely associated with levels of PCT and Hb ( P < . 05). Moreover, among sedentary elderly CKD patients, renal function was correlated not only with PCT and Hb ( P < . 05), but also with albumin and physical activity levels MET ( P < . 05). Conclusions Our study identified a predominance of female patients in advanced CKD stages and among those leading sedentary lifestyles. Furthermore, our findings suggest that renal function may be associated with physical activity and functional performance, with this relationship appearing most pronounced in sedentary individuals. The results also point to a potential interrelationship between renal function, inflammation, and nutritional status in advanced CKD.