Investigation of associations between retinal microvascular parameters and albuminuria in UK Biobank a cross-sectional case-control study: a cross-sectional case-control study

UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
84 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Associations between microvascular variation and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been reported previously. Non-invasive retinal fundus imaging enables evaluation of the microvascular network and may offer insight to systemic risk associated with CKD. Methods: Retinal microvascular parameters (fractal dimension [FD] – a measure of the complexity of the vascular network, tortuosity, and retinal arteriolar and venular calibre) were quantified from macula-centred fundus images using the Vessel Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the REtina (VAMPIRE) version 3.1 (VAMPIRE group, Universities of Dundee and Edinburgh, Scotland) and assessed for associations with renal damage in a case-control study nested within the multi-centre UK Biobank cohort study. Participants were designated cases or controls based on urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) thresholds. Participants with ACR ≥ 3 mg/mmol (ACR stages A2-A3) were characterised as cases, and those with an ACR < 3 mg/mmol (ACR stage A1) were categorised as controls. Participants were matched on age, sex and ethnic background. Results: Lower FD (less extensive microvascular branching) was associated with a small increase in odds of albuminuria independent of blood pressure, diabetes and other potential confounding variables (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.34 for arterioles and OR 1.24, CI 1.05–1.47 for venules). Measures of tortuosity or retinal arteriolar and venular calibre were not significantly associated with ACR. Conclusions: This study supports previously reported associations between retinal microvascular FD and other metabolic disturbances affecting the systemic vasculature. The association between retinal microvascular FD and albuminuria, independent of diabetes and blood pressure, may represent a useful indicator of systemic vascular damage associated with albuminuria.

Original languageEnglish
Article number72
JournalBMC Nephrology
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Feb 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was supported by funding from the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund. The funding body played no role in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing the manuscript.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, The Author(s).

Copyright:
Copyright 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nephrology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Investigation of associations between retinal microvascular parameters and albuminuria in UK Biobank a cross-sectional case-control study: a cross-sectional case-control study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this