Preoperative Estimates of Glomerular Filtration Rate as Predictors of Outcome after Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Kidney dysfunction is a strong determinant of prognosis in many settings.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to explore the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and adverse outcomes after surgery. Cohort studies reporting the relationship between eGFR and major outcomes, including all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and acute kidney injury after cardiac or noncardiac surgery, were included.

RESULTS: Forty-six studies were included, of which 44 focused exclusively on cardiac and vascular surgery. Within 30 days of surgery, eGFR less than 60 m l · min · 1.73 m(-2) was associated with a threefold increased risk of death (multivariable adjusted relative risk [RR] 2.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95-4.96) and acute kidney injury (adjusted RR 3.13; 95% CI 2.22-4.41). An eGFR less than 60 ml · min · 1.73(-2) m was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted RR 1.61; 95% CI 1.38-1.87) and major adverse cardiovascular events (adjusted RR 1.49; 95% CI 1.32-1.67) during long-term follow-up. There was a nonlinear association between eGFR and the risk of early mortality such that, compared with patients having an eGFR more than 90 ml · min · 1.73m(-2) the pooled RR for death at 30 days in those with an eGFR between 30 and 60 ml · min · 1.73 m(-2) was 1.62 (95% CI 1.43-1.80), rising to 2.85 (95% CI 2.49-3.27) in patients with an eGFR less than 30 ml · min · 1.73 m(-2) and 3.75 (95% CI 3.44-4.08) in those with an eGFR less than 15 ml · min · 1.73 m(-2).

CONCLUSION: There is a powerful relationship between eGFR, and both short- and long-term prognosis after, predominantly cardiac and vascular, surgery.