Chronic kidney disease as a risk factor for vestibular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with vestibular dysfunction in a general population.

METHODS: Of the total participants, 7,799 of participants were included in this study. The data collected from the participants during the health examination included an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and balancing test results. Mild CKD was defined as an eGFR of 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or an eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 with dipstick proteinuria (≥ 1+). Moderate CKD was defined as an eGFR of 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m2. Severe CKD was defined as an eGFR of 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m2. Very severe CKD was defined as an eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2.

RESULTS: The number of participants with vestibular dysfunction was 268. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses showed that eGFR levels were inversely associated with the presence of vestibular dysfunction. Multivariate analysis revealed that those with moderate, severe, and very severe CKD had a 1.830-, 4.496-, and 6.055-fold increased risk of vestibular dysfunction, respectively, compared to the participants without CKD.

CONCLUSION: CKD was found to be associated with vestibular dysfunction in the general population. Therefore, the participants with CKD may be closely monitored for vestibular dysfunction.