Metabolic syndrome predicts renal disease

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- For African-Americans with high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome brings an increased risk of worsening kidney disease, say U.S. researchers.

"Our study shows a 38 percent increased risk of progressive chronic kidney disease in hypertensive African-Americans classified as having the metabolic syndrome," said lead author Dr. J.P. Lea of Emory University.

"This has important public health implications, as treatments are available to reduce the severity of the metabolic syndrome and may have an impact on reducing the rate of progressive kidney disease."

Lea analyzed data from a large study of treatment for hypertension -- high blood pressure -- in African-Americans. Twenty-five percent of the patients had metabolic syndrome, meeting at least three of the five diagnostic criteria: high blood sugar, low high-density lipoprotein ("good") cholesterol, high triglycerides, obesity and high blood pressure.

Insulin resistance syndrome or "syndrome X," metabolic syndrome is a known risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Patients with CKD have gradual, irreversible loss of kidney function.

The findings were presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 39th Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego.