ABSTRACT
Background: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a phosphate-regulating hormone primarily secreted by osteocytes. Levels of FGF23 increase as kidney function declines as a physiologic response to maintain normal serum phosphate levels and neutral phosphate balance. Although FGF23 helps to prevent hyperphosphatemia, elevated circulating levels are independently associated with vascular dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy, increased risk for ESRD, and death in patients with CKD. Aim of the study: To evaluate the FGF23 and eGFR levels in chronic kidney disease patients to compare them with healthy controls. Materials and methods: Totally 100 patients were included in the study. The study was conducted from June 2018 – November 2018 over a period of 6 months at Nephrology department of DSMCH, Perambalur. Group – I (50) who were in CKD stage - IV. Group - II (50) healthy controls were included in the study. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) was estimated by standard techniques and results are analyzed accordingly. Results: The mean value of FGF23 in Group – I was 730.7 ± 492.72 pg/ml was higher than that of the Group – II whose mean value was 39.49 ± 12.47 pg/ml and this difference was statistically significant( p<0.05). Group – I had very low mean eGFR levels than Group - II and this difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Higher FGF23 levels are independently associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers in patients with CKD and with significantly greater odds of severe inflammation. Future studies should evaluate whether inflammation modifies the association between FGF23 and adverse outcomes in CKD.