Both microalbuminuria — an increase of the protein albumin in the urine — and proteinuria — an increase of protein in the urine — can indicate chronic kidney disease, a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in individuals living with sickle cell disease. Because sickle cell disease is characterized by misshapen blood cells that can block vessels and impede blood flow, this patient population is also at higher risk for venous thromboembolism, or blood clots.

In this study, the researchers examined the prevalence of venous thromboembolism, microalbuminuria/proteinuria, and associations between thrombotic events and microalbuminuria/proteinuria. It sourced 10,749 adults with sickle cell disease from the ASH RC Data Hub and found that 27.0% had been diagnosed with venous thromboembolism, 28.1% diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, 24.7% with proteinuria, and 3.3% with microalbuminuria.

After modeling, they determined that a diagnosis of venous thromboembolism was associated with chronic kidney disease and either microalbuminuria or proteinuria. Specifically, individuals with microalbuminuria or proteinuria were 7% more likely to develop venous thromboembolism, while individuals with chronic kidney disease were 89% more likely.

The study results warrant additional investigation but could help to identify and prevent venous thromboembolism in higher risk individuals.

1184 Associations Between Chronic Kidney Disease, Proteinuria, and Thrombotic Risk in SCD