Declining in estimated glomerular filtration rate of chronic kidney disease patients after Ramadan fasting is independent of interleukin-6 serum level

Introduction: Ramadan fasting is compulsory for adult Muslims with no medical problems. The role of Ramadan Fasting in increasing or decreasing estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is still debatable. Interleukin-6, a pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine has previously been associated with progression of eGFR in CKD patients. This study aimed to determine the role of Ramadan fasting on the eGFR of CKD patients and its correlation with IL-6. Methods: As many as 35 CKD stage 3 and 4 patients who fasted for a minimum of 14 hours per day at 21 days in Ramadan were included in the study. Parameters of hematology, kidney, and metabolic as well as eGFR and IL-6 serum before and after Ramadan fasting were compared to examine effect of Ramadan fasting on CKD progression and the correlation with IL-6 serum level. Results: This study showed significantly decreased of eGFR in CKD stage 3-4 patients after Ramadan fasting (p<0.001) that was parallel with significantly increased of serum creatinine level (p<0.001). Additionally, the study also showed decreased IL-6 serum level after Ramadan fasting. However, declining eGFR is not correlated with decreased IL-6 serum level, revealing that decreased eGFR in CKD stage 3 and 4 patients after Ramadan fasting is not correlated to IL-6 serum. Conclusion: This study showed for the first time that declining in eGFR of CKD patients after Ramadan fasting is IL-6 serum independent.