Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been demonstrated to be associated with adverse clinical outcomes for patients with coronary heart disease. However, data on relation of CKD and stent thrombosis after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation is limited.

Objectives This study was designed to examine whether CKD is associated with higher incidence of stent thrombosis after elective coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation compared with patients with normal renal function.

Methods We consecutively enrolled 2972 patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with DES. Demographic and clinical data were collected preoperatively. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60 ml/min, calculated using the modified MDRD equation. The primary outcome was 1-year definite or probable stent thrombosis.

Results Five hundred and ninety four participants (19%) had CKD before procedure. The incidence of 1-year definite or probable stent thrombosis was significantly higher in CKD patients compared with patients with normal renal function (1.7% vs 0.5%, p=0.001). After adjustment for multiple clinical and biochemical covariates, CKD was an independent predictor of 1-year definite or probable stent thrombosis (HR 3.26, 95% CI 1.74 to 8.37, p=0.009).

Conclusion CKD is significantly associated with increased incidence of 1-year definite or probable stent thrombosis in patients undergoing PCI with DES.