Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and risk factors for its progression: A cross-sectional comparison of Indians living in Indian versus U.S. cities

The effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels of patients with ESRD condition undergoing dialysis

Background

Concomitant inflammation may boost the cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Omega-3 fatty acids may have certain health benefits in HD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HB) level and platelet (PLT) counts of HD patients.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on HD patients at a private dialysis center in Rasht, Iran. Three omega-3 fatty acid supplement capsules (3 g/d) were administered daily for two months to patients in the intervention group (n = 55). The control group (n = 60) were given three placebo capsules containing medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, similar to the supplemental dose of the intervention group at the same period. Three parameters of HCT, HB and PLT were measured at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

The PLT count decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group (173.38 ± 74.76 vs. 227.68 ± 86.58 103/mm3, F = 4.83, P = 0.03). No significant change was found on the levels of HCT and HB parameters between the two groups after the intervention.

Conclusion

Omega-3 supplementation in HD patients may decrease the risk of forming blood clots in the blood vessels. Further studies are warranted.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated factors among patients with underlying chronic disease at Dessie Referral Hospital, East Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Background

Chronic kidney disease is defined as a reduction in glomerular filtration rate below 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and presence of albuminuria over a period of time. Globally, 10%-15% of populations are affected by chronic kidney disease. Studies conducted in Jimma, Addis Ababa, and the Tigray region were conducted on a single chronic disease and did not include human immune viruses. In addition, there has been no such study conducted in the Amhara region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and associated factors of chronic kidney disease among chronic patients who are followed up at an outpatient department.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study of 480 chronic patients was conducted at Dessie Referral Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia between 15 March and 16 April 2020. Data were entered into Epidata and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with chronic kidney disease. The variables with a p-value ≤0.25 were considered to be a candidate for multivariable logistic regression. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered a statistically significant association.

Results

The magnitude of chronic kidney disease among the study participants was 21.3%. Variables such as hypertension [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.6, 95% CI: 1.58-4.27], use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.41-3.97), smoking (AOR: 4.4, 95% CI: 2.65-7.34), routine physical activity (AOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.35-0.94), and obesity (AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.76-5.05) were significantly associated with the chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion

This study found that the magnitude of chronic kidney disease in the study area was high. Hypertension, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking, routine physical activity, and obesity were found to be significant factors for chronic kidney disease.

Risk Amplifiers for Vascular Disease and CKD in South Asians: When Intrinsic β-Cell Dysfunction Meets a High-Carbohydrate Diet

South Asians, comprising almost one fourth of the world population, are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and CKD compared with other ethnic groups. This has major public health implications in South Asia and in other parts of the world to where South Asians have immigrated. The interplay of various modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors confers this risk. Traditional models of cardiometabolic disease progression and CKD evaluation may not be applicable in this population with a unique genetic predisposition and phenotype. A wider understanding of dietary and lifestyle influences, genetic and metabolic risk factors, and the pitfalls of conventional equations estimating kidney function in this population are required in providing care for kidney diseases. Targeted screening of this population for metabolic and vascular risk factors and individualized management plan for disease management may be necessary. Addressing unhealthy dietary patterns, promoting physical activity, and medication management that adheres to cultural factors are crucial steps to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease and CKD in this population. In South Asian countries, a large rural and urban community-based multipronged approach using polypills and community health workers to decrease the incidence of these diseases may be cost-effective.

Cardiovascular risk-enhancing factors and coronary artery calcium in South Asian American adults: The MASALA study

Objectives

The 2018 and 2019 U.S. guidelines for the management of cholesterol and primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) recommend consideration of cardiovascular risk-enhancing factors (REFs), including South Asian ancestry, to refine ASCVD risk estimation. However, the associations of REFs with atherosclerosis are unclear in South Asian American adults, who have a disproportionately elevated premature coronary heart disease risk. In the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) cohort, we investigated associations of individual REFs, or the number of REFs, with coronary artery calcium (CAC).

Methods

Using baseline and follow-up data from MASALA, we evaluated the association of REFs (family history of ASCVD, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥160 mg/dL, triglycerides ≥175 mg/dL, lipoprotein(a) >50 mg/dL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] ≥2.0 mg/dL, ankle-brachial index <0.9, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome), individually and combined, with baseline prevalent CAC, any CAC progression (including incident CAC and CAC progression), and annual CAC progression rates using multivariable logistic regression and generalized linear models.

Results

Among 866 adults, mean age was 55 [SD 9] years and 47% were female. There were no significant associations of REFs with baseline prevalent CAC or any CAC progression (incident CAC and CAC progression at Exam 2) after adjustment. Among the 56% of participants who had any CAC progression, having 3+ REFs was associated with a significantly higher annual CAC progression rate (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] 1.94, 95% CI 1.39-2.72) vs. having 0 REFs. The annual CAC progression rate was 20% higher per additional REF (aRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.32). Findings were similar after excluding statin users, and among those with low 10-year ASCVD risk (<5%).

Conclusions

Among South Asian American adults, we found no association of REFs with prevalent CAC at baseline or having any CAC progression. Among those with any CAC progression, a higher number of REFs was associated with higher annual CAC progression rates.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate trajectories in south Asians: Findings from the cardiometabolic risk reduction in south Asia study

Background

Few longitudinal data characterize kidney function decline among South Asians, one of the world's largest population groups. We aimed to identify estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) trajectories in a population-based cohort from India and assess predictors of rapid kidney function decline.

Methods

We used 6-year longitudinal data from participants of a population-representative study from Delhi and Chennai, India who had at least two serum creatinine measures and baseline CKD-EPI eGFR> 60 ml/min/1.73m² (n=7779). We used latent class trajectory modeling to identify patterns of kidney function trajectory (CKD-EPI eGFR) over time. In models accounting for age, sex, education, and city, we tested the association between 15 hypothesized risk factors and rapid kidney function decline.

Findings

Baseline mean eGFR was 108 (SD 16); median eGFR was 110 [IQR: 99-119] ml/min/1.73m². Latent class trajectory modeling and functional characterization identified three distinct patterns of eGFR: class-1 (no decline; 58%) annual eGFR change 0.2 [0.1, 0.3]; class-2 (slow decline; 40%) annual eGFR change -0.2 [-0.4, -0.1], and class-3 (rapid decline; 2%) annual eGFR change -2.7 [-3.4, -2.0] ml/min/1.73m². Albuminuria (>30 mg/g) was associated with rapid eGFR decline (OR for class-3 vs class-1: 5.1 [95% CI: 3.2; 7.9]; class-3 vs. class-2: 4.3 [95% CI:2.7; 6.6]). Other risk factors including self-reported diabetes, cardiovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, and metabolic biomarkers such as HbA1c and systolic blood pressure were associated with rapid eGFR decline phenotype but potential 'non-traditional' risk factors such as manual labor or household water sources were not.

Interpretation

Although mean and median eGFRs in our population-based cohort were higher than those reported in European cohorts, we found that a sizeable number of adults residing in urban India are experiencing rapid kidney function decline. Early and aggressive risk modification among persons with albuminuria could improve kidney health among South Asians.

Funding

The CARRS study has been funded with federal funds from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, under Contract No. HHSN2682009900026C and P01HL154996. Dr. Anand was supported by NIDDK K23DK101826 and R01DK127138.

Out-of-pocket expenditures, catastrophic household finances, and quality of life among hemodialysis patients in Kerala, India

INTRODUCTION

Kidney replacement therapy in chronic kidney disease patients can result in catastrophic health costs, pushing them into poverty in lower middle-income countries. There are only limited studies from India focusing on the financial hardship of these patients. Data on direct nonmedical and indirect cost of hemodialysis (HD) are also limited. This study aims to find the different components of cost for HD and its association with quality of life (QOL) among HD patients.

METHODS

Primary objective was to find the cost of HD, which include direct medical, direct nonmedical and indirect cost. Secondary objective was to study whether the ratio of out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for HD to household income can affect the QOL. The QOL was assessed using EQ-5D-5L instrument. Catastrophic health care expenditure was defined as OOP health care expenditure exceeding 40% of the household income and distress financing as borrowing money or selling assets to meet the OOP expenditure for treatment.

FINDINGS

Of the 152 patients enrolled for the study, 103 (67.8%) were males. Mean age was 60.9 ± 12.5 years. Monthly OOP expenditure for dialysis was USD 478.4 (362.6-663.6) of which direct nonmedical and indirect expenses constitute USD 115.6 (88.4-292.4). Median percentage of household income spent for dialysis was 194.5 (IQR 128-297). One hundred and forty-two (93.4%) had catastrophic healthcare expenditure and 76 (50%) had distressing health care expenditure. On multivariable linear regression, proportion of total household income spend for dialysis was associated with poor QOL in patients undergoing HD; coefficient = -0.04 (95% CI -0.008 - 0.092), p = 0.039.

DISCUSSION

Nonmedical direct and indirect cost is substantial among patients undergoing HD. Nine of 10 patients had catastrophic health care expenditure, which pushed 50% of the patients to distress financing.

Prevalence of rapid renal decliner phenotype in south India: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India is extremely high with the prevalent twin epidemic of diabetes and hypertension. Fast declining phenotype of renal function has yet not been reported in Indian context. Here, we report the prevalence of rapid decliners phenotype in Indian population.

METHODS

Between the period 2014-2019, electronic records of 104636 subjects were reviewed. Subjects with serum creatinine values of at least one year apart were selected for further analysis. The study population was categorized based on eGFR, non-decliners < 1 mL/min/1.73 m²/year; progressive decliners 1-5 mL/min/1.73 m²/year and rapid decliners >5 mL/min/1.73 m²/year. Data on diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the mean follow up of 4 years, the prevalence of non-decliners, progressive and rapid decliners were 61%, 20% and 19% respectively. Diabetes was higher at 44% in rapid decliners when compared to non-decliners (35.1%); progressive decliners (39.2%). The progression of CKD to end stage renal disease (ESRD) was higher in rapid decliners (32%) in comparison to progressive decliners (19%) CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of rapid decliner phenotype in India and progression to ESRD is greater and probably is a risk factor for early progression to ESRD.

Flacourtia indica fruit extract modulated antioxidant gene expression, prevented oxidative stress and ameliorated kidney dysfunction in isoprenaline administered rats

This study evaluated the effect of Flacourtia indica fruit extract against isoprenaline (ISO) induced renal damage in rats. This investigation showed that ISO administration in rats increased the level oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), advanced protein oxidation product (APOP) in kidneys followed by a decrease in antioxidant enzymes functions. Flacourtia indica fruit extract, which is rich in strong antioxidants, also reduced the MDA, NO and APOP level in kidney of ISO administered rats. Inflammation and necrosis was also visible in kidney section of ISO administered rats which was significantly prevented by atenolol and Flacourtia indica fruit extract. Moreover, atenolol and Flacourtia indica fruit extract also modulated the genes expressions related to inflammation and oxidative stress in kidneys. The beneficial effects could be attributed to the presence of a number of phenolic antioxidants. This study suggests that Flacourtia indica fruit extract may prevent kidney dysfunction in ISO administered rats, probably by preventing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Bangladesh: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue, with a leading cause of death and disability. The aim of our study to estimate the prevalence of CKD in the Bangladeshi population based on existing data of previous studies.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, electronic search engines of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the national journal databases were used to find relevant published articles until December 31, 2019. Based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, nine studies were included, and RevMan V5.0 statistical software was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The outcomes of the included studies (nine studies, a total of 225,206 participants) based on meta-analysis showed an overall prevalence of CKD in Bangladeshi people of 22.48%, which was higher than the global prevalence of CKD. The prevalence of CKD in females was higher with high heterogeneity (I² 90%) in contrast to male participants (25.32% vs. 20.31%).

CONCLUSION

Above all, this study revealed a higher rate of prevalence of CKD in Bangladeshi people. So, it needs more attention to concern public health policymakers and the government to control and reduce the high-risk of disability due to CKD.

Effects of fish oil during hemodialysis on nutritional status and quality of life: a randomized double-blinded trial

Background

Supplementation of fish oil has been shown to exert beneficial effects in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of fish oil in improving the quality of life of these patients through a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.

Methods

Among the 103 patients enrolled in the study, a total of 74 patients were randomized to receive fish oil (intervention group) or placebo (n=37 per group). Patients received identical soft-gel capsules, with each capsule containing either 1000 mg fish oil or placebo for 4 months. Personnel responsible for data collection and analyses were blinded to the grouping.

Results

The reduction of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in the intervention group was significantly more prominent compared to the placebo group (P=0.023). The intervention group demonstrated significant increase in midarm circumference, arm muscle circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness after fish oil intake. The intervention group also exhibited significant differences from the placebo group in creatinine, uric acid, and serum calcium levels. Significant improvement was seen regarding the physical role and energy/figure in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that fish oil intake in patient undergoing hemodialysis can significantly reduce PEW, and improve physical and biochemical parameters and quality of life, which could provide guidance to clinical management of these patients.

Prediction of the mechanisms of action of Shenkang in chronic kidney disease: A network pharmacology study and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine provides a unique curative treatment of complex chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is not effectively treated with the current therapies. The pharmacological mechanisms of Shenkang (SK), a herbal medicine containing rhubarb (Rheum palmatum L. or R. tanguticum Maxim. ex Balf.), red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), and astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus Bunge), widely used to treat CKD in China, are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, the comprehensive approach used for elucidating the pharmacological mechanisms of SK included the identification of the effective constituents, target prediction and network analysis, by investigating the interacting pathways between these molecules in the context of CKD. These results were validated by performing an in vivo study and by comparison with literature reviews.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This approach involved the following main steps: first, we constructed a molecular database for SK and screened for active molecules by conducting drug-likeness and drug half-life evaluations; second, we used a weighted ensemble similarity drug-targeting model to accurately identify the direct drug targets of the bioactive constituents; third, we constructed compound-target, target-pathway, and target-disease networks using the Cytoscape 3.2 software and determined the distribution of the targets in tissues and organs according to the BioGPS database. Finally, the resulting drug-target mechanisms were compared with those proposed by previous research on SK and validated in a mouse model of CKD.

RESULTS

By using Network analysis, 88 potential bioactive compounds in the four component herbs of SK and 85 CKD-related targets were identified, including pathways that involve the nuclear factor-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, transient receptor potential, and vascular endothelial growth factor, which were categorized as inflammation, proliferation, migration, and permeability modules. The results also included different tissues (kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart) and different disease types (urogenital, metabolic, endocrine, cardiovascular, and immune diseases as well as pathological processes) closely related to CKD. These findings agreed with those reported in the literature. However, our findings with the network pharmacology prediction did not account for all the effects reported for SK found in the literature, such as regulation of the hemodynamics, inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis, and the involvement of the transforming growth factor-β/SMAD3, sirtuin/forkhead box protein O (SIRT/FOXO) and B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein pathways. The in vivo validation experiment revealed that SK ameliorated CKD through antifibrosis and anti-inflammatory effects, by downregulating the levels of vascular cell adhesion protein 1, vitamin D receptor, cyclooxygenase-2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 proteins in the unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse model. This was consistent with the predicted target and pathway networks.

CONCLUSIONS

SK exerted a curative effect on CKD and CKD-related diseases by targeting different organs, regulating inflammation and proliferation processes, and inhibiting abnormal extracellular matrix accumulation. Thus, pharmacological network analysis with in vivo validation explained the potential effects and mechanisms of SK in the treatment of CKD. However, these findings need to be further confirmed with clinical studies.

Regional variation in chronic kidney disease and associated factors in hypertensive individuals in rural South Asia: findings from control of blood pressure and risk attenuation-Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its cross-country variation among hypertensive individuals in rural Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. We also explored the factors associated with CKD in these populations.

METHOD

We studied baseline data from the Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation-Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (COBRA-BPS) trial, an ongoing cluster randomized controlled trial on 2643 hypertensive adults ≥40 years of age from 30 randomly selected rural clusters, 10 in each of the three countries. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a urine albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR)  ≥30 mg/g. Determinants for CKD were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of CKD was 38.1% (95% confidence interval 36.2-40.1%): 21.5% with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 24.4% with UACR ≥30 mg/g. CKD prevalence varied across the three countries (58.3% in Sri Lanka, 36.4% Bangladesh and 16.9% Pakistan; P <0.001). The factors independently associated with higher odds of CKD were older age, being unmarried, higher 24-h urinary sodium excretion, presence of diabetes, elevated systolic blood pressure, diuretic use and living in Bangladesh or Sri Lanka (versus Pakistan).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CKD is alarmingly high in community-dwelling hypertensive adults, with significant cross-country variation in South Asia. Our findings underscore the urgency for further research into the etiology of CKD and address associated factors in targeted public health strategies with hypertension care outreach services in rural South Asia.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV

NCT02657746.

Paying for Hemodialysis in Kerala, India: A Description of Household Financial Hardship in the Context of Medical Subsidy

INTRODUCTION

Many low- and middle-income countries are implementing strategies to increase dialysis availability as growing numbers of people reach end-stage renal disease. Despite efforts to subsidize care, the economic sustainability of chronic dialysis in these settings remains uncertain. We evaluated the association of medical subsidy with household financial hardship related to hemodialysis in Kerala, India, a state with high penetrance of procedure-based subsidies for patients on dialysis.

METHODS

Patients on maintenance hemodialysis at 15 facilities in Kerala were administered a questionnaire that ascertained demographics, dialysis details, and household finances. We estimated direct and indirect costs of hemodialysis, and described the use of medical subsidy. We evaluated whether presence of subsidy (private, charity, or government-sponsored) was associated with lower catastrophic health expenditure (defined as ≥40% of nonsubsistence expenditure spent on dialysis) or distress financing.

RESULTS

Of the 835 patients surveyed, 759 (91%) reported their households experienced catastrophic health expenditure, and 644 (77%) engaged in distress financing. Median dialysis-related expenditure was 80% (25th-75th percentile: 60%-90%) of household nonsubsistence expenditure. Government subsidies were used by 238 (29%) of households, 139 (58%) of which were in the lowest income category. Catastrophic health expenditure was present in 215 (90%) of households receiving government subsidy and 332 (93%) without subsidy.

CONCLUSIONS

Provision of medical subsidy in Kerala, India was not associated with lower rates of household financial hardship related to long-term hemodialysis therapy. Transparent counseling on impending costs and innovative strategies to mitigate household financial distress are necessary for persons with end-stage renal disease in resource-limited settings.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in South Asia: a systematic review

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a major public health problem around the world. But the prevalence has not been reported in South Asian region as a whole. This study aimed to systematically review the existing data from population based studies in this region to bridge this gap.

Methods

Articles published and reported prevalence of CKD according to K/DOQI practice guideline in eight South Asian countries between December 1955 and April 2017 were searched, screened and evaluated from seven electronic databases using the PRISMA checklist. CKD was defined as creatinine clearance (CrCl) or GFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m².

Results

Sixteen population-based studies were found from four South Asian countries (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal) that used eGFR to measure CKD. No study was available from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan. Number of participants ranged from 301 in Pakistan to 12,271 in India. Majority of the studies focused solely on urban population. Different studies used different equations for measuring eGFR. The prevalence of CKD ranged from 10.6% in Nepal to 23.3% in Pakistan using MDRD equation. This prevalence was higher among older age group people. Equal number of studies reported high prevalence among male and female each.

Conclusions

This systematic review reported high prevalence of CKD in South Asian countries. The findings of this study will help pertinent stakeholders to prepare suitable policy and effective public health intervention in order to reduce the burden of this deadly disease in the most densely populated share of the globe.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-018-1072-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in South Asians in the United States: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Treatments: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

South Asians (from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) make up one quarter of the world's population and are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States. Although native South Asians share genetic and cultural risk factors with South Asians abroad, South Asians in the United States can differ in socioeconomic status, education, healthcare behaviors, attitudes, and health insurance, which can affect their risk and the treatment and outcomes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). South Asians have higher proportional mortality rates from ASCVD compared with other Asian groups and non-Hispanic whites, in contrast to the finding that Asian Americans (Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese) aggregated as a group are at lower risk of ASCVD, largely because of the lower risk observed in East Asian populations. Literature relevant to South Asian populations regarding demographics and risk factors, health behaviors, and interventions, including physical activity, diet, medications, and community strategies, is summarized. The evidence to date is that the biology of ASCVD is complex but is no different in South Asians than in any other racial/ethnic group. A majority of the risk in South Asians can be explained by the increased prevalence of known risk factors, especially those related to insulin resistance, and no unique risk factors in this population have been found. This scientific statement focuses on how ASCVD risk factors affect the South Asian population in order to make recommendations for clinical strategies to reduce disease and for directions for future research to reduce ASCVD in this population.

Do attributes of persons with chronic kidney disease differ in low-income and middle-income countries compared with high-income countries? Evidence from population-based data in six countries

Kidney biopsies to elucidate the cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are performed in a minority of persons with CKD living in high-income countries, since associated conditions—that is, diabetes mellitus, vascular disease or obesity with pre-diabetes, prehypertension or dyslipidaemia—can inform management targeted at slowing CKD progression in a majority. However, attributes of CKD may differ substantially among persons living in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We used data from population or community-based studies from five LMICs (China, urban India, Moldova, Nepal and Nigeria) to determine what proportion of persons with CKD living in diverse regions fit one of the three major clinical profiles, with data from the US National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey as reference. In the USA, urban India and Moldova, 79.0%–83.9%; in China and Nepal, 62.4%–66.7% and in Nigeria, 51.6% persons with CKD fit one of three established risk profiles. Diabetes was most common in urban India and vascular disease in Moldova (50.7% and 33.2% of persons with CKD in urban India and Moldova, respectively). In Nigeria, 17.8% of persons with CKD without established risk factors had albuminuria ≥300 mg/g, the highest proportion in any country. While the majority of persons with CKD in LMICs fit into one of three established risk profiles, the proportion of persons who have CKD without established risk factors is higher than in the USA. These findings can inform tailored CKD detection and management systems and highlight the importance of studying potential causes and outcomes of CKD without established risk factors in LMICs.