Clinico-epidemiological Profile of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in Agricultural and Rural Communities of Eastern India: EICKI-INDIA Study.

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease of unknown (CKDu) etiology is an emerging health concern in several global hotspots. While extensively reported from southern India, it remains underrecognized in the eastern regions of India.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the clinical and epidemiological profiles of CKDu patients from rural, agricultural communities in Eastern India.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Adult CKDu patients, diagnosed by predefined criteria, were analyzed using a descriptive approach for sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and histopathological characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 232 CKDu patients were enrolled (mean age 47.5 ± 11.2 years). Most were male ( n = 195, 85%), rural residents, and farmers ( n = 200, 86.2%). Pesticide exposure was reported by n = 116 (50%) and n = 69 (29.7%) was asymptomatic. CKD stages included stage 3 ( n = 140, 60.3%), stage 4 ( n = 48, 20.6%), and stage 5 ( n = 44, 18.9%). Hypokalemia occurred in n = 40 (17.2%), and n = 20 (4.6%) had uric acid >10 mg/dL. Kidney biopsies ( n = 20) revealed chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis. Mild hypertension requiring a single drug was noted in n = 23 (10%).

CONCLUSION

Targeted public health strategies are crucial for early detection and management of CKDu in vulnerable rural populations.