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Consanguinity-associated kidney diseases in Lebanon: an epidemiological study
A Barbari1, A Stephan, M Masri
1Nephrology and Transplantation Unit, Rizk Hospital, P.O. Box 11-3288, Beirut, Lebanon. ird@cyberia.net.lb
Molecular Immunology
|July 2, 2003
Summary
Consanguineous marriages in Lebanon are linked to earlier diagnosis and higher familial risk for kidney diseases, particularly in Muslim and Druze communities. This study highlights the need for awareness and intervention regarding consanguinity
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Consanguineous marriages are prevalent in the Middle East, including Lebanon.
- The impact of consanguinity on kidney disease prevalence and familial risk in Lebanon is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between consanguinity and the etiology, age at diagnosis, and familial risk of kidney diseases in Lebanese hemodialysis patients.
- To identify demographic and geographic patterns of consanguinity-associated kidney diseases.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 925 hemodialysis patients and their physicians across Lebanon.
- Questionnaires collected data on kidney disease etiology, consanguinity status, age at diagnosis, and family history of kidney disease.
Main Results:
- Consanguinity was present in 26% of hemodialysis patients.
- Consanguineous patients with unknown renal etiology or polycystic kidney disease (PKD) were diagnosed and initiated on dialysis significantly earlier than non-consanguineous patients.
- The risk of a family history of kidney disease was higher in consanguineous patients (18% vs. 12%).
- Consanguinity-associated kidney diseases were more prevalent in Muslim and Druze communities and in specific geographical areas (North, South, Bekaa).
Conclusions:
- There is a significant prevalence of consanguinity among Lebanese dialysis patients, associated with earlier onset and increased familial risk of kidney diseases.
- The documentation of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) etiology is often deficient.
- Consanguinity is a cultural phenomenon predominantly in rural areas, necessitating educational and legislative strategies to discourage its practice.