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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
RENA Study: Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate CKD Prevalence in Portugal
José Vinhas1, Inês Aires2, Carla Batista3
1Portuguese Society of Nephrology, Lisbon, Portugal, jose.m.vinhas@gmail.com.
Insights
The RENA study found that 20.9% of adults in Portugal have chronic kidney disease (CKD), a rate higher than global averages. Early identification and prevention programs are crucial for managing this public health issue.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health concern, increasing cardiovascular risks and mortality.
- Previous studies like PREVADIAB indicated a 6.1% CKD prevalence in Portugal.
- Limitations in prior research necessitated a comprehensive national study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the national prevalence of CKD in Portugal.
- To characterize the demographic and clinical profile of CKD patients.
- To establish a baseline for future CKD research and interventions in the country.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 3,135 adult primary healthcare users.
- Collection of sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, blood, and urine data.
- Confirmation of CKD diagnoses via follow-up assessments at least 3 months post-initial evaluation.
Main Results:
- The adjusted national prevalence of CKD was 20.9% (95% CI: 6.5-35.3%).
- Prevalence increased significantly with age, with no gender disparity.
- Associated conditions included hypertension (38%), dyslipidemia (32%), diabetes (16%), and obesity (31%).
Conclusions:
- CKD prevalence in Portugal significantly exceeds global and European averages.
- Urgent need for earlier CKD patient identification and enhanced prevention strategies.
- Development of public awareness and educational programs is essential to combat CKD and its comorbidities.
Introduction:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global public health problem associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity, premature mortality, and decreased quality of life. In Portugal, the PREVADIAB study showed a prevalence of CKD stages 3-5 of 6.1%. To overcome the limitations of the PREVADIAB study, the RENA study aimed to provide an estimate of the prevalence of CKD at a national level and to characterize CKD patients.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study including users of Primary Health Care Units aged 18 or more. After obtaining written informed consent, sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded through a structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements were taken, and blood and urine samples were collected. All participants initially meeting the criteria for CKD were contacted at least 3 months after the initial assessment for confirmation of the analytical results.
Results:
A total of 3,135 individuals were included, 65.4% were female, and the mean age was 56.7 ± 15.9 years. The prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes was 38, 32, and 16%, respectively, and 31% were obese. After data adjustment by gender, age group, and geographical region, the global prevalence of CKD was 20.9% (95% CI: 6.5-35.3%), with no differences between genders and a significant increase with the advance of the age groups.
Conclusion:
Our study showed a CKD prevalence above the worldwide and Europe average. Despite the study limitations, it has become clear that it is urgent to identify CKD patients earlier and to develop awareness and educational programs to prevent CKD and its associated diseases.
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