The Indian Chronic Kidney Disease (ICKD) study: baseline characteristics

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality.
• Limited epidemiological data exists for CKD in low-middle income countries.
• The Indian Chronic Kidney Disease (ICKD) study addresses this gap by investigating CKD progression and associated complications in Indian patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with CKD progression in Indian patients.
• To investigate the development of kidney failure and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this population.
• To understand the epidemiology and baseline characteristics of CKD in India.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, multicentric cohort study design.
• Enrollment of patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 15-60 mL/min/1.73 m² or eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m² with proteinuria.
• Annual collection of clinical data and biological samples; analysis of baseline socio-demographic details, risk factors, disease characteristics, and laboratory measurements.

Main Results:

• 4056 patients enrolled; mean age 50.3 years, 67.2% males, two-thirds from rural areas, median eGFR 40 mL/min/1.73 m².
• High prevalence of hypertension (87%) and diabetes (37%); 22% had CVD.
• Leading causes include diabetic kidney disease, chronic interstitial nephritis (CIN), and CKD of unknown cause (CKDu); rural participants showed distinct risk factor profiles.

Conclusions:

• The ICKD study represents a unique, large cohort for mild-to-moderate CKD in a lower-middle income country.
• Baseline characteristics of the Indian cohort differ significantly from those reported in high-income countries.
• Findings underscore the need for region-specific CKD research and management strategies.