Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Hypertension (HTN) is considered one of the global health concerns and is a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), affecting millions worldwide. Meta-analysis is a reliable statistical method for integrating empirical results selected from various studies to formulate evidence-based conclusions. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of HTN on developing CKD across various settings and demographics. Several electronic databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched to collect relevant research papers published between January 2015 and September 2024. The inclusion criteria were determined by applying the PICOS principle (patients, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study design). The primary factors studied were renal failure, male gender, and smoking, according to the research findings. Data were extracted from 13 case-control studies that investigated 17 risk factors, and effect sizes were calculated utilizing a random-effects model to address any heterogeneity. Statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V4 software, employing a random-effects model to assess odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), along with heterogeneity assessment via Cochran's Q test. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between HTN and CKD, with renal impairment showing the strongest correlation (odds ratio (OR)=3.846, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.817-5.251, p<0.001). Additional risk factors included male gender (OR=1.701, 95% CI: 1.082-2.674, p<0.001) and smoking (OR=1.732, 95% CI: 1.208-2.482, p<0.001). The results showed geographical differences in risk factors, emphasizing the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on disease prevalence. This meta-analysis establishes a robust association between HTN and CKD, highlighting renal impairment, male sex, and tobacco use as significant risk factors. The findings highlight the necessity for focused treatments, such as improved HTN management, lifestyle changes, and early screening, especially in resource-constrained environments. Future research should concentrate on region-specific solutions and enhancing CKD diagnosis methodologies to alleviate the global burden of HTN-related kidney disease.