Prevalence and characterization of nephropathy of undetermined etiology in second level hospital, Honduras

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease of undetermined etiology (uCKD) is an acute tubulointerstitial disease that progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly present in Mesoamerica. Honduras has a high mortality rate in the uCKD; However, it lacks sufficient studies to determine clinical data and prevalence.

Purpose: To establish the prevalence, clinical and epidemiological characterization of uCKD in patients with a diagnosis of CKD from March 2022 to February 2023.

Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in a sample of 89 records of patients with a diagnosis of CKD. With prior authorization, a 32-question instrument was applied.

Results: The prevalence was 53.93%, 87.5% male, 52% between 30-49 years old, 85.42% from rural areas, 100% mestizo, 35.42% single, 60.42% farmers, the most frequent influx was reported in February 2023. Muscle spasms and weakness were present in 62.5% and 54.2% of patients, respectively.

Discussion: The prevalence was higher than that reported in previous years by the country's health secretariat and in comparison, with statistics from the region. Some risk factors include: men, young adults, coming from rural areas, farmers, consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The most frequent manifestations were paleness, spasms and muscle weakness, in accordance with the main reasons for hospital admission. The average glomerular filtration rates (GFR) require the initiation of renal replacement therapy (hemodialysis). Ultrasonographic and histopathological data were scarce or absent, given the economic limitations of those studied; These gaps in knowledge should be expanded upon in future research.