Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Chronic Kidney Disease Among Hospital Admissions in KwaZulu-Natal: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Laboratory Data Analysis

Khethiwe   Nomcebo Bhengu; Mpilonhle  Masuku

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2239

Authors

Khethiwe Nomcebo Bhengu Mangosuthu University of Technology https://orcid.org/
Mpilonhle Masuku

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2239

Keywords:

chronic kidney disease, hospital admissions, prevalence, eGFR, KwaZulu-Natal, referral hospital

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a non-communicable disease that causes a significant global health burden yet is commonly underdiagnosed among hospitalised patients, particularly in acute care facilities. Timely diagnosis is crucial in preventing disease progression and poor prognosis due to complications.

Aim: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CKD among hospital admissions and assess its relationship with clinical diagnoses and ward distribution, laboratory parameters in a referral hospital in South Africa.

Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted using laboratory records from RK Khan Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. All patients with documented serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were included in the study. CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², calculated using either the MDRD or CKD-EPI equations. Demographic data, ward allocation, clinical diagnoses, and laboratory parameters were analysed descriptively.

Results: Analysis of the complete dataset (n=56) revealed that 39 patients (69.6%) met the criteria for CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m²). The highest prevalence was observed in the 45–59 age group (40%). The study population had a mean age of 47.5 years (range, 19-64 years). Admissions were primarily to the Intensive Care Unit (57.1%), followed by the outpatient and emergency departments. Among CKD patients, the most common comorbid diagnoses were pneumonia and septicaemia. Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²) was present in 28.6% of cases, and frequent electrolyte disturbances, including hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis, were observed.

Conclusion: CKD is notably prevalent among hospitalized patients, particularly those admitted with infectious diseases or critical illnesses. These observations underscore the importance of systematic renal function surveillance and timely therapeutic interventions in high-risk clinical settings, such as intensive care units and emergency departments. The integration of standardized CKD screening protocols into routine hospital care may help mitigate disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.

Author Biography

Mpilonhle Masuku

Mpilonhle Masuku is a registered Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science at Mangosuthu University of Technology, majoring in Clinical Pathology. She is a dedicated and motivated student who, together with her group, received an award for the best presentation during the Laboratory Practice 1 student presentations for their work titled “Anaemia of Chronic Diseases”.

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