Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology: Case Definition for India – A Perspective

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is a form of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is prevalent in certain rural populations around the world. It is distinct by its clinicopathologic characteristics and has multifactorial etiology, being mostly linked to several environmental toxins. Although the presentation is similar in various regions across the globe, it also differs in subtle ways from region to region. In India too, there have been reports of the disease in several pockets. There is a need for a comprehensive definition to identify the cases accurately to ease clinical diagnosis and facilitate screening of populations in affected areas. This article presents the diagnostic criteria for CKDu proposed in a consensus meeting at Chennai, India, in May 2017.