Assessment of serum biochemical derangements and associated risk factors of chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease and/or disturbance in renal excretory function may lead to nitrogenous waste collection beyond the term as well as derangements of several serum biochemicals. There is no previous study from Pakistan that reveals serum electrolyte derangements in confirmed chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and other biochemicals associated with CKD. This study aims to examine the derangements of serum biochemicals and the association of several risk factors with CKD. METHODS: The study enrolled 612 confirmed CKD patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 15 ml/min that were treated as a part of the integrated care programme at Mayo Hospital Lahore (one of the largest hospitals in Pakistan). Serum biochemicals were estimated on AU 680 (Beckman Coulter) using the spectrophotometric technique. RESULTS: All the CKD patients had elevated creatinine and urea levels, but only 63.4% were suffering from hyperuricemia. The incidence of diabetes and malnutrition assessed by serum albumin (hypoalbuminemia) was 27.4% and 72%, respectively. Among electrolyte disorders, hyperphosphatemia (71.8%) and hypocalcaemia (61.9%) were found to be more prevalent. Furthermore, gender, malnutrition, diabetes, hyperuricemia, and phosphorus and magnesium derangements were found to be statistically significant risk factors for CKD, whereas malnutrition and magnesium derangement were associated with hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION: It is imperative to improve dietary protein and monitor serum electrolyte concentration in renal dysfunction patients to slow the progression of CKD to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and other serious complications.