Prevalence and Determinants of Chronic Kidney Disease in a Group of Patients Living with High Blood Pressure: A Prospective Study in a City in Northern Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major public health problem. Its prevalence has doubled over the years and it affects 10 to 15% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa, with the particularity of being the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Cameroon, CKD remains a concern in the face of exacerbated risk factors, delayed diagnosis, heavy economic burden, and significant morbidity. The aim was to determine the prevalence and markers of kidney damage in hypertensive patients followed at the Garoua Regional Hospital (HRG) in the northern region of Cameroon. Methods: This was a prospective study including adults over 18 years of age, known hypertensive patients followed at HRG. Variables of interest were collected, and an assessment of renal impairment including a urine dipstick and serum creatinine test was performed in all participants at baseline and at 3 months. Markers of kidney damage were proteinuria, hematuria, and elevated serum creatinine. CKD was defined as the persistence of renal failure, proteinuria, or hematuria for more than three months. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. The significance threshold was <0.05. Results: A total of 356 participants were collected with a sex ratio of 0.86, a mean age of 55.57 ± 12.13 years, and a mean duration of hypertension of 60 ± 21 months. Diabetes mellitus (31.17%), obesity (30.33%), dyslipidemia (27.52%), and hyperuricemia (23.59%) were the main risk factors for kidney disease. The overall prevalence of chronic kidney disease was estimated at 28.37% (n = 101), represented by renal failure (69.3%), proteinuria (52.47%), and hematuria (25%). An age > 59 years , the duration of hypertension evolution greater than 5 years , obesity, diabetes, and hyperuricemia were associated with the presence of a marker of CKD. Conclusion: High blood pressure is a significant vector of kidney disease, especially since there are other risk factors for chronic kidney disease.