Prevalence and associated factors of impaired renal function and albuminuria among adult patients admitted to a hospital in Northeast Ethiopia

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly common in hospitalized patients and is associated with increased risk for in-hospital morbidity and mortality. However, data regarding the prevalence of CKD in the African hospitalized patient population are limited. We therefore examined the prevalence and associated factors of impaired renal function and albuminuria among adult patients admitted to the internal medicine wards of a hospital in Northeast Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to April 30, 2020 at the inpatient settings of Dessie referral hospital. Data on demographics and medical history were obtained, and serum creatinine and albuminuria were analyzed. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. CKD was defined as impaired eGFR (<60 ml/min/1.73m2) and/or albuminuria. Univariate and multivariable analysis were conducted to determine factors associated with impaired eGFR and albuminuria. Results A total of 369 patients were included in this study. The prevalence of impaired eGFR was 19.0% (95%CI: 15.2%–23.2%) and albuminuria was 30.9% (95%CI: 26.3%–35.7%). Overall, 33.9% (95%CI: 29.2%–38.9%) of the patients had some degree of CKD, but only 21.6% (95%CI: 15.1%–29.4%) were aware of their renal disease. In multivariable analysis, older age, a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension and HIV were independently associated with both impaired eGFR and albuminuria while male gender was independently associated with only albuminuria. Conclusions CKD is common in adult patients admitted to the internal medicine wards, but only few patients are aware of their condition. These findings highlight the need for feasible approaches to timely identify kidney disease and raise awareness on the importance of detection and early intervention in the inpatient settings.