Distribution of Albuminuria and Low Glomerular Filtration Rate in a Rural Area, Shahreza, Iran

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a major public health problem worldwide. A remarkable part of health budget is designated annually to control end-stage renal disease in most countries. The aim of this study was to screen for CKD among the general population of the rural area of Shahreza, in the central region of Iran.

Materials and Methods. In a study of rural area around Shahreza, Iran, in 2009, a total of 1400 participants aged over 30 years old were selected by systematic randomized sampling. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was used as an index of kidney function and albuminuria, as an index of kidney damage. The simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation was used for estimation of GFR.

Results. A GFR less than 60 mL/min/m² was found in 4.7% of the study population (1.8% in men and 6.1% in women). Microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were present in 16.2% of the participants (15% of men and 16.8% of women). Pyuria and hematuria rates were 12.3% and 12.6%. The prevalence of a GFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² was significantly increasing by age groups in both genders.

Conclusions. Considering its high prevalence, CKD needs measures to identify the disease sooner and requires an active national screening program to identify patients in earlier stages. It seems reasonable to integrate such programs in the primary healthcare system.