Prevalence of rapid renal decliner phenotype in south India: A retrospective study

Background and aimsThe burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India is extremely high with the prevalent twin epidemic of diabetes and hypertension. Fast declining phenotype of renal function has yet not been reported in Indian context. Here, we report the prevalence of rapid decliners phenotype in Indian population. Methods Between the period 2014–2019, electronic records of 104636 subjects were reviewed. Subjects with serum creatinine values of at least one year apart were selected for further analysis. The study population was categorized based on eGFR, non-decliners 5 mL/min/1.73 m2/year. Data on diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease were analyzed. Results During the mean follow up of 4 years, the prevalence of non-decliners, progressive and rapid decliners were 61%, 20% and 19% respectively. Diabetes was higher at 44% in rapid decliners when compared to non-decliners (35.1%); progressive decliners (39.2%). The progression of CKD to end stage renal disease (ESRD) was higher in rapid decliners (32%) in comparison to progressive decliners (19%) Conclusions There is a high prevalence of rapid decliner phenotype in India and progression to ESRD is greater and probably is a risk factor for early progression to ESRD.