International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Impact Factor (2012): 3.358 Volume 3 Issue 7, July 2014 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Assessment of Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease in Saudi Arabia Ibrahim Abdelmajeed Ginawi 1 , Hussain Gadelkarim Ahmed 2 , Awdah M. Al-hazimi 3 College of Medicine, University of Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 1, 2, College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA 3 Abstract: Background: A number of risk factors are associated with increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with disease progression in many patients. Therefore, this study aimed at providing epidemiological data on the prevalence of risk factors for CKD in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methodology: Data were collected during cross sectional survey included 5000 Saudi selected from 30 primary health care centers (PHCs) in Hail Region. Results: The overall prevalence of risk factors for CKD in Hail was 75%. The prevalence rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), continuous use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), herbal preparations and cigarette smoking were 5.3%, 10.7% and 13.5%, and31%, respectively. The correlation of high creatinine levels (>1.4mg/dl) have shown statistically significant differences with hypertension (p=0.0000, diabetes (p=0.000), obesity (P= 0.013), CVD (P< 0.05) and smoking (P=0.02). Conclusion: There are many risk factors significantly contributing to the development of CKD in Hail Region. Application of future prevention and control measures are highly recommended to reduce the burden of CKD. Keywords: CKD, Risk factors, Hail, Saudi Arabia 1. Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is continuously growing to be to be a global health problem [1]. Cardiovascular disease (CVD)[2], hypertension [3], diabetes[4], and obesity[5], are increasing in frequency throughout the world and are commonly associated with an increase in the prevalence of CKD. CKD is correlated with an increased risk of CVD proceedings. Recently, high neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels have been detected in patients with heart failure, coronary heart disease, or stroke [6,7]. Evidence for the relationship between renal function impairment and many CVD events was first detected in the dialysis patients in whom the incidence of CVD death is very high. Approximately 50% of individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD) die from a CVD cause [8, 9]. Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD, demonstrated for 33% of the adult cases with CKD [10]. Nevertheless, 20% to 40% of diabetics will develop diabetic nephropathy during the end stage of their disease [11]; therefore, with the increase of cases of diabetic patients, the incidence of CKD is expected to rise. The initial presentation of diabetic kidney disease is microalbuminuria followed by increasing severity of proteinuria as the glomerular filtration membrane is damaged [12]. Hypertension represents a powerful risk factor for CKD and is almost fixedly found in patients with renal failure. Sodium retention and activation of the renin-angiotensin system have been regarded as the most effective mechanisms implicated in the rising of blood pressure in patients with CKD [13]. Obesity has been realized as a risk factor for the development of CKD, independently of hypertension, diabetes, and pre-existing renal disease [14]. Obesity often coexists with hypertension, which may cause nephropathy [15]. Obesity is associated with the early onset of glomerulomegaly, hemodynamic changes of a hyperfiltering kidney, and increased albuminuria, which are reversible with weight loss [16]. NSAIDs have been associated both with acute kidney injury in the general population and with disease progression in those with CKD [17]. Smoking is risk factor for several diseases including renal diseases. Cigarette smoking is proven as a major risk factor for the development and progression of CKD in community [18, 19]. The development of CKD and later proportion of decline in renal function are diversely variable among individuals with the same implied cause of renal disease. This Individual variability reflects the multi factorial nature of the biologic mechanisms that are involved in the underlying disease process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between CKD and the common risk factors for the development of CKD in Hail area, KSA. 2. Materials and Methods Data regarding risk factors for CKD were collected as a part of a comprehensive survey included 5000 Saudi civilians living in Hail region Northern Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the survey was to estimate the prevalence of for chronic kidney disease and its associated risk factors in the area. During the survey participants were interviewed at PHC or home and invited to a mobile examination center to undergo various examinations and laboratory measurements. Data were collected by the doctors of the team utilizing a standard questionnaire, which included demographic information including; family history of CKD, renal stone, recurrent urinary tract infection, stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, lower limb deep vein incompetence, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs abuse, herbal abuse, smoking, and others. Venous blood sample was collected from each participant for the measurement of creatinine level. Paper ID: 07071416 446