Epidemiology and referral patterns of patients with chronic kidney disease in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Abstract

According to estimates, the dialysis prevalence in Abu Dhabi is around 370 per million population. The annual growth is 12-15% and the dialysis population is likely to double in the next five years. Most patients present to dialysis as an emergency and only 2.7% have an arteriovenous fistula at the first dialysis. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Emirate is undefined. A study of the epidemiology of CKD and referral patterns was undertaken. SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Service delivery company, has a unified computer system containing all measurements made in its laboratories. This study considered all serum creatinine measurements performed between 1 September 2011 and 31 October 2012 from outpatient departments or emergency rooms. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGRF) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula (the Schwartz formula was used for children). We identified 331,360 samples from 212,314 individuals. The mean serum creatinine was 61 ± 48 μmol/L in females (59 ± 43 μmol/L in Emiratis, 63 ± 54 μmol/L in expatriates) and 87 ± 69 μmol/L in males (80 ± 59 μmol/L in Emiratis, 92 ± 74 μmol/L in expatriates). Among Emiratis, 4.6% of males and 2.8% of females had an eGFR between CKD 3 and 5. Among expatriates, 4.2% of males and 3.2% of females had an eGFR between CKD 3 and 5. On average, eight months elapsed before a patient with CKD 3, and three months for a patient in CKD 5, to attend the nephrology clinic. This study has defined the prevalence of CKD within Abu Dhabi and demonstrated the need to improve identification and referral of CKD patients. Possible solutions include campaigns to increase public and physician awareness of CKD.

Evaluation of potential drug-drug interactions and adverse drug reactions among chronic kidney disease patients: An experience from United Arab Emirates

“…Data on CKD in the Middle East countries is scare but the estimated incidence of end stage renal disease (ESRD) is 100 to 140 cases per million population [2]. Epidemiological data from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) revealed that around 370 patients per million population have ESRD and are on maintenance hemodialysis [3] whereas the annual incidence of ESRD in Dubai, UAE is estimated to be 152 patients per million population [4].…”

“…Assessing and evaluating pDDIs and ADRs among CKD patients in UAE is important as the CKD burden in the local population is high [3] and very few studies have addressed these issues in the region. On the background of these observations, the present study was conducted to evaluate pDDIs and ADRs among CKD patients.…”

Provision of care for chronic kidney disease by non-nephrologists in a developing nation: a national survey

“…The perceived suboptimal CKD care in this study is in agreement with recent laboratory evidence of a high frequency of undocumented CKD in the UAE and a delay in nephrology consultations. 20 Our study findings indicate that PHC facilities in the UAE provide better quality CKD care than non-nephrology SHC clinics ( figure 3 ). The ease of access to nephrology consultation at SHC facilities could contribute to this discrepancy in the practices of CKD care.…”

“…19 Access to pharmacy services and modern diagnostic laboratory support are also available at the point of care. 20 21 Nevertheless, awareness of patients and physicians of CKD is essential for effective CKD clinical practice. 22 …”

Chronic kidney disease in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease in the United Arab Emirates: A population-based study

“…The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased dramatically over the past two decades, with 13.4% of the population affected worldwide; the majority of the cases are CKD stages 3–5 [ 2 ]. In a recent study, the prevalence of these disease stages among UAE nationals is 4.6% in males and 2.8% in females [ 3 ]. These results may be underestimated [ 4 ], particularly if correlated with the high prevalence of known CKD risk factors in the UAE.…”