Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Its Clinical Correlates among Outpatients in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Ojeh-Oziegbe Oseyomon Gabriel *
Department of Medicine, Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Abu Favour
Department of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Okoro Joseph
Department of Oncology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Ayodele Olatigbe Samuel
Department of Oncology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Ojeh-Oziegbe Odigie Enahoro
Department of Nephrology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease is a growing public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Early identification of individuals at risk through estimated glomerular filtration rate assessment is crucial for effective intervention.
Objective: To assess kidney function using eGFR and examine its associations with demographic, clinical, and anthropometric factors among adult outpatients in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 213 adult patients attending the medical outpatient and nephrology clinics of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Participants were recruited consecutively and data were collected using structured interviews, standardized anthropometric measurements, and laboratory investigations.
Kidney function was assessed by estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the CKD-EPI equation based on serum creatinine levels. Urinalysis with dipstick testing evaluated proteinuria and haematuria. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple logistic regression to identify predictors of reduced kidney function, with significance set at P < .05.
Results: Mean eGFR decreased significantly with advancing age (P < .01), with no significant difference observed between males and females. Participants presenting with haematuria had significantly lower eGFR values (P = .04). Although diabetes, hypertension, and proteinuria were linked to reduced eGFR, these associations did not reach statistical significance. Both waist–hip ratio and body mass index demonstrated significant negative correlations with eGFR (r = –0.203, P = .02 and r = –0.169, P = .049, respectively). On multivariate analysis, advancing age (P = .010) and presence of haematuria (P = .026) remained independent predictors of reduced kidney function, while gender, waist–hip ratio, and BMI were not statistically significant after adjustment.
Conclusion: Advancing age and haematuria independently predict reduced kidney function among adult outpatients at UBTH. Routine eGFR screening focusing on these risk factors can improve early detection of chronic kidney disease. Central obesity showed association on univariate analysis but was not an independent predictor.
Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, eGFR, obesity, hypertension, glomerular filtration rate