High prevalence of kidney disease in two rural communities in Kosovo and Metohia

Abstract

A systematic survey was carried out in an enclave in Kosovo and Metohia, with the aim of assessing the prevalence of kidney diseases. The survey involved 423 (180 males) adult inhabitants from two small settlements, Velika Ho0a and Orahovac, and included an interview, medical documentation, physical, ultrasound, and laboratory examinations. Persons with any detected disorder indicating kidney disease were invited for additional examination of kidney function. Using urine dipstick test, proteinuria was detected in 19.1% and hemoglobinuria in 4.5% of the examined subjects. Glomerular filtration rate (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 was found in 5.2% of subjects. Kidney ultrasound examination detected reduced length of right and left kidneys in 38 and 24 persons, respectively. Cysts were also a frequent finding, but polycystic kidney, hydronephrosis, and kidney stones were found in about 2% each.

Study protocol: a prospective cohort on non-communicable diseases among primary healthcare users living in Kosovo (KOSCO)

“…For example, another population study (n=423) conducted in 2006 assessing the prevalence of kidney disease (a positive family history for Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, mild proteinuria, alpha 1-microglobulinuria, eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , anaemia, low specific gravity of urine and reduced kidney length) in adults aged 18 years and older living in 2 Serbian settlements in the municipality of Rahovec found that 13% of participants had a previous diagnosis of diabetes but 21% (n=89) still had a pathological glycaemia finding (fasting blood glucose >6.1 mmol/L). 24 Although all residents aged 18 years and above in the two settlements were eligible to participate in the study, the methodology in recruitment was not specified. Some studies on physical activity are available on Kosovar adolescents, 25 but no evidence is available for adults.…”