Determinants of Disease Progression in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Background: Despite its severity, there has been a lack of adequate study on autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in Ethiopia. This study assessed the clinical profile and determinant factors contributing to renal disease progression.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 114 patients for 6 years in Addis Ababa. Patients with ADPKD who had follow-up visits at two health centers were included.

Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 42.7 ± 12.7 years, with 43% reporting a positive family history of ADPKD. Approximately 22 patients (20%) developed end-stage renal disease, and 12 patients died. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate at the initial visit was 72.4 mL/min/1.73 m. The key risk factors associated with disease progression included younger age at diagnosis [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98; = 0.007], male gender (aOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3-15.95, = 0.017), higher baseline systolic blood pressure (aOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.10, = 0.026), and the presence of comorbidities (aOR: 3.95, 95% CI: 1.10-14.33, = 0.037). The progression of renal disease in ADPKD patients significantly correlates with age at diagnosis, gender, presence of comorbidities, and higher baseline systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of early detection and management of hypertension and comorbidities in ADPKD patients to mitigate disease progression and improve treatment outcomes.