Latest news with #CKDu
Time of India
10-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Uddanam's CKDu crisis tied to social, lifestyle factors
Visakhapatnam: The Uddanam region in Srikakulam district continues to battle a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu). A recent study underscores the multifactorial nature of the condition, linking it to a complex web of social, lifestyle, and health-related determinants. Individuals from lower hierarchical castes are disproportionately affected, and limited educational attainment significantly increases vulnerability. In Uddanam, where nearly one-third of the population is illiterate, lack of education stands out as a major risk factor—particularly among farmers and daily wage labourers engaged in paddy and cashew cultivation. Physical activity was found to be protective, with higher levels associated with reduced proteinuria—an early marker of kidney damage—and improved CKDu outcomes. In contrast, lifestyle behaviours such as tobacco use and consumption of locally brewed alcohol were strongly correlated with increased disease risk. Hypertension emerged as a critical contributor, with nearly half the population affected. This condition accelerates disease progression and increases the likelihood of end-stage renal failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation. The study also identified a range of comorbidities linked to CKDu, including gastrointestinal disorders, thyroid dysfunction, eye diseases, and anaemia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo The research team included Hari Ram Pampana, Sadguri Addanki, Dhanunjaya Varma Lakkamraju, Prof Sudhakar Godi, and Prof Paddaiah Gangisetti from Andhra University's Department of Genetics, along with John Dogulas Palleti from the Centre for Computational and Biological Science. Their findings were published in the African Journal of Biological Sciences. The retrospective case-control study involved 2,806 participants from two CKD hotspots—Kaviti and Kanchili. It included 1,001 CKD cases and 1,001 matched controls from Kaviti, and 404 cases with 404 controls from Kanchili. A significant difference in water intake was observed between affected and healthy individuals, reinforcing earlier research that links low fluid consumption to kidney disease. "Our study highlights the significant impact of socioeconomic disparities, lifestyle behaviours, hypertension, and comorbid conditions on CKDu prevalence in Uddanam," the researchers stated. "Physical activity emerged as a protective factor, while limited education and lower caste status were major contributors. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce disease burden and improve outcomes. " The study also revealed stark differences in healthcare costs between CKDu patients and healthy individuals. Expenses for transport, diagnosis, and medication rise sharply with disease severity. Patients in stages IV and V incur significantly higher treatment costs than those in earlier stages or healthy controls. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Fisherfolk at higher risk of chronic kidney disease, says nephrologist
Panaji: For over two decades, a high incidence of chronic renal disease has been reported in the coastal villages of Canacona. Dr Narayan Prasad, head of the nephrology department of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, said the occurrence of the disease among the fishing community, people working in salt pans and those living in coastal areas has been peculiar. He was speaking on 'Renal healthcare in India: Understanding environmental exposures and social determinants' at an event organised by the Goa University. He listed heat stress and dehydration as the key causes. 'Coastal people often tend to skip water consumption, exposing themselves to the disease,' said Prasad in his talk. A health official of the community health centre, Canacona, said that currently, there are more than 190 people listed for dialysis. Citing a study on chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu), Prasad said that a 2009 medical camp in Canacona indicated a high prevalence of CKDu in residents. As many as 298 urine samples were collected, and nearly 24% of the participants showed urinal abnormalities, he quoted the study. 'The disease can also be attributed to the presence of mycotoxin in mouldy cereals, food products and aromatic compounds found in drinking water,' the research found. Prasad also presented other case studies that analysed the prevalence of CKDu in coastal people of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, and union territories of Puducherry and Daman and Diu. Prasad said by virtue of their occupation, which is likely to be either agriculture or fisheries, or both, people are likely to be more susceptible to having CKDu. 'Coastal areas and agricultural lands are high-heat areas. Spending long hours here leads to dehydration, slowly affecting the kidneys. Similarly, exposure to toxic agro chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers further exacerbates the problem,' he said. 'With rest and adequate water consumption, kidney injury markers can be reduced. A multi-disciplinary approach to sociological, occupational, legal and policy framework can be helpful to bring down CKDu cases,' the doctor said. Excess uric acid doesn't just lead to kidney stones— over time, it can also damage tissues in the kidney. Studies show that high uric acid levels are linked with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this health condition, one's kidney function declines slowly and progressively. For the unversed, the kidneys help filter out waste from the blood and it is removed along with urine from the body. However, when the kidneys don't function properly it could lead to build of toxins— including uric acid— in the blood. CKD may not show any early symptoms, it can cause high blood pressure (BP), fatigue, and even kidney failure in extreme cases. Managing uric acid early through lifestyle changes, exercise, hydration, and regular health check-ups is important to protect long-term kidney health.
