Targeted Screening for Undiagnosed Chronic Kidney Disease among Asymptomatic Immediate Family Members of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: Experience from a Teaching Hospital in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a worldwide epidemic that is associated with a huge morbidity, mortality and high healthcare cost. In Nigeria, the number of patients with CKD progressing to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is increasing. Early screening of individuals who are at risk of CKD has been advocated by several studies because it would reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with late presentation. Studies have found that the immediate family members/First-Degree Relatives (FDRs) of CKD patients have a greater prevalence of CKD compared with the general population and hence should be screened for kidney disease at any available opportunity.