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Background After two-years of follow-up of 263 apparently healthy 18- to 30-year-old men in communities affected by Mesoamerican nephropathy (MeN), we identified three distinct case groups: a subgroup with (i) established renal dysfunction (case-group 1); individuals with (ii) a rapid decline in kidney function (case-group 2); and individuals with (iii) stable kidney function (non-cases). This paper investigates whether local tests are potentially useful for the timely identification of these case groups. Methods Creatinine levels were measured in local laboratories every six months for two years. Aliquots were sent to a centralized laboratory for measurements of cystatin C and creatinine levels. We investigated agreement between the locally and centrally measured creatinine-based Chronic Kidney disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation for estimating the Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). A logistic regression analysis was used to assess predictive factors for case groups 1 and 2 compared to non-cases. Predictive variables were locally measured eGFR, and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) levels. The discrimination performance of the model was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results Considerable variation in local eGFR measurements was observed. The prediction model for case-group 1 included baseline kidney function and with or without uNGAL (AUC = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.91–1.00). The prediction model for case-group 2 also required eGFRScr at six and twelve months after baseline, with or without uNGAL levels (AUC = 0.88; 95% CI 0.80–0.99). Conclusions Established renal dysfunction was detected at a single time point using local measurements and uNGAL. For the detection of a rapid decline in kidney function over time, at least 2 more measurements at six and twelve months are needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-018-1193-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) is a major health concern in North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are the two most affected districts in NCP. This research was designed to identify main suspected CKDu causative agents in drinking water in NCP. Drinking water samples were collected from shallow wells of CKDu patients and non-patients in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts. They were tested for chemical ions: chloride, fluoride, nitrate, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, cadmium and arsenic. An analytical framework was developed to analyse water quality data using statistical methods, namely univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test, Kruskal–Wallis (KW) and Mann–Whitney’s post hoc test, discriminant analysis, factorial analysis followed by reliability tests. ANOVA, KW and their post hoc tests were applied to show the significant differences at p

Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) refers to the epidemic level of incidence of CKD in several low- and middle-income countries, usually near the equator, for which the aetiology has not been identified. CKDu represents a form of CKD hotspot, defined as a country, region, community or ethnicity with a higher than average incidence of CKD. In terms of the number of persons affected, the so-called hypertensive nephropathy of African Americans probably represents the largest CKD hotspot, which is largely driven by variants of the APOL1 gene, questioning the very existence of hypertensive nephropathy and illustrating how kidney disease driven by genetic predisposition may underlie some forms of hypertension. For CKDu, hard physical work leading to dehydration (the first global warming-related disease?) and local toxins are leading aetiological candidates. Meso-American nephropathy is probably the best-characterized CKDu. In this issue of CKJ, a systematic review and meta-analysis by Gonzalez et al. identified positive associations between Meso-American nephropathy and male gender, family history of CKD, high water intake and lowland altitude. We now discuss the potential relationship of family history to genetic predisposition and how a better understanding of CKDu may help advance the aetiological characterization of the nearly 50% of end-stage renal disease patients worldwide that have no known cause for CKD or have been assigned non-specific diagnoses.

Resumen Sabemos que el cambio climático afecta de forma considerable a la salud, si bien son muy pocos los estudios que recogen sus consecuencias a nivel renal. Se ha visto como las olas de calor aumentan la morbimortalidad cardiovascular y respiratoria, pero también el riesgo de fracaso renal agudo, así como el índice de ingresos de causa nefrológica, con la mortalidad que ello implica. Las situaciones de deshidratación repetidas en población expuesta de forma habitual a altas temperaturas parecen estar generando una nueva entidad dentro de la enfermedad renal crónica proteinúrica, cuyo mecanismo fisiopatológico se va dilucidando. Pero más allá de olas de calor y temperaturas extremas, se ha comprobado que existe una variación estacional del filtrado glomerular que pudiera facilitar el desarrollo de fracaso renal y alteraciones electrolíticas en periodos extremadamente cálidos. Entre las alteraciones del medio interno, parecen aumentar fundamentalmente las disnatremias, aunque es poca la evidencia bibliográfica al respecto. Los grupos de riesgo para presentar enfermedades asociadas al calor son ancianos, niños, enfermos crónicos, personas encamadas, discapacitados, sujetos que viven solos o con escaso contacto social y las poblaciones más desfavorecidas a nivel socioeconómico. Abstract It is well known that climate change greatly affects human health, even though there are few studies on renal outcomes. Heat waves have been found to increase cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality, as well as the risk of acute renal failure and hospitalisation due to renal diseases, with related mortality. Recurrent dehydration in people regularly exposed to high temperatures seems to be resulting in an unrecognised cause of proteinuric chronic kidney disease, the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of which is becoming better understood. However, beyond heat waves and extreme temperatures, there is a seasonal variation in glomerular filtration rate that may contribute to the onset of renal failure and electrolyte disorders during extremely hot periods. Although there are few references in the literature, serum sodium disorders seem to increase. The most vulnerable population to heat-related disease are the elderly, children, chronic patients, bedridden people, disabled people, people living alone or with little social contact, and socioeconomically disadvantaged people.

Background Physical and psychological symptoms are among main manifestations of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This study aimed to assess the symptom burden and self-perceived severity of symptoms among CKD patients living in a district in Sri Lanka. Method A community based cross-sectional study included a sample of randomly selected 1174 CKD patients from all 19 Medical Officer of Health areas in the district of Anuradhapura. Trained para-medical staff visited the households and administered the locally validated questionnaire to assess the presence and severity of symptoms. The inquiry was on 25 symptoms in a 5 point Likert scale indicating the severity during the previous week. Symptom burden score was constructed by summing each symptom severity score which ranged from 0 to 125. Results A total of 1118 CKD patients participated with a response rate of 95.2%. The mean age was 58.3 (SD 10.8) years and 62.7% were males. A majority were in CKD stage 4 (58.3%). Bone/joint pain was the most experienced symptom (87.6%; 95%CI 85.6–89.5). Loss of libido was the most severe symptom. The median symptom burden score was 35.0 (IQR 20.0–50.0). Multiple linear regression revealed education up to Advanced Level (β −9.176), CKD stage V (β 3.373), being dialyzed (β 20.944), comorbidities (β 4.241) and being employed (β −9.176) to be significant predictors of symptom burden. Conclusions Patients in all stages of CKD experience high symptom burden warranting rigorous measures to relieve symptoms and to improve the well-being of CKD patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-017-0638-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

IntroductionA recently recognised form of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown origin (CKDu) is afflicting communities, mostly in rural areas in several regions of the world. Prevalence studies are being conducted in a number of countries, using a standardised protocol, to estimate the distribution of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and thus identify communities with a high prevalence of reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In this paper, we propose a standardised minimum protocol for cohort studies in high-risk communities aimed at investigating the incidence of, and risk factors for, early kidney dysfunction.Methods and analysisThis generic cohort protocol provides the information to establish a prospective population-based cohort study in low-income settings with a high prevalence of CKDu. This involves a baseline survey that included key elements from the DEGREE survey (eg, using the previously published DEGREE methodology) of a population-representative sample, and subsequent follow-up visits in young adults (without a pre-existing diagnosis of CKD (eGFR2), proteinuria or risk factors for CKD at baseline) over several years. Each visit involves a core questionnaire, and collection and storage of biological samples. Local capacity to measure serum creatinine will be required so that immediate feedback on kidney function can be provided to participants. After completion of follow-up, repeat measures of creatinine should be conducted in a central laboratory, using reference standards traceable to isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) quality control material to quantify the main outcome of eGFR decline over time, alongside a description of the early evolution of disease and risk factors for eGFR decline.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will be obtained by local researchers, and participants will provide informed consent before the study commences. Participants will typically receive feedback and advice on their laboratory results, and referral to a local health system where appropriate.

Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown aetiology is a significant public health problem in Sri Lanka. The final report by the WHO mission recommended regulation of herbal medicines containing aristolochic acid, which is an established nephrotoxin. The use of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has a history of more than 2500 years in Sri Lanka. Aristolochia species are rarely used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Sri Lanka. Before regulating the analysis of herbal preparations using Aristolochia, collecting data from CAM practitioners regarding the use of Aristolochia is necessary. Analysis of Ayurveda pharmacopeia shows the doses used are negligible and some preparations are used for external applications., Graphical abstract

Background The disabling symptoms, various food and fluid restrictions, restrictions to social life and stigma and taboos attached to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), have shown to pose a significant bearing on a patient’s Quality of Life (QOL). In the present study the Kidney Disease QOL-Short Form (KDQOL-SF™) was culturally adapted, modified and translated into Sinhala and validity and reliability were assessed. Method The process to culturally adapt the Kidney Disease Specific Component (KDSC) of KDQOL-SF™ was carried out by the modified Delphi process with a group of experts. The construct validity of the KDSC was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Appraising construct validity of SF-36 component of KDQOL-SF™ was done by assessing the convergent and discriminant validity using the Multitrait-Multimethod Matrix technique (MTMM). Randomly selected 250 CKD patients attending the five renal clinics in Polonnauwa were used to assess the construct validity. To assess the test-retest reliability of the instrument, within a period of one week, 30 randomly selected study participants were visited at their households. Results Two hundred and fifty adults with documented evidence of CKD participated. The EFA carried out using principal component factoring method and rotated by Varimax orthogonal method resulted in 14 factors with Eigen values ranging from 1.062–8.746. This 14 factor model explained 84.1% of total variance of the initial system. The communalities extracted for domains were all close to one. All the items were loaded to one or more domains with factor coefficients of more than 0.4, not requiring any of the items to be dropped. Few items which showed similarly high factor coefficients in more than one factor were assigned to a factor ensuring the pattern in the theoretical framework of the questionnaire based on expert opinion and vigorous analysis of literature. Convergent and divergent validity assessed using MTMM, revealed satisfactory construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha of all domains of KDQOL-SF™ except for cognitive function and Social function, exceeded Nunnally's criteria of 0.7. The Intra class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were more than 0.8 for all the domains, which indicated good test re-test reliability. Conclusions KDQOL-SF™ is a valid and reliable instrument which can be used to assess QOL of CKD patients in Sri Lanka.

The recent emergence of an apparently new form of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) has become a serious public health crisis in Sri Lanka. CKDu is slowly progressive, irreversible, and asymptomatic until late stages, and is not attributable to hypertension, diabetes, or other known aetiologies. In response to the scope and severity of the emerging CKDu health crisis, the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization initiated a collaborative research project from 2009 through 2012 to investigate CKDu prevalence and aetiology. The objective of this paper is to discuss the recently published findings of this investigation and present additional considerations and recommendations that may enhance subsequent investigations designed to identify and understand CKDu risk factors in Sri Lanka or other countries.