Prevalence and factors associated with chronic kidney disease among military aircrews

• Published in: Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 50 - 56
• Main Authors: Hsien-Feng Chang, Chu-Dang Tsai, Guan-Cuyn Jhang, Menge-Harn Lee, Yu-Lung Chiu, Wen-Chih Wu, Jen-Chun Kuan, Lan-Ping Lin, Shuenn-Chin Chang, Yu-Ching Chou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 01.03.2015
• Subjects: chronic kidney disease; military; physical examination; Prevalence
• ISSN: 1011-4564
• DOI: 10.4103/1011-4564.156007

Background: Recently, the number of patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Taiwan has been rising. ESRD is known to typically develop from chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objectives of the study were to describe the prevalence of CKD and to evaluate the associated factors among military aircrews. Materials and Methods: In this study, military aircrews that received physical examinations in four military hospitals between 2004 and 2010 were selected. The abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease (aMDRD) formula was used to calculate glomerular filtration rates (GFRs). Urine protein, urine red blood cells, and urine pH values were used to define whether patients had CKD. This study analyzed 1317 cases. Results: The prevalence of CKD was 10.4% in the military aircrews. The risk of CKD was statistically significant higher in positive urine occult blood, high bilirubin, hyperuricemia, high total cholesterol, and each additional 1-year of age with odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 6.53 (3.86-11.06), 2.62 (1.28-5.37), 1.95 (1.11-3.42), 1.76 (1.05-2.95), and 1.03 (1.00-1.07), respectively. Conclusions: The majority of the participants diagnosed with CKD were in the early stages of the disease. The aMDRD formula could be calculated from annual physical examination results for using to understand GFRs and increase awareness of the kidney function, thereby delaying disease progression.