A Retrospective Observational Study on Prescribing Patterns and Clinical Profile of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in a Kidney Care Center in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu

Research Article

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a formidable global health challenge, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in developing nations where the epidemiological transition has led to a surge in non-communicable diseases. The management of CKD, especially in its advanced stages, necessitates complex pharmacotherapeutic regimens to mitigate disease progression and manage sequelae such as anemia, mineral bone disorders, and cardiovascular instability. This retrospective observational study assessed the prescribing patterns, demographic distribution, and clinical profiles of 100 adult patients at a tertiary kidney care center in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, over a six-month period. Analysis of medical records revealed a distinct male preponderance (77%) with the highest disease burden observed in the fifth and sixth decades of life. The clinical profile was dominated by late-stage presentation, with 90% of the cohort classified as having Stage 5 CKD (End-Stage Renal Disease). Hypertension (81%) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (50%) were regarded as the primary etiological factors. Pharmacological analysis indicated that Calcium Channel Blockers (42%) were the primary antihypertensive agents, reflecting a preference for agents with neutral metabolic profiles in advanced renal failure. Polypharmacy was ubiquitous, evidenced by the extensive utilization of anti-ulcer agents (75%) and cardiac medications (49%). Moderate anemia was detected in a significant proportion of the study population, necessitating frequent erythropoiesis-stimulating agent and iron supplementation. These results show a critical delay in diagnosis and referral in rural Indian settings, necessitating urgent public health interventions.