The etiology of Chronic kidney disease is multifactorial and varies depending on geographic location, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition. In developed countries, the leading causes of CKD include type 2 diabetes mellitus (30-50%) and hypertension (27.2%), which together account for most CKD cases. Diabetic nephropathy is a direct consequence of prolonged hyperglycemia, leading to glomerular injury, whereas hypertension causes damage to the renal vasculature over time. Other important causes include glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis, and obstructive uropathy (postrenal causes).
CKD is also influenced by non-modifiable risk factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity. Older individuals and males are at greater risk for CKD progression, while certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and South Asians, have a higher susceptibility to developing CKD. Genetic predispositions, such as mutations in APOL1 genes in African Americans, contribute to CKD development and progression. Modifiable risk factors like smoking, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and poor blood pressure control also play significant roles in the onset and progression of CKD.
