Blood Pressure Control among Adult African Chronic Kidney (CKD) Patients—How Close Are We to Target?

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is usually progressive, often resulting in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The two most common causes of renal disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus contribute greatly to the mobility and mortality associated with CKD. It has been found that lowering BP is effective in reducing cardiovascular events in patient with a moderate reduction in GFR and in those with ESRD on dialysis. The aim of this study was to assess blood pressure control among adult African CKD patients. Method: The case notes of chronic kidney patients who assess care in the renal unit of our Teaching Hospital were retrieved for the study after obtaining informed consent from the ethical unit of the hospital. To be eligible for the study, the patient, must have been attending the renal clinic and on anti-hypertensives for a minimum period of 6 months. Results: Eighty-seven CKD patients (46 males and 41 females) with a mean age of 50.9 ± 13.3 years. The proportion of patients who achieved blood pressure control was 13.79% (95% CI 7.34% - 22.85%). Among the pre-dialysis patients, BP control was achieved in 13.64% compared to 14.29% among the patients on dialysis. Nineteen (21.84%) of the patients were on one blood pressure lowering agent; 26 (29.89%) on two; 33 (37.93%) on three; 7 (8.05%) on four and 2 (2.30%) on five. Conclusion: Blood pressure control among African adult CKD patients is difficult with many of them requiring more than two antihypertensive drugs.