The primary causes of CKD in adults are:

1. Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)

Mechanism: High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the blood
vessels in the kidneys. This damage impairs the kidneys' ability to filter waste from the
blood, leading to CKD.

Prevalence: Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD worldwide. Diabetic nephropathy, or
kidney damage due to diabetes, is a common complication that can develop over time.

2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Mechanism: High blood pressure puts extra strain on the blood vessels in the kidneys,
leading to damage. Over time, this can reduce the kidneys' ability to filter blood
effectively.

Prevalence: Hypertension is the second most common cause of CKD. It not only causes
CKD but can also worsen kidney function in those already affected by the disease.
3. Glomerulonephritis

Mechanism: This is a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the glomeruli, the
tiny filtering units in the kidneys. Inflammation can lead to scarring and, eventually,
CKD.

Types: Glomerulonephritis can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases (like
lupus), or other underlying conditions.
4. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Mechanism: PKD is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in
the kidneys. These cysts can enlarge the kidneys and disrupt their function, leading to
CKD.

Inheritance: PKD is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a person
only needs one copy of the mutated gene to develop the disease.

5. Obstructive Nephropathy

Mechanism: Obstructions in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate,
or tumors, can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, leading to damage and CKD.

Prevalence: Obstruction-related kidney damage can be acute or chronic, depending on
the duration and severity of the obstruction.
6. Chronic Pyelonephritis

Mechanism: Recurrent kidney infections can lead to scarring and inflammation, gradually
causing CKD.

Risk Factors: Individuals with urinary tract abnormalities or reflux are more prone to this
condition.

7. Prolonged Use of Certain Medications

Mechanism: Long-term use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, and some chemotherapy agents, can
lead to CKD by damaging the kidneys over time.

Examples: Drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and certain antiretroviral medications used
for HIV treatment have been associated with an increased risk of CKD when used long-
term.

8. Vascular Diseases

Mechanism: Conditions like atherosclerosis, which involves the hardening and narrowing
of the arteries, can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to CKD.

Associated Conditions: Other vascular issues, like renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the
arteries supplying the kidneys), can also contribute to CKD.

9. Autoimmune Diseases

Mechanism: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and vasculitis can cause the immune
system to attack kidney tissue, leading to inflammation, scarring, and CKD.

Specific Examples: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a well-known autoimmune
disease that can cause lupus nephritis, a serious form of CKD.

10. Chronic Obstructive Uropathy

Mechanism: Chronic obstruction of the urinary tract can lead to back pressure on the
kidneys and eventual damage. This can be due to conditions like prostatic hypertrophy,
ureteral stones, or tumors.

Outcome: Prolonged obstruction can lead to hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due
to urine build-up) and eventual kidney damage.

11. Lifestyle Factors

Mechanism: Factors like smoking, obesity, and a diet high in salt and fat can contribute
to the development of CKD. These factors often exacerbate underlying conditions like
diabetes and hypertension, further increasing the risk of CKD.

Impact: Lifestyle changes are crucial in preventing the progression of CKD and managing the disease.

12. Infectious Diseases

Mechanism: Chronic infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can lead to
kidney damage over time. These infections can directly affect the kidneys or cause
immune complex deposition, leading to CKD.

Global Impact: In regions with high prevalence of these infections, they are significant
contributors to CKD.

Full story: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-primary-causes-of-chronic-kidney-disease-CKD-
in-adults



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