Prevalence, Location, and Determinants of Valvular Calcifications in Congolese Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Valvular calcifications (VCs) are one of the major cardiovascular complications in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) due to its prevalence and predictive morbidity and mortality. The current study assessed the prevalence, location, and risk factors of VC among chronic HD Congolese patients in Kinshasa. This observational study involved three HD centers in Kinshasa between March and August 2016. Consecutive consenting adults on maintenance HD for at least six months were recruited. VCs were defined as a luminous echo on one or more cusps of the aortic or mitral valve. Risk factors of VC were determined by multivariate analysis. Sixty patients (mean age: 52.5 ± 15.9 years) were enrolled. The mean serum calcium and phosphorus were7.9 ± 1.3 mg/dL and 5.7 ± 1.7 mg/dL, respectively. VCs were encountered in 38% of the whole group in aortic and mitral valvular location in 64% and 23%, respectively. Hypertension, age >60 years, tobacco use, and hyperphosphatemia were independently associated with VC. Despite a young age of patients, VCs were a common finding and associated with both traditional and chronic kidney disease-specific risk factors.

First Case of COVID-19-Associated Collapsing Glomerulopathy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Although the lungs remain the main target of SARS-CoV-2, other organs, such as kidneys, can be affected, which has a negative impact on the outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Although previous studies of kidney disease in COVID-19 reported mainly SARS-CoV-2-induced tubular and interstitial injury, there is growing evidence coming out of Africa of glomerular involvement, especially collapsing glomerulopathy seen particularly in people of African descent. We report a case of collapsing glomerulopathy revealed by acute kidney injury and a new onset of full blown nephrotic syndrome in a black Congolese patient coinfected with COVID-19 and malaria.

Cost estimate of chronic hemodialysis in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A prospective study in two centers.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients on dialysis has significantly increased worldwide. However, prospective studies estimating the cost of hemodialysis (HD) in sub-Saharan Africa remain scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the direct cost of treating end stage renal disease. Determinants of additional direct cost were also assessed. METHODS: This study is an analytical, prospective study of cost performed at two HD centers in Kinshasa for a period of 3 months among HD patients enrolled consecutively. The cost analyzed includes only expenditures: consultation, HD session, drugs, comorbidities, laboratory tests, and imaging. Transportation, patient hospitalization, and indirect costs are not taken into account. The determinants of the additional direct cost of HD are identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. P < 0.05 is the level of statistical significance. FINDINGS: The average quarterly direct cost of chronic HD in United States Dollars (US$) is $7070 (~US$28,280 annual cost) at a rate of US$287 per patient per HD session. This cost includes the HD session (US$237) and medicine (US$33) costs, which account for 82.5% and 11.3% of the direct costs, respectively. The presence of at least 4 comorbidities (OR adjusted 4.3, 95% CI [1.23-14.95], P = 0.022) and infection (adjusted OR 4.56, 95% CI [1.05-19.85], P = 0.043) emerged as independent determinants of additional direct cost. CONCLUSION: The direct cost of HD is very high in Kinshasa, where more than 80% of Congolese people live on less than US$1.25 a day.

G1 is the major APOL1 risk allele for hypertension-attributed nephropathy in Central Africa.

BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africans exhibit a higher frequency of chronic kidney disease (CKD) than other populations. In this study, we sought to determine the frequency of apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) genotypes in hypertension-attributed CKD in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. METHODS: We performed a case-control study identifying 162 subjects: 79 with hypertension-attributed CKD and 83 controls living in Kinshasa who were genotyped for APOL1 risk variants between July 2013 and November 2016. We selected control subjects from the general population and matched them with the cases according to age. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between APOL1 high-risk genotypes and CKD. RESULTS: The frequencies of the APOL1 G1 and G2 alleles were 19.1 and 7.1%, respectively. The number of individuals with the G1 and G2 risk alleles was significantly higher in the CKD group (12.7%) than in the control group (2.4%), particularly in individuals with end-stage kidney disease (14.3%). Subjects carrying two risk alleles was strongly and independently associated with hypertension-attributed nephropathy, with an adjusted odds ratio of 7.7 (95% confidence interval 1.5-39.7; P = 0.014). The high-risk APOL1 genotypes were G1/G1 and G1/G2, whereas G2/G2 was not found in the study population. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate the association of high-risk APOL1 genotypes with kidney disease in Kinshasa. The absence of G2/G2 may be consistent with powerful selective sweeps induced by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection. In contrast, the presence of APOL1 G2/G2 among individuals of African ancestry in the USA may indicate relaxation of natural selection in a trypanosome-free environment.

Performance of creatinine- or cystatin C-based equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate in sub-Saharan African populations.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best index for kidney function; however, the applicability of GFR estimating equations in sub-Saharan African populations remains unclear. In a cross-sectional study of adults living in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (n=210) and Abidjan, Ivory Coast (n=284), we evaluated the performance of creatinine and cystatin C-based equations using plasma clearance of iohexol as the reference standard. The race coefficient did not improve the performance of creatinine-based GFR estimates; in fact, both the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) equations performed better without the race coefficient in participants with GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2. The CKD-EPI and Full Age Spectrum (FAS) equations were unbiased and had similar precision (SD of 17.9 versus 19 mL/min/1.73 m2) and accuracy within 30% (P30, 86.7% versus 87.4%) in participants with GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2. Both equations performed poorly in the subgroup with measured GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 (n=80), but the FAS equation had smaller bias (-4.8 mL/min/1.73m2 versus -7.7 mL/min/1.73m2 for CKD-EPI) and higher P30 (56.3% versus 31.3% for CKD-EPI). The corresponding equations including cystatin C alone or in combination with creatinine had similar performance. In a sub-Saharan African population, adjustment for race did not improve the performance of GFR estimating equations. The creatinine-based FAS and CKD-EPI equations performed reasonably well and were comparable when GFR was ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2. Cystatin C did not improve performance. The FAS equation may be preferable when GFR is < 60 mL/min/1.73m2, but this should be confirmed in larger studies.

Albuminuria status and patterns of dyslipidemia among type 2 diabetes black patients managed at a tertiary health-care hospital: A Post hoc analysis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases with the development of albuminuria and is related in part to dyslipidemia. The present analysis assessed lipid profile and patterns of dyslipidemia in T2DM patients according to albuminuria status. This was a post hoc analysis of data from 181 T2DM patients seen at a tertiary health-care hospital and enrolled in a cross-sectional study of albuminuria status. Abnormal albuminuria was defined as microalbuminuria [albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) 30-299.9 mg/g] or macro-albuminuria (ACR ≥300 mg/g). Atherogenic dyslipidemia was defined as triglycerides (TGs) ≥150 mg/dL and/or high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women using international consensus criteria. High levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), HDL-c, non-HDL-c, TG, and low level of HDL-c were defined according to 2012 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists' guidelines. Comparisons between T2DM patients with and without abnormal albuminuria were done using Chi-square test, Student's t-test, or two-sample t-test with equal variance and Mann-Whitney test as appropriate. P< 0.05 defined the level of statistical significance. Of the 181 T2DM patients, 93 (51%) had abnormal albuminuria with 32% and 19% having microalbuminuria and macro-albuminuria, respectively. Average TC, HDL-c, HDL-c, non-HDL-c, and TG levels were 171 ± 41, 111 ± 36, 38 ± 16, 133 ± 38, and 98 (45-234) mg/dL, respectively. These values were significantly lower for TC (P = 0.047), LDL-c (P = 0.030), and non-HDL-c (P = 0.05) in comparison with patients with normal albuminuria. Low HDL-c (64.5%) and high TG (9.7%) were, respectively, the most and less frequent patterns of isolated dyslipidemia in patients with abnormal albuminuria. Atherogenic dyslipidemia with mainly low HDL-c levels is common in T2DM patients with abnormal albuminuria and could contribute to CVD and renal disease progression.

Performance of glomerular filtration rate estimation equations in Congolese healthy adults: The inopportunity of the ethnic correction.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: In the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), ethnicity is an important determinant. However, all existing equations have been built solely from Caucasian and Afro-American populations and they are potentially inaccurate for estimating GFR in African populations. We therefore evaluated the performance of different estimated GFR (eGFR) equations in predicting measured GFR (mGFR). METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 93 healthy adults were randomly selected in the general population of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, between June 2015 and April 2016. We compared mGFR by plasma clearance of iohexol with eGFR obtained with the Modified Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation with and without ethnic factor, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) serum creatinine (SCr)-based equation, with and without ethnic factor, the cystatin C-based CKD-EPI equation (CKD-EPI SCys) and with the combined equation (CKD-EPI SCrCys) with and without ethnic factor. The performance of the equations was studied by calculating bias, precision and accuracy within 30% (P30) of mGFR. RESULTS: There were 48 women and 45 men. Their mean age was 45.0±15.7 years and the average body surface area was 1.68±0.16m2. Mean mGFR was 92.0±17.2 mL/min/1.73m2 (range of 57 to 141 mL/min/1.73m2). Mean eGFRs with the different equations were 105.5±30.1 and 87.2±24.8 mL/min/1.73m2 for MDRD with and without ethnic factor, respectively; 108.8±24.1 and 94.3x20.9 mL/min/1.73m2 for CKD-EPI SCr with and without ethnic factor, respectively, 93.5±18.6 mL/min/1.73m2 for CKD-EPI SCys; 93.5±18.0 and 101±19.6 mL/min/ 1.73m2 for CKD-EPI SCrCys with and without ethnic factor, respectively. All equations slightly overestimated mGFR except MDRD without ethnic factor which underestimated by -3.8±23.0 mL/min /1.73m2. Both CKD-EPI SCr and MDRD with ethnic factors highly overestimated mGFR with a bias of 17.9±19.2 and 14.5±27.1 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. There was a trend for better P30 for MDRD and CKD-EPI SCr without than with the ethnic factor [86.0% versus 79.6% for MDRD (p = 0.21) and 81.7% versus 73.1% for the CKD-EPI SCr equations (p = 0.057)]. CKD-EPI SCrCys and CKD-EPI SCys were more effective than creatinine-based equations. CONCLUSION: In the Congolese healthy population, MDRD and CKD-EPI equations without ethnic factors had better performance than the same equations with ethnic factor. The equations using Cys C (alone or combined with SCr) performed better than the creatinine-based equations.

Prevalence and determinants of microalbuminuria in children suffering from sickle cell anemia in steady state.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is considered a major risk factor for renal complications. The main goal of this study was to determine the frequency of macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria in Congolese children <18 years of age suffering from Sickle cell anemia and to identify associated factors. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was completed in 150 hemoglobin-SS children (77 boys and 73 girls). Microalbuminuria was defined by a urine albumin:creatinine ratio of 30-299 mg/g. RESULTS: The mean age of this group was 8.8 ± 4.3 years (range 2-18). Microalbuminuria was found in 27 children (18%). In multivariate logistic regression, only age emerged as a determinant of microalbuminuria odds ratio 1.11 (95% confidence interval 1.00-1.22); P = 0.042]. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, only age was a major determinant of the occurrence of microalbuminuria. These results confirm the need for early screening of microalbuminuria in Congolese children suffering from Sickle cell anemia in a context where access to renal and bone marrow transplant is nonexistent.

Albuminuria, serum antioxidant enzyme levels and markers of hemolysis and inflammation in steady state children with sickle cell anemia.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of microalbuminuria in Sickle cell anemia (SCA). Antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) may play an important protective role. This study aimed to evaluate the association between albuminuria and these two antioxidant enzymes. METHODS: We consecutively recruited Steady state children aged between 2 and 18 years old with established diagnosis of homozygous SCA in two hospitals of Kinshasa/DR Congo. The relationship between Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR) and other variables of interest (age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, plasma GPx and Cu-Zn SOD, free plasmatic hemoglobin, LDH, indirect bilirubin, white blood cells (WBC), percentage of fetal hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin, CRP) was analyzed by Bivariate correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient). Microalbuminuria was defined by urine albumin/creatinine ratio between 30 and 299 mg/g. RESULTS: Seventy Steady state Black African children with SCA (56% boys; average age 9.9 ± 4.3 years; 53% receiving hydroxyurea) were selected. Prevalence of microalbuminuria was 11.8%. LDH (r = 0.260; p = 0.033) and WBC count (r = 0.264; p = 0.033) were positively correlated with UACR whereas GPx (- 0.328; p = 0.007) and Cu-Zn SOD (- 0.210; p = 0.091) were negatively correlated with UACR. CONCLUSIONS: Albuminuria is associated with decreased antioxidant capacity and increased levels of markers of hemolysis and inflammation. Therefore, strategies targeting the reduction of sickling and subsequent hemolysis, oxidative stress and inflammation could help preventing or at least delaying the progression of kidney disease in SCA children.

Microalbuminuria among HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy-naive children in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria and associated factors among Congolese human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which 77 HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy-naive children and 89 uninfected controls were enrolled. Microalbuminuria was assessed using the immune-turbidimetry method, and associated factors were studied by logistic regression. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The prevalence of microalbuminuria was 18% in the HIV-infected children and 2% in the HIV-uninfected children. No common determinants of proteinuria were significantly associated with microalbuminuria.

Chronic kidney disease among high school students of Kinshasa.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major worldwide health problem. However, its burden among adolescents and young adults is unknown, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate its prevalence in the school environment. The concordance of usual formulas used to estimate renal function was also assessed. METHODS: In an epidemiological cross sectional study, a random sample of 524 pupils (263 boys, mean age of 18.7 ± 1.4 years) from school environment of Kinshasa were studied. Recorded parameters of interest were anthropometric, proteinuria, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) according to the Schwartz formula using uncalibrated creatinine levels from one random measurement. CKD was defined as the presence of kidney damage (daily proteinuria ≥ 300 mg) and/or reduced kidney function (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2). Concordances between eGFR according to Schwartz, Cockcroft-Gault (C-G) indexed for BSA and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equations were computed using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The prevalence of CKD by the Schwartz formula was 1.5%. By stage, 0.8% had CKD stage 1 (proteinuria with normal eGFR) and 0.8% had CKD stage 3 (eGFR, 30 to 59 ml/min/1.73 m2). The prevalence of proteinuria ≥ 300 mg/day was 1% (one case had 2.7g/day). Agreement between eGFR according to Schwartz formula and the MDRD formula was excellent (kappa: 88.8%). Although correlations between all formulas were excellent (0.99; 0.87, and 0.89), agreement was poor between eGFR according to Schwartz and C-G indexed BSA equation (kappa: 52.7%) and, poorer with C-G unadjusted for BSA (kappa: 26.9%). CONCLUSION: In the large African city of Kinshasa, 2% of high school students have CKD. This high prevalence rate emphasizes the need for appropriate detection and prevention measures in this vulnerable young age population group.

Prevalence of low estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, and associated risk factors among HIV-infected black patients using Cockroft-Gault and modification of diet in renal disease study equations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria, and associated risk factors among HIV-infected black patients at primary health care. METHODS: A cross-sectional screening involving consecutive HIV-infected patients 18 years and older was done. Eighty-eight percent of patients were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (94% on first-line regimen: zidovudine + lamivudine + nevirapine). Simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study and Cockroft-Gault (CG) equations were used to estimate glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance, respectively. Determinants of dipstick proteinuria and low kidney function (<60 mL·min(-1)·1.73 m(-2)) were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred HIV-infected (231 females) patients were screened. Their mean age, duration of HIV, and CD4(+) count were 43 ± 9 years, 33 ± 27 months, and 397 ± 224 cells per cubic millimeter, respectively. The prevalence of low eGFR according to Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study and CG equations was 3% and 10%, respectively. Proteinuria was observed in 20.5% of patients. Only CD4(+) cell count ≤200 cells per cubic millimeter emerged as a strong determinant of low CG creatinine clearance [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.099 to 8.352], whereas age ≥45 years (adjusted OR 3.69; 95% CI: 1.756 to 7.787), familial history of diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR 2.20; 95% CI: 1.067 to 4.543), and hypertension (adjusted OR 3.07; 95% CI: 1.278 to 7.787) were significantly associated with proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS: Low eGFR and proteinuria are prevalent among these HIV-infected persons. Immunodeficiency emerged as one of the strongest determinants of renal impairment. This finding emphasizes the importance of highly active antiretroviral therapy in tackling the burden of chronic kidney disease in African HIV population.

[Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo: review of cross-sectional studies from Kinshasa, the capital]. / Epidémiologie de la maladie rénale chronique en République démocratique du Congo : une revue synthétique des études de Kinshasa, la capitale.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. Little is known about its burden in Africa. This paper reviews the knowledge of CKD in Kinshasa, summarizing four studies undertaken in the general population and traditional health system of Kinshasa. CKD was defined by either kidney damage (proteinuria> or =300 mg/day) or reduced kidney function (eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). In the general population, the prevalence of CKD all stage is 12.4 %. Our work shows also the high prevalence of proteinuria among subjects who do not have diabetes or hypertension, the lack of early detection and management of CKD risk factors in the traditional health care system leading to late referral or premature deaths, and the limits of renal replacement treatment. CKD affects young people in the DRC, in contrast to the United States, where CKD is more prevalent in older people. Major determinants of CKD in our studies were hypertension, diabetes, overweight, age, lower socioeconomic status, and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Glomerular nephropathy (mainly focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) remains the leading cause of end stage renal disease. An annual screening of the population for proteinuria and CKD risk factors is feasible and will, it is hoped, provide the basis for building a nationwide prevention strategy.

High prevalence of undiagnosed chronic kidney disease among at-risk population in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: There is limited knowledge of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) among high risk populations, especially in the developing countries. We report our study of testing for CKD in at-risk subjects. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 527 people from primary and secondary health care areas in the city of Kinshasa were studied from a random sample of at-risk out-patients with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or HIV+. We measured blood pressure (BP), blood glucose level, proteinuria, body mass index, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR by MDRD equation) using calibrated creatinine levels based on one random measurement. The associations between health characteristics, indicators of kidney damage (proteinuria) and kidney function (<60 ml/min/1.73 m2) were also examined. RESULTS: The prevalence of CKD in this study was 36%, but only 12% were aware of their condition. 4% of patients had stage 1 CKD, 6% stage 2, 18% stage 3, 2% stage 4, and 6% had stage 5. 24 hour quantitative proteinuria (>300 mg/day) was found in 19%. In those with the at-risk conditions, the % of CKD was: 44% in patients with hypertension, 39% in those with diabetes; 16% in the obese and 12% in those who were HIV+. 82% of those with a history of diabetes had elevated serum glucose levels at screening (>or= 126 mg/dl). Only 6% of individuals with hypertension having CKD had reduced BP to lower than 130/80 mmHg. In multivariate analysis, diabetes, proteinuria and hypertension were the strongest determinants of CKD 3+. CONCLUSION: It appears that one out of three people in this at-risk population has undiagnosed CKD and poorly controlled CKD risk factors. This growing problem poses clear challenges to this developing country. Therefore, CKD should be addressed through the development of multidisciplinary teams and improved communication between traditional health care givers and nephrology services. Attention to CKD risk factors must become a priority.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Kinshasa: results of a pilot study from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in sub-Saharan Africa is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and the risk factors associated with CKD in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 503 adult residents in 10 of the 35 health zones of Kinshasa were studied in a randomly selected sample. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation (eGFR) and compared with the Cockcroft-Gault equation for creatinine clearance. The associations between health characteristics, indicators of kidney damage (proteinuria) and kidney function (<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) were examined. RESULTS: The prevalence of all stages of CKD according to K/DOQI guidelines was 12.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 11.0-15.1%]. By stage, 2% had stage 1 (proteinuria with normal eGFR), 2.4% had stage 2 (proteinuria with an eGFR of 60-89 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), 7.8% had stage 3 (eGFR, 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and 0.2% had stage 5 (eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). Hypertension and age were independently associated with CKD stage 3. The prevalences of major non-communicable diseases considered in this study were 27.6% (95% CI, 25.7-31.3%) for hypertension, 11.7% (95% CI, 10.3-14.4%) for diabetes mellitus and 14.9% (95% CI, 13.3-17.9%) for obesity. Hypertension was also independently associated with proteinuria. CONCLUSION: More than 10% of the Kinshasa population exhibits signs of CKD, which is affecting adults in their productive years. Risk factors for CKD, including hypertension, diabetes and obesity, are increasing. These alarming data must guide current and future healthcare policies to meet the challenge raised by CKD in this city and hopefully in the whole country.

Screening for proteinuria and chronic kidney disease risk factors in Kinshasa: a World Kidney Day 2007 study.

BACKGROUND: Although screening programs for chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be of great value, these programs are not yet implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study focused on proteinuria and examined its prevalence in terms of the number needed to screen for the different risk factors of CKD. Such knowledge would guide the utility of population screening to prevent end-stage renal disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kinshasa on the Second World Kidney Day. A sample of 3,018 subjects was interviewed and the following measurements were performed: blood pressure, body mass index, glycemia and urine protein. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of proteinuria. RESULTS: The prevalence of proteinuria was 17.1% (95% CI 15.8-18.6). Other CKD risk factors identified were: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and metabolic syndrome. To identify 1 case of proteinuria, one would need to screen 4 persons with diabetes, 5 persons with hypertension, 4 subjects having metabolic syndrome, 5 persons aged >or=72 years and 9 persons without any of the conditions mentioned above. Age, overweight and diabetes were the strongest factors associated with proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that proteinuria and traditional risk factors for CKD are very prevalent in Kinshasa. Realistic policies to stem these conditions should be a public health priority.