Study of Kidney Damage During Rheumatoid Arthritis at the National Hospital of Zinder

Introduction Kidney damage is a systemic manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is a factor of poor prognosis. They are very often asymptomatic, and their frequency varies around the world. The objective of this study was to study kidney damage during rheumatoid arthritis at HNZ in 2024. Materials and Methods The rheumatology unit of the HNZ served as a framework for this study. This was a cross-sectional study over one (1) year involving RA patients with kidney disease diagnosed in the clinic and/or at the paraclinic region. The data were collected via a survey form and a data extraction form, processed and analyzed via Excel and Epi info software. Results Of the 51 RA patients, 43 had kidney damage, i.e., a hospital frequency of 84%. The sex ratio M/F was 0.30; the average age of the patients was 45.06 ± 10.59 years. The history of taking NSAIDs was the most common, followed by HYPERTENSION. Proteinuria was positive and/or significant in 93% of the patients, leukocyturia was detected in 58% of the patients, and microscopic hematuria was detected in 21% of the patients. Renal failure occurred in 7% of the patients. Renal biopsy puncture was indicated in 16% of the patients. Residence and PR serology were positively associated with 24-hour proteinuria (OR > 1), and NSAID intake, HYPERTENSION score and initial DAS28 score were negatively associated with 24-hour proteinuria (OR < 1). Hypertension was negatively associated with hematuria. These associations were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Age, duration of the course of RA and treatment did not influence any of the main variables. Conclusion Kidney damage is very common during RA. They must be the subject of a thorough systematic diagnosis in any patient presenting with RA. Their exploration must be both clinical and paraclinical, supplemented by histology.