Observational Analysis of Disease Progression and Healthcare Utilization Patterns in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Longitudinal Study

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization. This longitudinal study aimed to analyze disease progression, healthcare utilization patterns, and the impact of medication adherence and comorbidities in CKD patients. Methods: A total of 200 CKD patients were followed for 36 months. Data on demographic characteristics, CKD stage progression, healthcare utilization, medication adherence, comorbidities, mortality, complications, and quality of life were collected and analyzed. Disease progression was defined as advancement to a more severe CKD stage. Healthcare utilization metrics included hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and specialist consultations.Results: The mean age of the patients was 57.3 years, with a balanced gender distribution. At baseline, 70% of patients were in Stage 3 CKD, 20% in Stage 4, and 10% in Stage 5. During the study, 42% of patients experienced CKD progression. Hospitalizations and outpatient visits increased significantly as CKD advanced. High medication adherence was associated with a lower rate of progression (30% vs. 55%) and fewer cardiovascular events. The mortality rate was 9%, with the highest rates in Stage 5 CKD (55%). Comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension were prevalent and associated with faster CKD progression. Quality of life declined significantly with advancing CKD.Conclusions: CKD progression leads to increased healthcare utilization, morbidity, and mortality. Effective management of medication adherence and comorbidities is crucial in improving outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reduce the burden of CKD