Understanding the Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Alcoholic Patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is progressive and can progress to end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation. Although the adverse effects of alcohol on the liver, heart, and brain are well established, its impact on kidney health has attracted relatively little attention. This review focuses on the link between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and CKD. It reviews the physiological mechanisms by which chronic alcohol intake may lead to impaired kidney function, including nephrotoxicity, oxidative stress, abnormal fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, and systemic manifestations through comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis. The paper also summarizes current epidemiological data, noting inconsistencies that may be explained by demographic, behavioral, and access to healthcare factors. It describes challenges in diagnosing symptoms unique to individuals with AUD, especially laboratory abnormalities that can be falsely interpreted and overlapping symptomatology. Management strategies focus on alcohol cessation and comorbidity control as well as the need for individualized nutritional and pharmacologic approaches. In conclusion, the review highlights major research gaps and urges for more rigorous, longitudinal studies to elucidate the multifaceted association between alcohol consumption and progression of kidney disease.