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ARTICLE TYPE : RESEARCH ARTICLE

Published on :   14 Feb 2026, Volume - 2
Journal Title :   WebLog Journal of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation | WebLog J Phys Ther Rehabil
Source URL:   weblog iconhttps://weblogoa.com/articles/wjptr.2026.b1404
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :  doi iconhttps://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18809634

Prevalence of Respiratory Complications in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

S. Bavani 1 *
M. Nisarudeen 2
P. Muthukrishnan 3
1B.P.T., Department of Physiotherapy, Devender Collage of Physiotherapy, Aryakulam Melakulam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
2Principal Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Devender Collage of Physiotherapy, Aryakulam Melakulam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
3M.P.T. (Orthopaedics), Research Scholar, Department of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: Respiratory complications are increasingly recognized as significant comorbidities in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, yet their prevalence and clinical characteristics remain inadequately documented in the Indian population.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and severity of respiratory complications in CKD patients across different disease stages and to identify the association between kidney function decline and pulmonary dysfunction.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study involving 150 CKD patients (stages 1–5) from Kidney Care Centre, Tirunelveli was conducted. Respiratory assessment included modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, spirometry, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), chest imaging, and modified Borg exertion scale. Multivariate analysis examined associations between CKD stage and respiratory complications.

Results: Pulmonary edema was the most prevalent respiratory complication (24.84%), followed by pneumonia (18.2%), pleural effusion (16.5%), tuberculosis (12.3%), and obstructive sleep apnea (10.1%). Mean FEV₁ % predicted significantly declined from Stage 1 (95%) to Stage 5 (42%, p<0.001). Mean 6MWT distance decreased progressively (Stage 1: 487m vs Stage 5: 268m, p<0.001). Dyspnea severity correlated significantly with advancing CKD stage (r=0.78, p<0.001). SpO₂ below 92% was observed in 31.3% of Stage 4–5 patients. Multivariate analysis identified CKD stage (OR=2.41, 95% CI: 1.89–3.07), dialysis status (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.23–2.84), and anemia (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.02 2.38) as independent predictors of respiratory complications.

Conclusion: Respiratory complications are highly prevalent in CKD patients with significant functional impairment and disease progression across kidney stages. Early respiratory assessment and integrated management strategies are essential for comprehensive CKD care and improved patient outcomes.

Keywords: Chronic Kidney Disease; Respiratory Complications; Pulmonary Edema; Dyspnea; Spirometry; 6-Minute Walk Test

Citation

Bavani S, Nisarudeen M, Muthukrishnan P. Prevalence of Respiratory Complications in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Cross sectional Study. WebLog J Phys Ther Rehabil. wjptr.2026.b1404. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18809634
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