DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2025.v11i03.006

Pages: 156-160

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder associated with systemic complications including chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nephrotoxic effects of RA medications, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), are concerning. This study evaluated the impact of RA medication on the development of CKD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, from January to December 2015. Fifty RA patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology/European League against Rheumatism 2010 criteria were included, excluding those with pre-existing CKD. Demographic data, medication use and renal function data (eGFR, serum creatinine and albumin-to-creatinine ratio) were analyzed using SPSS-19. Results: The mean age of the participants was 47.4 ± 14.7 years, with a predominance of females (60%). Among the 50 RA patients, 11 (22%) developed CKD. Most patients with CKD (45.5%) had an eGFR of 30–44 ml/min/1.73m². Elevated serum creatinine (>1.2 mg/dl) was observed in 27.3% of the CKD patients. The majority (90.9%) of patients with CKD had used both NSAIDs and DMARDs compared to 51.3% in the non-CKD group. NSAID use alone was more common in patients without CKD (35.9%). Conclusion: This study suggests that NSAIDs and DMARD combination therapy may contribute to CKD development in patients with RA. Routine renal function monitoring and cautious medication selection are essential to prevent renal complications.