Prevalence and risk factors of end-stage kidney disease in Luxor governorate, upper Egypt: a multicenter census study

Abstract

Abstract Background In the heart of Upper Egypt, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is becoming an increasingly urgent public health crisis. Despite its growing impact, the Luxor Governorate has long remained an "epidemiological blind spot," with very little data available to guide local health policy. Objectives Our mission was to map the landscape of ESRD in Luxor—specifically looking at how many people are affected (prevalence), the underlying health issues causing their kidney failure, and the clinical challenges they face while on life-sustaining hemodialysis. Methods We conducted a comprehensive "census" study, reaching out to every single patient receiving maintenance hemodialysis across all seven governmental hospitals in Luxor between June 2024 and June 2025. Results We identified 1,056 neighbors and community members living with ESRD, representing a prevalence of 483 patients per million. The primary drivers of kidney failure were hypertension (38.4%), followed by the regional challenge of urinary stones (13.9%) and diabetes (12.8%). We also tracked hepatitis viral serology, finding Hepatitis C and B rates at 7.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Conclusion The high burden of ESRD in Luxor is a call to action. It highlights a critical need for localized prevention programs and the creation of a national registry to ensure no patient in Upper Egypt is left behind.