Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition marked by declining glomerular filtration and disturbances in biochemical and electrolyte profiles; identifying stage‑specific changes in demographics and serum markers may improve early detection and guide stage‑appropriate management. Objectives: This study compared demographic characteristics and serum biochemical parameters across stages 1–3 in patients with CKD to identify stage‑related differences associated with disease progression. Patients and Methods: This cross‑sectional study enrolled 75 patients with early CKD (stage 1: n=24, stage 2: n=25, stage 3: n=26) attending specialist clinics at Al‑Fayhaa teaching hospital, Basra, Iraq (Feb–May 2025). Demographic data (age, sex) and fasting venous blood samples were collected for routine renal tests (creatinine, urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR), uric acid, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, electrolytes (sodium Na, potassium K, chloride Cl, magnesium Mg, phosphate), and biomarkers such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and Cathepsin D. Group comparisons across CKD stages plus correlation analyses were performed to assess associations with disease progression. Results: The results indicated that CKD progression was associated with male gender and older age, across with changes in serum electrolytes, kidney function tests, and biochemical parameters, including increasing creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, K, cholesterol, NGAL, and cathepsin D. The CKD progression also decreased eGFR, Mg, and total protein (P 0.05). Conclusion: CKD progression is associated with male gender, older age, and biochemical changes, including increased renal markers, lipids, sodium, K, NGAL, and cathepsin D, as well as decreased eGFR, Mg, and total protein. Albumin, phosphate, and Cl remained stable, demonstrating the complexity of CKD and the potential of new biomarkers.
Abdullah Abbas Hamzah Al-Rubaye (Sun,) studied this question.