Prevalence and Disease Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health concern.
• Its prevalence is 13.4%, with millions requiring renal replacement therapy for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
• CKD significantly impacts cardiovascular risk, morbidity, and mortality worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the global public health challenge posed by CKD.
• To underscore the drivers of CKD increase, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and aging.
• To emphasize the need for evaluating cost-effective preventive strategies and cardiovascular risk reduction in CKD.

Main Methods:

• Global prevalence data analysis.
• Identification of key risk factors and contributing causes.
• Review of implications for renal replacement therapy and healthcare costs.

Main Results:

• Global CKD prevalence estimated at 13.4%.
• Millions of patients require renal replacement therapy for ESKD.
• Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and aging are primary drivers; infections and toxins are regional factors.

Conclusions:

• CKD presents a substantial and increasing global health and economic burden.
• Effective preventive strategies and cardiovascular risk management require further evaluation, especially for advanced CKD.
• Addressing CKD necessitates considering local economic development and resources for cost-effective interventions.