ABCDE to identify and prevent chronic kidney disease: a call to action

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Kidney disease is a significant global health issue, impacting over 850 million people worldwide.
• Rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and an aging population are projected to increase kidney disease prevalence.
• Chronic kidney disease is linked to reduced life expectancy, quality of life, and cardio-metabolic health, forming the cardio-kidney-metabolic multimorbidity syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To raise awareness about the importance of kidney health for individual and population well-being.
• To introduce the ABCDE campaign, empowering individuals to engage with healthcare providers about kidney disease risk assessment.
• To advocate for simple, accessible methods for identifying individuals at risk of kidney, cardiac, and metabolic diseases.

Main Methods:

• The European Renal Association established the Strong Kidneys Taskforce to promote kidney health awareness.
• The ABCDE campaign, a collaborative effort, encourages asking five key health questions: Albuminuria, Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Diabetes, and kidney function (eGFR).
• This advocacy aims to inform the public and healthcare professionals about the simplicity and life-saving potential of early risk assessment.

Main Results:

• Early recognition of risk factors can prevent chronic kidney disease.
• Timely case-finding, diagnosis, and intervention can halt or slow disease progression.
• The ABCDE approach provides a straightforward framework for assessing cardio-kidney-metabolic risk.

Conclusions:

• Assessing kidney, cardiac, and metabolic health risk through the ABCDE approach is simple, logical, and can save lives.
• While systemic changes are needed, the initial step of risk assessment is easily achievable.
• Empowering individuals and communities to inquire about their health status is vital for proactive disease management.