A new analysis led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and other institutions found that the estimated number of people with CKD rose from 378 million in 1990 to 788 million in 2023. This rise is largely attributed to the world's growing and aging population.
Key Findings on Prevalence and Mortality
The comprehensive report, published in The Lancet and part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study, offers the most detailed look at the condition in nearly a decade:
- Global Prevalence: Approximately 14% of adults worldwide are estimated to have chronic kidney disease.
- Deaths: Around 1.5 million people died from CKD in 2023. When adjusting for demographic changes over time, this marks an increase of over 6% since 1993.
- Policy Urgency: "Chronic kidney disease is common, deadly, and getting worse as a major public health issue," said study co-senior author Dr. Josef Coresh. He stressed the need for policymakers to recognize CKD alongside conditions like cancer and heart disease.
- WHO Action: In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) added CKD to its agenda aimed at reducing early deaths from noncontagious illnesses by one-third before 2030.
CKD's Broader Health Impact
Chronic kidney disease is defined by the gradual decline in the kidneys' ability to properly filter waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream. While initial or mild stages are frequently asymptomatic, advanced CKD often necessitates significant medical interventions like dialysis or a kidney transplant.
The study highlighted CKD's impact beyond direct kidney failure:
- Heart Disease: Impaired kidney function was a key risk factor for heart disease, contributing to about 12% of global cardiovascular deaths.
- Disability: CKD was the 12th leading cause of diminished quality of life due to disability in 2023.
- Major Risk Factors: The biggest preventable risk factors identified were high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high body mass index (obesity).
Call for Early Detection and Access to Treatment
Most people identified in the study were in the early stages of CKD. This is crucial because swift treatment through medication and lifestyle changes can prevent the need for expensive and dramatic interventions like dialysis and transplantation.
Dr. Morgan Grams, co-lead author, emphasized the problem of underdiagnosis:
According to the researchers, "Chronic kidney disease is underdiagnosed and undertreated." They state that the report underscores the vital need for more urine testing for early detection and the imperative to ensure patients have affordable access to necessary therapy once they are diagnosed.
Grams also noted that new medications are now available to slow the disease's progression and reduce cardiovascular risks, though it will take time for these advances to show a global impact. She cautioned that because the condition is undertested, the true prevalence may be even higher than the current estimates suggest.
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
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