Chronic Kidney Disease Surges, Now a Top Ten Global Killer

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now a significant global health concern, impacting approximately 788 million individuals worldwide, according to recent research. This condition, often referred to as a silent killer due to its lack of early symptoms, is responsible for the premature deaths of up to 45,000 people annually in the UK alone. The findings highlight CKD as one of the top ten causes of death globally for the first time.

The study, conducted by researchers from NYU Langone Health, the University of Glasgow, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, reveals a dramatic increase in the prevalence of CKD. The number of individuals affected has surged from 378 million in 1990 to an estimated 788 million in 2023, correlating with an aging global population.

Approximately 14 percent of adults worldwide are now believed to suffer from chronic kidney disease. The findings indicate that in 2023 alone, approximately 1.5 million people died from the condition, marking an increase of over 6 percent since 1993. CKD is now ranked among the top ten leading causes of death, alongside stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, lung cancer, diabetes, lower respiratory infections, and hypertensive heart disease.

Understanding the Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease

The report’s findings underscore the severity of chronic kidney disease as a major public health issue. Dr. Josef Coresh, co-senior author of the study and director of NYU Langone’s Optimal Ageing Institute, stated, “Our work shows that chronic kidney disease is common, deadly, and getting worse.” This alarming trend necessitates recognition of CKD as a priority for policymakers, paralleling concerns surrounding cancer, heart disease, and mental health.

In May 2023, the World Health Organisation officially added chronic kidney disease to its agenda, aiming to reduce early deaths from non-communicable diseases by one-third before 2030. To effectively combat this epidemic, a comprehensive understanding of its population patterns is essential, as emphasized by Dr. Coresh, who is also the Terry and Mel Karmazin Professor of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

The report, published in the journal The Lancet on November 7, 2023, is the most extensive assessment of chronic kidney disease in nearly a decade. It was presented during the American Society of Nephrology’s annual Kidney Week conference, drawing on data from 2,230 published research papers and national health datasets across 133 countries.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment

The research team not only investigated the rise in diagnoses and deaths but also examined the disability burden caused by CKD. Their findings revealed that impaired kidney function is a significant risk factor for heart disease, accounting for approximately 12 percent of global cardiovascular deaths. Furthermore, CKD ranks as the 12th leading cause of reduced quality of life due to disability in 2023.

Most individuals with chronic kidney disease identified in the study are in the early stages of the condition. This is significant, as early intervention through medications and lifestyle changes can prevent the need for more invasive treatments such as dialysis or kidney transplants. Dr. Morgan Grams, co-lead author of the study, emphasized that CKD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. “Our report underscores the need for more urine testing to catch it early and ensure patients can afford and access therapy once diagnosed.”

New medications developed over the past five years have shown promise in slowing the progression of kidney disease and reducing the risk of heart-related issues. Nonetheless, Dr. Grams cautions that under-testing may lead to a higher prevalence of CKD than currently recognized.

The NHS outlines that chronic kidney disease typically arises from other health conditions that place stress on the kidneys, often resulting from a combination of factors. Preventive measures, including adopting a healthy lifestyle and effectively managing underlying health issues, are crucial in combating CKD.

In its early stages, chronic kidney disease may not produce noticeable symptoms, as the body can often compensate for reduced kidney function. Diagnosis commonly occurs through routine tests conducted for other medical conditions. If detected early, appropriate medication and monitoring can help manage the disease and prevent progression.

The NHS advises individuals experiencing persistent symptoms that may indicate kidney disease to consult a general practitioner for proper diagnosis. Early detection and intervention are vital in managing chronic kidney disease effectively.