CKD now a silent health threat, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has entered the top 10 causes of death globally for the first time.
• The number of people living with CKD worldwide increased significantly from 378 million in 1990 to 788 million in 2023.
• In 2023, CKD was the ninth leading cause of death globally, responsible for 1.48 million deaths.
• Impaired kidney function is a major risk factor for heart disease, contributing to approximately 12% of global cardiovascular deaths.
• The analysis was led by researchers from NYU Langone Health, the University of Glasgow, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.

Detailed Insights:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, often remaining asymptomatic in early stages.
• The primary causes of CKD include diabetes mellitus and hypertension, which damage the tiny filters and blood vessels within the kidneys.
• Other significant risk factors contributing to CKD include glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, obesity, smoking, and the long-term use of certain medications.
• Complications of advanced CKD can lead to serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, anemia, bone disorders, and metabolic acidosis.
• Early detection and management are crucial for slowing the progression of CKD, involving regular health check-ups, blood pressure and blood sugar control, and lifestyle modifications.
• In India, CKD is a growing public health concern, with an estimated 115 million cases in 2017, driven by the rising prevalence of diabetes and hypertension.
• Challenges in India include a lack of public awareness, limited access to specialized healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and high out-of-pocket expenses for treatment.
• Government initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme aim to address the burden of CKD and other NCDs.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Chronic diseases that are not passed from person to person, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.
• Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study: A comprehensive regional and global research program assessing mortality and disability from major diseases, injuries, and risk factors.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, often exacerbated by impaired kidney function.