A recent analysis reveals that the number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases in women around the globe nearly tripled in the past three decades. Also, type 2 diabetes and hypertension were the leading causes of CKD-related deaths in women. The research was presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2024 (23–27 October, San Diego, USA).
The analysis drew from the Global Burden of Disease study 2021, a comprehensive effort to quantify health loss across the world over time. The study includes information from 204 countries and territories.
In a press release that coincided with the presentation of the study at the conference, the authors stated that, from 1990 to 2021, the average annual percentage change in CKD prevalence in women increased by 2.10%, mortality by 3.39%, and disability-adjusted life years by 2.48%. They also averred that there have also been significant disparities in CKD-related mortality and morbidity across the world, with marked increases observed particularly in Latin America, North America, and among older adults. According to the researchers, the study showed an “alarming” increased mortality rate attributable to metabolic risk factor over the last decade after a slight decrease between 2000 and 2010.
“This calls for immediate policy interventions, targeted prevention programs, and investment in health care infrastructure to curb the rise of CKD, particularly in high-risk regions. Public awareness campaigns about the importance of early diagnosis, healthy lifestyles, and the management of underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension are critical,” said senior author Hardik Dineshbhai Desai (Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Science, Bhuj, India). “Without swift action, the continued rise of CKD could overwhelm health care systems and lead to increased mortality and morbidity worldwide.”
