Chronic kidney disease, a stealthy condition often going unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage, is claiming the lives of up to 45,000 people annually in the UK. Alarmingly, about one million UK residents are living with this potentially fatal ailment without being aware of it.

Recent studies have highlighted a staggering increase in the global prevalence of chronic kidney disease. The number of individuals affected has surged from 378 million in 1990 to 788 million in 2023, driven by global population growth and aging. For the first time, chronic kidney disease has entered the ranks of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.

The research, conducted by experts from NYU Langone Health, the University of Glasgow, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, investigated the growing impact of this disease. Chronic kidney disease gradually impairs the kidneys’ function in filtering waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream. While mild stages may go unnoticed, severe cases often require dialysis, kidney replacement therapy, or a transplant.

The study revealed that around 14 percent of adults globally are afflicted with chronic kidney disease. In 2023, the condition was responsible for approximately 1.5 million deaths, marking a more than 6% increase since 1993, even after adjusting for age demographic changes across different countries.

Chronic kidney disease has now joined the ranks of the world’s top 10 causes of death, alongside conditions such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, lung cancer, diabetes, lower respiratory infections, and hypertensive heart disease, according to the Daily Record.

“Our research highlights that chronic kidney disease is a widespread, deadly issue that is worsening as a significant public health concern,” said Dr. Josef Coresh, co-senior author of the study and director of NYU Langone’s Optimal Aging Institute. “These findings underscore the need for policymakers worldwide to recognize this condition as a major health priority, alongside cancer, heart disease, and mental health issues.”

In May, the World Health Organisation officially added chronic kidney disease to its agenda, aiming to reduce premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases by a third before 2030. To tackle this epidemic, experts first need an up-to-date understanding of its population trends, says Dr. Coresh.

The latest report, published online on November 7 in The Lancet, is the most comprehensive estimate of the condition in nearly a decade, according to the authors. It was concurrently presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s annual Kidney Week conference.

Scientists examined 2,230 published research papers and national health datasets across 133 countries. Beyond searching for patterns in diagnoses and death rates, the research team investigated the burden of disability caused by chronic kidney disease.

They discovered that CKD was not only a deadly condition in itself but that compromised kidney function served as a major risk factor for heart disease, accounting for approximately 12 percent of global cardiovascular deaths. The findings also revealed that in 2023, the illness ranked as the 12th leading cause of diminished life quality due to disability.

The majority of individuals with chronic kidney disease in the research were in the initial phases of the condition. This proves significant, according to Dr. Coresh, as prompt treatment using medications and lifestyle modifications can prevent the requirement for more severe and costly interventions including dialysis and kidney transplantation.

“Chronic kidney disease is underdiagnosed and undertreated,” stated study co-lead author Morgan Grams, MD, PhD. “Our report underscores the need for more urine testing to catch it early and the need to ensure that patients can afford and access therapy once they are diagnosed.”

Dr. Grams, the Susan and Morris Mark Professor of Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said innovative medications have emerged in the past five years that can halt kidney disease advancement and decrease the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Dr Grams also warned that chronic kidney disease may be more prevalent than currently believed due to under-testing.

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

The NHS states that chronic kidney disease is typically caused by other conditions that put a strain on the kidneys. It’s often the result of a combination of different problems. It can be caused by:

You can help prevent CKD by making healthy lifestyle changes and ensuring any underlying conditions you have are well controlled.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Early Stages

The NHS says that kidney disease does not usually cause symptoms in its early stages because the body can cope with a significant reduction in kidney function. It’s often only diagnosed at this stage if a routine test for another condition, such as a blood or urine test, detects a possible problem.

If detected early, medication and regular tests may help prevent it from advancing.

Later Stages of CKD

If kidney disease is not detected early or worsens despite treatment, a number of symptoms can develop. These can include:

This stage of CKD is known as kidney failure, end-stage renal disease or established renal failure. It may eventually require treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant.

This stage of CKD, known as kidney failure, end-stage renal disease or established renal failure, may eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

When to Seek Medical Advice

The NHS recommends: “See a GP if you have persistent or worrying symptoms that you think could be caused by kidney disease. The symptoms of kidney disease can be caused by many less serious conditions, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.

“If you do have CKD, it’s best to get it diagnosed as soon as possible. Kidney disease can be diagnosed by having blood and urine tests.”