The impact of CKD identification in large countries: the burden of illness

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a major public health issue worldwide and an important contributor to the overall non-communicable disease burden. It is associated with major serious consequences including increased risk of mortality, end-stage renal disease, accelerated cardiovascular disease (CVD), mineral and bone disease, adverse metabolic and nutritional consequences, infections, reduced cognitive function and increased risk of acute kidney injury. Mortality from CVD is estimated to be at least 8- to 10-fold higher in CKD subjects compared to non-CKD subjects. Estimates from different parts of the world, especially large countries, reveal an increasing incidence and prevalence of CKD. This is partly attributed to the global increasing prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and CVD. The global economic impact of CKD is tremendous. This calls for the need of a global effort to raise awareness of CKD, to incorporate prevention of CKD progression program in the public health agenda and to implement programs for early screening and detection of CKD, especially in high-risk population so to allow early institution of treatment to prevent further CKD progression. Hopefully, by doing so, we may reduce CKD burden globally over time and, most importantly, improve the health outcomes of patients with CKD.