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Global Chronic Kidney Disease Cases Double, Now Ninth Leading Cause of Death Worldwide
Chronic kidney disease has been named the ninth leading cause of global death, marking its entry into the top ten most deadly diseases for the first time, according to comprehensive new research published in the medical journal The Lancet.
Researchers from NYU Langone Health, the University of Glasgow, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington analyzed data from 2,230 published papers and health datasets from 133 countries to track the disease’s global impact and spread.
The findings reveal an alarming trend: cases have more than doubled from 378 million in 1990 to 788 million in 2023. Approximately 14% of the world’s adult population now suffers from chronic kidney disease, with 1.5 million deaths attributed to the condition in 2023—a 6% increase since 1993.
“These results classify chronic kidney disease as common, deadly and getting worse as a major public health issue,” said study co-senior author Josef Coresh, M.D., Ph.D., director of NYU Langone’s Optimal Aging Institute. “These findings support efforts to recognize the condition alongside cancer, heart disease and mental health concerns as a major priority for policymakers around the world.”
The research, conducted as part of the Global Burden of Disease 2023 study and presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s annual Kidney Week conference, represents “the most comprehensive estimate of the condition in nearly a decade,” according to the authors.
Chronic kidney disease causes the kidneys to progressively lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. While mild cases may present no symptoms, advanced stages can require dialysis, kidney replacement therapy, or organ transplantation.
The study also identified impaired kidney function as a key risk factor for heart disease, contributing to approximately 12% of global cardiovascular mortality. The primary risk factors associated with kidney disease include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high body mass index (BMI).
Morgan Grams, M.D., Ph.D., the Susan and Morris Mark Professor of Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and study co-lead author, emphasized that chronic kidney disease remains “underdiagnosed and undertreated” despite its prevalence.
“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,” she stated.
The study offers a silver lining: most patients identified were in early stages of the disease, when interventions such as medications and lifestyle changes can still improve outcomes before dialysis or surgery becomes necessary. New medications that can slow disease progression and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure have recently become available, though their global impact may take time to manifest.
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel, who was not involved in the study, described the increase as “dramatic” and agreed that kidney disease is “vastly underestimated and underdiagnosed,” partly because early stages often show no symptoms.
“The kidneys are filters of waste and managers of electrolytes and acid/base balance,” Siegel explained. “They are very sensitive to changes in blood pressure and blood flow, and can lead to loss of protein and electrolytes when damaged.”
Siegel noted that various conditions impact kidney function, including “high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, diabetes and low blood pressure,” resulting in “a high degree of secondary kidney disease and failure in addition to primary damage to the kidneys themselves.”
He urged physicians to be more vigilant about monitoring kidney function and the potential impacts of certain medications on kidney health.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Gates Foundation, and the National Kidney Foundation, underscoring the growing recognition of kidney disease as a global health priority requiring increased attention and resources.
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14 Comments
This is a troubling trend. Chronic kidney disease is a serious and often underdiagnosed condition that can have devastating consequences. More research and public awareness are needed to address this growing global health issue.
Agreed, the doubling of cases over the past three decades is quite alarming. Early detection and management of chronic kidney disease are crucial to improving outcomes.
The global surge in chronic kidney disease cases is a wake-up call for policymakers and healthcare systems around the world. Prioritizing preventive measures and equitable access to quality care will be crucial to stemming this tide.
Absolutely. Concerted efforts on multiple fronts, from research to public education to healthcare system strengthening, will be needed to effectively tackle this complex challenge.
It’s concerning to see chronic kidney disease rise to the 9th leading cause of death worldwide. This highlights the need for better prevention, screening, and access to treatment, especially in developing countries.
You’re right, the global impact of this disease is significant. Addressing the underlying risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity will be key to curbing the rise in chronic kidney disease.
This is a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness of global health challenges. Addressing chronic kidney disease will require a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health.
Well said. Integrating kidney health into the broader sustainable development agenda could help drive more holistic and impactful solutions to this growing public health crisis.
The doubling of chronic kidney disease cases is alarming and underscores the need for a comprehensive global strategy to address the underlying risk factors and improve access to quality care.
I agree, a coordinated international effort is crucial to tackling this issue effectively. Sharing best practices and allocating resources to the regions most affected will be key.
While the findings are concerning, I’m hopeful that increased awareness and advancements in early detection and treatment can help mitigate the impact of chronic kidney disease in the years ahead.
That’s a good point. Innovations in diagnostic tools and therapies, coupled with public education campaigns, could make a significant difference in managing this growing health challenge.
The surge in chronic kidney disease cases is a sobering reminder of the growing burden of non-communicable diseases globally. Investing in public health infrastructure and education will be critical to tackling this challenge.
Absolutely, this is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Integrating kidney health into universal healthcare coverage should be a priority for policymakers worldwide.