Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide, according to a study conducted by NYU Langone Health in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.
The study, published last Friday (7/11) in The Lancet, shows that the disease, which currently affects around 14% of the adult population, will kill more than 1.48 million people in 2023.
The number of cases has virtually doubled since 1990, illustrating an ongoing public health problem that is often overlooked.
CKD occurs when the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter blood, causing a buildup of impurities in the body. This is a silent condition, and many patients do not experience symptoms until the damage is severe. If left untreated, it can cause kidney failure, require dialysis or transplantation, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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The number of patients with chronic kidney disease is expected to increase as diabetes progresses.
Researchers highlight that an aging population and an increase in diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity are among the main factors driving the rise in infections.
Another caveat is the delay in diagnosis. In many countries, especially low- and middle-income countries, CKD is only detected at an advanced stage when treatment is more complex and expensive.
According to this study, CKD also contributes to up to 12% of deaths from heart disease. This highlights the importance of regular monitoring of kidney health with simple blood and urine tests that can detect early changes.
Possible symptoms and signs
- Fatigue, weakness, malaise Persistent — Caused by decreased kidney function and accumulation of toxins.
- Changes in urine — such as changes in urinary frequencythe urine has a different appearance (dark color, foamy), or blood is present (hematuria).
- Swelling (edema) — especially around the anklesBecause the kidneys are unable to properly remove excess fluid, it can build up on the feet and legs, and sometimes on the hands and face.
- High blood pressure or blood pressure that is difficult to control — Because the kidneys play a role in controlling blood pressure.
- loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting — In more advanced stages, toxins accumulate in the body.
- Itchy or dry skin, changes in bad breath (ammonia odor, etc.) —There are also signs that waste products are accumulating in the body.
- Changes in concentration and feeling of mental “moyamoya” — Due to general impairment of renal function.
prevention
Experts say prevention is the most effective method. Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, eating a balanced diet, avoiding excess salt and ultra-processed foods, and not abusing drugs without medical advice are essential ways to protect your kidneys.
Although this alert is global, it has a direct impact on Brazil, where increases in diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure have increased the risk of kidney disease. The authors say there is a need to invest in public tracking policies and expand access to treatments such as dialysis and transplants, especially in public networks.
According to this study, chronic kidney disease should no longer be considered a rare or distant disease. It is already one of the leading causes of death on earth and needs to be treated with the same priority as other chronic diseases.
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