Chronic kidney disease

Globally, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease is estimated to be approximately 850 million cases, with approximately 4 million individuals needing kidney replacement therapy for kidney failure. By 2050, chronic kidney disease is projected to become the fifth leading underlying cause of death worldwide. Despite its numerous causes, chronic kidney disease can be screened for, diagnosed, and staged with simple laboratory tests. Individuals with chronic kidney disease are at increased risk of kidney failure and many other health implications. Risk of premature cardiovascular disease is particularly noteworthy, as most patients with chronic kidney disease develop a disability or die from cardiovascular disease before ever progressing to kidney failure. Since 2019, large randomised trials have identified several effective treatments that both slow progressive kidney function decline and reduce cardiovascular risk, greatly expanding available treatments for chronic kidney disease. The wide range of complications associated with chronic kidney disease means that patients encounter many different specialties. Active engagement in chronic kidney disease identification and timely initiation of cost-effective interventions by all clinicians could now substantially reduce the global burden of complications of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.