Understanding Nephrology and Chronic Kidney Disease: Key Findings

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health issue, ranking as the eighth leading cause of death. It leads to 3.16 million deaths annually and substantial healthcare costs. A recent study estimated the prevalence of CKD in Ireland.

The study found that CKD has a high impact on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and is projected to become the fifth leading cause of years lost by 2040. The rising burden of CKD is driven by factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, an aging population, and socioeconomic factors.

The study, based on the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), analyzed data from participants aged 50+ years. It identified risk groups for population health planning in Ireland and found that CKD prevalence was highest in patients with various chronic conditions.

Another study focused on predicting kidney failure and mortality in CKD patients. The study compared different models and found that the 'KDpredict' model was more accurate in predicting kidney failure risk and mortality compared to existing models.

Furthermore, a review highlighted the close relationship between the immune system and kidneys, emphasizing the role of immune components in kidney diseases.

Additionally, a study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of statin therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in older adults with CKD, showing benefits without increased risk of adverse events.

Lastly, a paper on SGLT-2 inhibitors recommended their use for adults with CKD, with varying levels of recommendation based on the risk of CKD progression and complications.

According to the source: Irish Medical Times.