Chronic Kidney Disease, A Herculean Task: Are There Effective Means Of Engagement In Alleviating The Burden?

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases are on the rise in India, of which chronic kidney disease (CKD) forms a considerable part. Little is known about CKD in India. The CKD registry of India submitted its first report in 2012 attempting to decipher the load of CKD. Only the tip of the iceberg has been explored, because this registry is the data collection from 200 odd nephrologists to whom these patients were referred, which is hospital based. The burden of CKD is felt to be immense and presumed to catapult in the forthcoming years. The available facilities for renal replacement therapy are sparse, confined to urban areas and certain regions of the country. There is an imminent need for focusing on preventive aspect including screening practices and educational measures to alleviate the burden of CKD. Screening of high risk groups with urine dipstick test and serum creatinine estimation and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on this, is currently recommended by international experts, although debate exists as to whether to screen the entire population or only susceptible and older individuals. Educational interventions aimed at creating awareness are warranted owing to the current circumstances. The Government has to put in place decisive measures to control and monitor the disease. Public private partnerships could play a major role in the future. For the control of CKD as a whole in India, participation from professionals industry, philanthropic organizations with active involvement of Government is necessary.