Abstract
BackgroundThe extent and the distribution of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) in Libya have not been reported despite provision of dialysis over 4 decades. This study aimed to develop the first comprehensive description of the epidemiology of dialysis-treated ESKD in Libya.MethodsStructured demographic and clinical data were obtained regarding all adult patients treated at all maintenance dialysis facilities (n=39) in Libya from May to September 2009. Subsequently data were collected prospectively on all new patients who started dialysis from September 2009 to August 2010. Population estimates were obtained from the Libyan national statistics department. The age and gender breakdown of the population in each region was obtained from mid-2009 population estimates based on 2006 census data.ResultsThe prevalence of dialysis-treated ESKD was 624 per million population (pmp). 85% of prevalent patients were aged <65 years and 58% were male. The prevalence of ESKD varied considerably with age with a peak at 55–64 years (2475 pmp for males; 2197 pmp for females). The annual incidence rate was 282 pmp with some regional variation and a substantially higher rate in the South (617 pmp). The most common cause of ESKD among prevalent and incident patients was diabetes. Other important causes were glomerulonephritis, hypertensive nephropathy and congenital or hereditary diseases.ConclusionsLibya has a relatively high prevalence and incidence of dialysis-treated ESKD. As the country prepares to redevelop its healthcare system it is hoped that these data will guide strategies for the prevention of CKD and planning for the provision of renal replacement therapy.
Highlights
The extent and the distribution of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) in Libya have not been reported despite provision of dialysis over 4 decades
Our study shows a prevalence rate for ESKD markedly higher than rates estimated for the Mediterranean region of 312 to 352 pmp [10,11] despite similar demographic and socioeconomic characteristics between Libya and neighbouring countries
We have described the epidemiology of ESKD among patients receiving dialysis but there are no data regarding patients with ESKD who died without the benefit of dialysis
Summary
The extent and the distribution of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) in Libya have not been reported despite provision of dialysis over 4 decades. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is highly prevalent globally. It has become a major public health problem and is associated with considerable co-morbidity and mortality. Libya is a sparsely populated medium-developed country but it has a high prevalence of risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity [1,2,3,4]. Attention paid by to redevelop its healthcare system these data will be vital to guide strategies for the prevention of CKD and planning for the provision of renal replacement therapy
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