Kidney Health for Everyone

March 9, the "World Kidney Day" is celebrated as an important moment to reflect and learn about the measures to prevent chronic disease.

When we mention vital organs, most people think of the heart, probably followed by the brain and lungs; but not everyone is fully aware of the kidneys as essential organs to live. Its importance has been stressed due to the increase in cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), recognized worldwide as a public health problem.

The kidneys function as a regulator of the physical-chemical stability of the body. They constantly filter the body's blood to eliminate toxins that we introduce from outside or that are created through metabolism. In addition, they participate in the regulation of blood pressure, the production of red blood cells and the metabolism of the bones.

In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) there is permanent and progressive damage to the kidneys that can be triggered by multiple causes, whose main cause is diabetes mellitus –the most frequent cause of kidney disease worldwide1–, arterial hypertension, and diseases of the immune system. When the kidneys stop working completely, toxins accumulate and overload the body with water, eventually leading to death if not treatment is given.

Medical science and technology have made it possible for people without kidney function to continue to live with an acceptable quality of life. The best form of treatment is kidney transplant. However, due to various limitations, of the 150,000 patients who required replacement therapy in Mexico in 2021, only 17,000 were on the waiting list for a transplant, of which 12% received an organ.

Most patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease receive treatment through a procedure called dialysis in any of its two forms: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Prevention, diagnosis and treatment
It is currently estimated that around 10% of the population has chronic kidney disease to a certain extent. This percentage is even higher in low and middle-income countries where it is one of the 10 leading causes of death.

More than half of CKD patients are in the early stages (stages 1 and 2 of 5), in which timely diagnosis, medical follow-up, and treatment of progression factors can help delay or avoid the need for therapy substitute. Not only quality replacement treatment is necessary, but also early detection and care for patients in the initial stages.

Photos: Médica Santa Carmen