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The growth of chronic kidney disease has been on researchers' radars for years. How it impacts us, the healthcare system at large, and where it is going are areas of focus. The IMPACT-CKD study highlights the growing global health crisis posed by chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040. The rising rates of CKD will strain healthcare systems and have significant economic implications.
The study focused on the importance of early detection and treatment of CKD from a holistic perspective. The goal is to reduce the clinical, economic, societal, and environmental burdens associated with the disease. Using patient-level simulation, the model projected the impact of CKD from 2022 to 2032 in several countries. It mapped national and regional CKD treatment pathways and considered various perspectives.
Study Findings
Results show that by 2032, CKD will effect a significant percentage of the population in the studied countries. It also found that advanced-stage CKD and dialysis requirements would increase. This will lead to a significant rise in renal replacement therapy costs and associated emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Billions of missed workdays projected across the countries will impact economic productivity as well.
The forecast indicates that by 2032, CKD rates will range from 11.7% in Australia to 16.5% in the United States, with China projected to have a prevalence of 14%. Advanced-stage CKD is expected to rise by at least 30% in several countries. The implications of these forecasts are significant, with dialysis requirements predicted to increase by 75% or more in all analyzed countries. Additionally, renal replacement therapy costs are forecasted to increase by 77% or more. Kidney disease-related hospital visits will rise by at least 23% in seven of the nations.
Further Impact
The environmental impact of treatment is substantial! Projections indicate significant freshwater consumption, fossil fuel use, and carbon emissions. There is an urgent need for tailored and sustainable interventions. These can address the clinical, economic, and environmental consequences of CKD.
These trends have real economic consequences, with patients in the eight countries projected to miss 2.85 billion workdays over 10 years. The estimated loss in tax revenue for these countries amounts to $37 billion. Furthermore, dialysis treatments alone use as much water annually as 2.7 million households and emit as much carbon dioxide as 17.3 million cars.
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