The Global Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease: How Valid Are the Estimates?

Vol. 110, No. 1, 2008

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The Global Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease: How Valid Are the Estimates?
Richard J. Glassock^a, Christopher Winearls^b

^aThe David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, Calif., USA;
^bOxford Kidney Unit, Oxford, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Nephron Clin Pract 2008;110:c39-c47 (DOI: 10.1159/000151244)

Key Words

Chronic renal disease
End-stage kidney disease
Epidemiology
Glomerular filtration rate

Abstract

Background/Aims: The values for the global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are poorly understood. Current classification schemas may overstate the prevalance of CKD. This minireview analyzes the pitfalls in the use of current classification approaches for identifying CKD on a global basis. Methods: Literature review and comment. Results: Published estimates for the global burden of CKD are likely to be incorrect and inflated. Overestimations of prevalence have occurred due to flaws in the classification systems employed and in ascertainment methods. Conclusions: A revision of the current system of diagnosing and classifying CKD is needed in order to determine with greater precision true global burden of CKD. A new system is proposed.

Author Contacts

Richard J. Glassock, MD
8 Bethany
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (USA)
Tel. +1 949 388 8885, Fax +1 949 388 8882
E-Mail Glassock@cox.net

Article Information

Published online: August 8, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 9
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 48

Medline Abstract (ID 18689986)

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