Is renal replacement therapy for all possible in developing countries?

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public health problem. More than one million individuals in the world are on maintenance dialysis, a number that is estimated to double in the next decade. Access to dialysis is significantly different between developed and developing nations. Close to 80% of the world dialysis population is treated in Europe, North America, and Japan, representing 12% of the world's population. The remaining dialysis patients are treated in the developing world. This disparity is likely due to the high cost and complexity of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Dialysis is so costly that is out of reach for low-income countries, which are struggling to provide preventive and therapeutic measures for communicable diseases and other basic needs. Providing renal care to all developing nations, although a difficult task, is not impossible. A number of strategies are proposed. These include the prevention of kidney disease, as well as dialysis and transplantation. Dialysis programs should be decentralized, and kidney transplantation should be promoted as the treatment of choice. The use of generic immunosuppressive drugs can make this therapy more affordable. Peritoneal dialysis seems a good, affordable, therapy for patients living in areas where hemodialysis is not available. Governments should provide funds not only for RRT but also for the prevention of kidney failure. The provision of tax incentives and reaching a critical number of patients on RRT could be incentives for industry to lower the cost of dialysis. The challenges are enormous, but renal care for all could be achieved through a concerted effort between nephrologists, governments, patients, charitable organizations, and industry.