Evolution of Chronic Kidney Disease in Different Regions of the World

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global public health issue, affecting over 690 million individuals worldwide. The prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney disease vary considerably across different geographical regions. However, comprehensive and in-depth research on CKD remains limited due to its diverse etiologies. Methods: This study provides a detailed assessment of the disease burden of CKD, considering its etiological basis and utilizing the latest data reflecting changing trends. This research synthesizes findings from previous studies, with the necessary literature sourced from online platforms such as Google Scholar, EMBASE, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases, as well as Global Burden of Disease (GBD), to compare visualizations of the world's CKD levels and trends from 1990 to 2021. Results: The study results demonstrated that eating patterns are affected by historical and industrial factors, which likely contribute to the high prevalence of CKD in Western countries. The data also indicated that the global number of new CKD cases increased from just over 7.8 million in 1990 to nearly 19 million after 30 years. Additionally, the results showed that age and sex together accounted for the observed prevalence and disease-attributable disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates in CKD, with the highest rates seen in older age groups, except for CKD attributed to type 1 diabetes, where the incidence was higher in children, and the burden was greater in middle-aged adults. Conclusions: Overall, these findings are a valuable addition to the existing literature and provide evidence that CKD studies over a similar time frame reveal notable global trends and regional differences in highlighting this increasing burden.

Keywords: chronic kidney disease (CKD); patterns; regional variations; trends.

Figure 1

Study search flow diagram. CKD, chronic kidney disease.

Figure 2

Global increase in chronic kidney disease (CKD) as measures of the global burden of CKD on health comparing the years 1990 and 2021. Figures were generated by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Compare Data Interactive [https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare/ accessed on 1 November 2024], underscoring the increasing prevalence of CKD and its severe impact on health outcomes worldwide. The comparison between 1990 (upper panel) and 2021 (lower panel) further reveals regional variations, illustrating disparities in CKD-related deaths across different regions and income groups. (A) Yearly trend in global DALYs and deaths due to CKD from 1990 to 2021. (B) Changes in both the DALY rates (per 100,000 population) and their distribution across different regions between the years 1990 and 2021, highlighting trends in mortality and morbidity due to CKD over the three-decade period. DALYs, which combine years of life lost due to premature death (YLLs) and years lived with disability (YLDs), provide a comprehensive measure of the long-term health impact of CKD on populations worldwide. (C) Changes in deaths (per 100,000 population) due to CKD between the year 1990 and 2021, emphasizing the growing contribution of CKD to global mortality. (D) Yearly trend in DALYs in the indicated countries from 1990 to 2021, with Mexico experiencing the largest increase among all countries over the past three decades.

Figure 3

Worldwide increase in CKD attributable to metabolic risks, including high fasting plasma glucose, high systolic blood pressure, and high body mass index. Figures were generated by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) compare Interactive, illustrating years lived with disability (YLDs) in 2021 for CKD attributable to (A) metabolic risks, including (B) high fasting plasma glucose, (C) high systolic blood pressure, and (D) high body mass index.

Figure 4

Males and older individuals are at greater risk of CKD. The figures, generated using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Compare Data Interactive, illustrate the disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for CKD, stratified by (A) sex and (B) age.

Figure 5

Geographical reginal hotspots for CKD. CKD hotspots are highlighted in specific regions on the global map.

Figure 6

Worldwide increase in CKD attributable to environmental and occupational risks. Figures were generated by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Compare Data Interactive, illustrating the disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for CKD attributable to (A) environmental and occupational risks, such as (B) high temperatures and (C) lead exposure.

Figure 7

Worldwide increase in CKD attributable to low physical activity. Figures were generated by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Compare Data Interactive, illustrating years lived with disability (YLDs) in (A) 1990 versus (B) 2021 for CKD attributable to low physical activity.

Figure 8

The global increase in CKD is attributed to dietary risks, including diets high in red meat, high in sodium, high in processed meat, and low in vegetables or fruits. Figures were generated by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Compare Data Interactive, illustrating years lived with disability (YLDs) in 2021 for CKD attributable to (A) dietary risks, including (B) diet high in red meat, (C) diet high in sodium, (D) diet high in processed meat, and diet low in (E) vegetables or (F) fruits.