Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology and Risk Assessment
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterised by a sustained decline in renal function, as evidenced by reduced glomerular filtration rate and increased albuminuria. Globally, the burden of CKD is rising, driven by an ageing population and the growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, which remain the primary risk factors in high-income countries. Simultaneously, striking epidemics of chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) have been identified in agricultural communities in Central America, South Asia and parts of Africa, where the disease disproportionately affects young male manual workers. Environmental and occupational exposures, including recurrent heat stress, dehydration and contact with agrochemicals, are implicated alongside traditional vascular risk factors. Epidemiological surveillance relies on standardised staging systems based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria categories, while risk‐prediction models incorporate demographic, clinical and environmental variables to identify individuals at high risk of progression to end-stage renal disease. Advances in biomarker research have introduced markers of tubular injury for earlier detection and improved risk stratification. Preventive strategies increasingly focus on workplace modifications, access to adequate hydration, and population screening initiatives to mitigate disease progression and reduce disparities in treatment access worldwide.
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Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology and Risk Assessment publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in chronic kidney disease epidemiology and risk assessment across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): A calculated index of kidney filtration capacity based on serum creatinine, age, sex and race, used to stage CKD.
Albuminuria: The presence of albumin in the urine, indicating glomerular damage and a marker for CKD progression.
Tubular injury biomarkers: Molecules such as neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin detected in urine, reflecting damage to renal tubular cells.
References
- Endemic Nephropathy Around the World. Kidney International Reports (2016).
- Pesticide exposures and chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology: an epidemiologic review. Environmental Health (2017).
- Intervention to diminish dehydration and kidney damage among sugarcane workers.. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health (2017).
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