Kidney Diseases in the Developing World and Ethnic Minorities PDF

Preface

An increasing number of patients worldwide are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is reflected, to some extent, in the number of patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) which is increasing globally by around 5–10% annually. It is anticipated that more than two million patients with endstage renal disease (ESRD) will be on RRT by 2010. Unfortunately, the cost of RRT is prohibitive for most health care systems in the developing world. In fact, individuals in 110 of 222 countries do not have any access to RRT, leaving around 600 million at risk of death if they contract CKD and ESRD. Also, socioeconomic deprivation affecting ethnic minorities in developed countries has been implicated in the higher incidence of CKD. With that in mind, a more critical evaluation of health care provision for CKD in the developing world as well as in ethnic minorities is urgently warranted.

This book aims to address the global health care crisis and challenge of CKD. It reviews the epidemiology, causes, and natural history of CKD in the developing world and in ethnic minorities living in developed countries. It highlights the link among diabetes, hypertension, and CKD, as well as the impact of CKD on cardiovascular complications. It addresses health economic issues relevant to the global provision of renal health care. The book also examines successful examples of training and education links and collaboration between developing and developed countries. Finally, it describes several research initiatives undertaken in the developing world aimed at the early detection and prevention of CKD.

The contributors to the book are all leading international experts in their respective fields. They have considerable experience in training, education, and research in nephrology in developing countries as well as in ethnic minorities residing in the West.

It is hoped that this monograph will provide many, in the developing as well as developed world, with the information and insights necessary to stem the global tide of CKD with its ravaging consequences.