Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in central and eastern europe

Background: The world population suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is growing. The epidemiology of ESRD is relatively well documented, but data on chronic kidney disease (CKD) are missing, especially in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Early detection of CKD is important because it allows introduction of the therapy that slows the progression of CKD. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of CKD and ESRD in CEE.

Methods: Our data are based on two independent surveys: one concerns epidemiology of CKD, the other ESRD. Moreover, we present rough results from the pilot study PolNef on early detection of CKD, performed in North Poland. Estimated glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria and ultrasound examination were the main diagnostic tools.

Results: Only limited data from South-East Hungary and North Poland were available: the number of CKD patients under nephrological care and on dialysis. According to the PolNef study, using a dipstick test albuminuria was detected in 15.6% of participants but dropped to 11.9% when it was measured using the turbidimetric method.

Conclusions: Data concerning epidemiology of CKD in CEE are missing. Epidemiology of ESRD in CEE seems to be similar to that in Western Europe. PolNef is the first study dealing with renal epidemiological problems in CEE. It shows that renal epidemiological problems in CEE are comparable to those of the other parts of the world. Studies concerning CKD epidemiology in different CEE countries are necessary to confirm that the incidence and prevalence of CKD are similar to those in Western Europe and other parts of the globe.