Screening for Kidney Disease in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

Kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death worldwide and disproportionately increases morbidity and mortality for people residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Considering the high burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on patients, society, and health care systems, strategies to improve screening for CKD need to be prioritized. With appropriate interventions, screening could prevent progression of early stages of CKD and, ultimately, reduce the need for kidney replacement therapy. Unfortunately, few data exist to inform screening strategies for early detection and management of CKD in LMICs, where risk factors for CKD may differ from those in high-income countries. We review here the epidemiology of kidney disease in LMICs, current practices for screening for kidney disease, and challenges and opportunities available to LMICs. We also recommend ways in which screening could be improved for early identification and care for patients with kidney disease in LMICs and highlight critical gaps in knowledge.

Keywords: Kidney disease; low-income countries; middle-income countries; screening.