Surge in CKD Cases Sparks Call for Early Diagnosis and Better Care

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing public health crisis in India, affecting a significant percentage of the population and causing over 100,000 new cases of kidney failure annually. Despite its prevalence, early detection remains low, often leading to severe complications like hyperkalemia, which increases the risk of heart failure. To address the growing incidence of CKD, the Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) Council, in collaboration with AstraZeneca and Regency Health, hosted a virtual discussion on “Chronic Kidney Disease & Management of Hyperkalemia,” bringing together leading healthcare experts to explore solutions for early diagnosis, treatment, and policy improvements. The experts shared clinical insights and explored the latest advancements in CKD & Hyperkalemia management.

CKD is a progressive condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, symptoms are often minimal or go unnoticed, making it difficult for individuals to recognize the condition until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. Recent research published in the Nephrology journal underscores the alarming rise in CKD cases across India. Analyzing data from 2011 to 2023, the study found that CKD prevalence among individuals aged 15 and above increased from 11.2% (2011-2017) to 16.38% (2018-2023). The findings also highlighted a significant rural-urban disparity, with CKD affecting 15.34% of the rural population compared to 10.65% in urban areas.

During the exclusive virtual panel discussion designed to drive awareness, all speakers unanimously agreed that early detection, proactive disease management, and improved healthcare accessibility are crucial to tackling the rising burden of CKD in India. They emphasized the need for stronger policy measures, enhanced patient education, and the integration of technology to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure timely intervention.

Dr. Ranjan Sarkar, Senior Consultant Nephrologist at Manipal Hospital, Kolkata, emphasized the importance of routine screenings and proactive management to prevent CKD from reaching an advanced stage. He stated, "By the time kidney disease reaches a critical point, treatment options like dialysis or transplantation become necessary, both of which come with significant financial, medical, and lifestyle challenges. Regular blood pressure monitoring, adherence to prescribed treatments, and routine kidney function tests—such as eGFR, creatinine levels, and urine albumin-creatinine ratio are essential in detecting CKD early. Early intervention not only helps slow disease progression but also reduces the risk of severe complications, improving long-term health outcomes."  

Dr. Manisha Sahay, Professor and Head, Department of Nephrology at Osmania General Hospital & Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, addressed the rising burden of CKD, stating, "The increasing prevalence of CKD is largely driven by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Diets high in processed foods, excessive salt, and sugar contribute significantly to these conditions, placing individuals at a greater risk of kidney disease. As CKD progresses, patients may require dialysis to remove waste buildup in the blood. While dialysis helps improve quality of life, it is not a cure and demands significant lifestyle adjustments. Preventing CKD requires better awareness, early screening, and effective management of diabetes and hypertension to reduce the growing number of people requiring dialysis and other intensive treatments."

She further noted, "Hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication in CKD patients due to the kidneys' reduced ability to filter out excess potassium. While medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, statins, and potassium binders like patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate have proven effective in managing CKD and hyperkalemia, long-term use of certain drugs can lead to metabolic imbalances and other health complications. Treatment plans must be carefully monitored and personalized, balancing medication benefits with potential risks to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients."

Stressing the role of technology in bridging the healthcare accessibility gap, Dr. Ranjan Sarkar stated, "Tele-consultation through the hub-and-spoke model has the potential to make a huge difference by connecting patients with specialists without requiring extensive travel. However, to truly address the CKD crisis, efforts must focus on both prevention and treatment."

Mr. Kamal Shah, Co-founder of NephroPlus, who has been on dialysis for 28 years, highlighted the need for a more patient-centric approach to CKD management. "Effectively managing kidney disease requires continuous patient education and stronger coordination between specialists and primary care providers. Strengthening support systems, ensuring better adherence to treatment regimens, and leveraging technology in routine care can greatly improve long-term outcomes. Awareness initiatives play a crucial role in early detection, but ultimately, preventing CKD through proactive health measures is far more cost-effective than managing its complications and treatment in the later stages," he said.

While effective treatments for CKD exist, many patients in rural regions struggle to access them due to a lack of nearby healthcare facilities and specialists. The financial burden of traveling long distances for treatment often leads to delays or discontinuation of care, worsening the disease over time. Strengthening primary healthcare centers with well-trained personnel and better diagnostic facilities is essential to bridging this gap. Early testing and timely intervention remain the most effective strategies for reducing the burden of CKD and improving patient outcomes.