As the incidence of diabetes and hypertension continues to grow
worldwide – and increasing numbers of patients progressing to kidney
disease and kidney failure place a financial strain on public health
systems – the need for early patient education about kidney disease and
treatment options, including home-based treatments, has become critical.
“A Prospective Evaluation of
Renal Replacement Therapy Modality Eligibility”
More than 240 million people have diabetes and this figure is projected
to rise to 380 million by 2025. In the United States alone,
17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes resulting in medical and
indirect costs (e.g., lost workdays, restricted activities and
disability) of $174 billion or approximately one of every five health
care dollars spent in US. About 40 percent of people with
diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease, which also increases the
risk of cardiovascular or other complications. Today, 26
million American adults have chronic kidney disease and millions of
others are at increased risk.
“People with diabetes or hypertension, over the age of 60 or with a
family history of kidney disease are at higher risk of progressing to
chronic kidney disease. These patients should undergo screening and talk
to their doctor about this disease regardless of if they display
symptoms,” said Sarah Prichard, MD, vice president of global clinical
affairs for Baxter’s Renal business. “Early detection of chronic kidney
disease can dramatically affect how long you can preserve kidney
function, what treatment options you will have and ultimately determine
the quality of life you will experience while living with the disease.”
Baxter encourages patients with diabetes or hypertension around the
world to learn about the symptoms and treatment options for chronic
kidney disease on World Kidney Day, March 11. World Kidney Day is a
global health campaign of The International Society of Nephrology (ISN)
and the International Federation of Kidney Foundation (IFKF) that raises
awareness about the importance of our kidneys and reducing the frequency
and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.
According to two recent studies, chronic kidney disease patients who
received early guidance from their nephrologist about their condition
and dialysis treatment had a significantly lower risk of death within
the first year of treatment. Studies have also
demonstrated that people living with kidney disease who are informed
about treatment options and are given a choice more often choose a home
therapy.
Several studies report that patients on peritoneal dialysis, the most
common type of home dialysis, are more satisfied with their care and
experience a reduced impact of kidney disease on their lives compared to
patients receiving in-center hemodialysis. In addition,
home dialysis is cost-effective, associated with continued employment
and can offer more flexibility and time for family and social
activities. Recent studies also indicate that more than 75 percent of
dialysis patients are eligible to choose either a home or center
dialysis modality.
Recently, a new Medicare benefit went into effect that provides chronic
kidney disease patients with six face-to-face kidney disease and
treatment options education sessions, and provides physicians and
certain physician extenders with reimbursement for educating patients.
These classes are intended to educate patients about ways to slow the
rate of kidney function loss, attenuate complications associated with
kidney failure and provide them with information about treatment options
(transplant, home dialysis, or in-center dialysis).
“It is important for people with diabetes and hypertension to learn as
much as possible about the progression of kidney failure to prevent
complications from chronic kidney disease,” said Prichard. “If kidney
replacement treatment is necessary, patients should learn about all of
their treatment options to select one that is best suited to their
condition and lifestyle.”
The human kidney works to remove wastes and fluids from the body. When
kidney disease progresses, the kidneys work less and less effectively.
If the disease is detected early, lifestyle changes and selected
medications can preserve kidney function for a longer period of time. If
the disease progresses, people living with kidney disease must depend on
renal replacement therapies, usually in the form of dialysis or
transplantation, to make up for lost kidney function in order to
survive. People may receive dialysis treatment at home (peritoneal or
home hemodialysis), or in a dialysis center or hospital (in-center
hemodialysis).
Source Baxter International Inc.,
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