Nearly 50% of Mumbaikars in the age group of 50 to 60 years are suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) says an ongoing study being carried by Narmada Kidney foundation- a Mumbai based NGO working on kidney disease. The study was started in January 2014 and so far screened 221 people above the age of 50 years of age.
Dr Bharat Shah, director, Institute of Renal Sciences, Global Hospital, Mumbai and Managing Trustee, Narmada Kidney Foundation said: "This year, the theme of world kidney day is chronic kidney disease and aging. To determine the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in senior citizens, Narmada Kidney Foundation has been screening senior citizens (>60 years old) in different societies. The screening is done in those not known to be having kidney disease."
According to Dr Shah, it was found that the prevalence of CKD was 51.6% in age group 51-60, 57.4% in 61-70, 90.5% in 71 to 80 age group. The foundation plans to conduct the screening throughout the year.
Dr Jatin Kothari, consultant nephrologist, PD Hinduja hospital said: "The incidence of CKD in elderly population is high and it is an age related problem. We can spread awareness on how to prevent or detect in early so that we can bring down the burden of CKD in the society and the morbidity."
With many youth getting diabetes and hypertension at a young age, doctors fear that the CKD burden is only going to rise in near future. "Diabetes and hypertension are known factors of CKD. It is therefore very important that patients of diabetes and hypertension have a routine kidney function tests done," said Dr Rajesh Kumar, nephrologist from Dr LH Hiranandani hospital.
Regular urine test in diabetic and high blood pressure patient can detect leak of small amounts of protein called albumin leak in urine. This is the earliest sign to find out abnormal kidney function.
"Apart from diabetes and hypertension, there is a set of group where the cause of CKD is undetected and unexplained. This is because of abuse of painkillers. In world medical literature, this group is third most common reason. Elderly people with urinary tract infections also need to do a routine check," said Dr Kothari.
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