RP observes first World Kidney Day

The Philippine Society of Nephrology, the organization of physicians specializing in kidney diseases, joins the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations in observing the first World Kidney Day today.

The theme of this year’s World Kidney Day, which is to be held every second Thursday of March each year, is "Early Detection and Prevention." 

The World Kidney Day focuses on raising awareness of chronic kidney disease and its associated cardiovascular complications and drawing attention to the urgent global need for early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease. 

Early detection can be accomplished through systematic testing for serum creatinine or urine albumin, particularly among high-risk individuals such as those over 50 or those who are obese, who smoke, or have diabetes (or a history of diabetes in the family), or hypertension.

In the Philippines, kidney disease ranks seventh among the top 10 causes of death. Some 10,000 Filipinos are expected to develop end-stage renal disease every year.

The leading causes of ESRD are diabetes, chronic glumerulonephritis, and hypertension.

"If we don’t recognize and treat kidney disease early, it can lead to kidney failure which is very costly," said Dr. Albert Chua, president of the Philippine Society of Nephrology.

The number of Filipinos starting dialysis or having kidney transplant increases by more than 10 percent every year, according to latest statistics.

Chua said people who are at least 40 years old should have their urine checked once a year. Those who have a family history of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease should be examined at an earlier age.

Kidney failure can be prevented and/or delayed when detected early by:

• Early screening for kidney disease of people at high risk;

• Adequate blood sugar and blood pressure control;

• Stopping smoking

• Avoiding dehydration and exposure to some drugs and herbs that are harmful to the kidney; and

• Having urinary tract infection or obstruction treated.

For more information on how to take care of your kidney, consult your primary care physician or a certified nephrologist.