Are Your Kidneys Okay? – Call For Action On World Kidney Day

lthough largely an ‘invisible’ killer, experts want the public to know that kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.

A paper published in Nephrology entitled ‘Diabetic nephropathy without the diabetes: If not hyperglycaemia, then what?, highlights the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the molecular mediators of the disease, as current treatments are only partially effective. Authored by Associate Professor Robyn Langham, Director of Nephrology at Melbourne’s St. Vincent’s Hospital, the paper draws attention to the fact that diabetic nephropathy is the major cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide.CEO of Kidney Health Australia – the lead organization in promoting education, consumer participation, research and health service excellence in Australia – Ms Anne Wilson said, “The simple and proven fact is that if kidney disease is detected early and managed appropriately, the relentless progression to kidney failure that usually occurs can be slowed or reduced by between 20- 50% in most cases.”The slogan for this year’s World Kidney Day resonates in the editorial published in Nephrology, driving home the message that action – prompted by awareness and education – is key when it comes to successfully combating this chronic disease.”Editor-in-Chief of Nephrology, Professor David Harris, added, “This year’s key message, ‘Are your kidneys OK?’ is aimed at creating an awareness amongst policy makers of the potential benefits that will be reaped by both patients and health-care budgets – when attention is paid to the issue of kidney health.Diabetic nephropathy is the commonest cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Early detection is vital for the treatment and prevention of any disease and kidney disease is no exception.Research shows that not enough is known about the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Surveys indicate that even the better educated and developed countries have a shallow understanding of kidneys – including lack of basic information on the location and function of kidneys. The call for action cannot be emphasized enough – there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for the prevention and management of kidney disease.With improved research and better information available on the disease, the world would then stand a better chance of responding to the answer to the question; “Are your kidneys OK?” with a resounding and confident, “Yes!”(Source: Nephrology : St. Vincent’s Hospital : March 2007.)