Burden of CKD in the Irish Health System

Assessing the burden and progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in the Irish Health System

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects at least 1 in 10 persons in Ireland and may if untreated progress to kidney failure and premature cardiovascular disease and death. Early identification of kidney disease and treatment of underlying risk factors can slow the progression and prevent or delay the need for dialysis treatment. For those who develop kidney failure, the outcomes are even poorer with an average life expectancy of 5 years or less despite advancements in dialysis and introduction of evidence-based guidelines. While the epidemiology of kidney disease is well characterized in many countries, there is a major lack of information on kidney disease in Ireland.