Daijiworld Media Network - Brussels

Brussels, Jan 16: New data from the European Renal Association (ERA) Registry has revealed a sustained rise in kidney replacement therapy (KRT) across Central and Eastern Europe, while also highlighting sharp disparities between individual countries in access to and delivery of renal care.

The findings, based on registry data from 19 countries, provide the first comprehensive overview of long-term KRT trends in the region between 2010 and 2021. Researchers found that the incidence of KRT, or new cases, increased by an average of 1.5 per cent annually between 2010 and 2019, rising from 106.3 per million population (pmp) in 2010 to 119.6 pmp in 2019.

However, this overall growth masked significant national variation. While Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded a notable decline in KRT incidence, rates remained stable in nine countries and increased in eight others, pointing to persistent inequalities in renal healthcare across the region.

The growth in KRT prevalence was even more pronounced. Across Central and Eastern Europe, prevalence rose by 5.1 per cent per year, increasing from 426.2 pmp in 2010 to 651.2 pmp in 2019. Nearly all countries reported rising prevalence, with Belarus being the only nation where rates remained stable.

The authors noted that the rise in prevalence was largely driven by an increase in kidney transplant recipients, indicating improvements in long-term survival and transplant activity rather than an expansion of dialysis alone.

Contrary to concerns seen in other parts of Europe, the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly disrupt KRT trends in the region. Most incidence and prevalence patterns observed before 2020 continued through to 2021, suggesting resilience in renal care services during the pandemic.

The study also highlighted that variations between countries in Central and Eastern Europe were considerably greater than those reported in Western Europe. These differences may be linked to disparities in healthcare infrastructure, funding levels, organ donation systems and access to transplantation programmes.

Researchers said the findings offer valuable insights for clinicians, policymakers and healthcare planners, and could help support country-specific strategies to optimise KRT provision and reduce inequalities in renal care across the region, as the global burden of end-stage kidney disease continues to rise.