Daijiworld Media Network – Geneva

Geneva, Feb 14: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) continues to pose a significant and uneven global health burden among children and adolescents, according to a new analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study.

The research provides one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of CKD incidence, mortality and disability among individuals aged 0–19 years, revealing widening disparities linked to socioeconomic development and access to care.

In 2021, an estimated 7.54 million children and adolescents worldwide were newly affected by CKD, corresponding to an age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) of 28.62 per 100,000 population. Central Asia recorded the highest incidence rates, while low-middle Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions witnessed the fastest growth over time.

The analysis showed a particularly sharp rise among adolescents aged 14–19 years, with incidence increasing by more than 44 percent. Mortality rates were strongly associated with socioeconomic development, with lower SDI regions experiencing significantly higher death rates. Researchers also noted that the concentration index for CKD-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) became more negative between 1990 and 2021, indicating a growing burden among disadvantaged populations.

Access to kidney replacement therapy (KRT), including dialysis and transplantation, emerged as a crucial factor influencing outcomes. Regions with better availability of KRT consistently reported lower CKD-related disability burdens, underscoring the importance of equitable healthcare infrastructure.

Using a Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort model, the authors projected that global incidence rates may gradually decline by 2050, with the ASIR expected to fall to around 25.54. However, they cautioned that improvements may not be evenly distributed without targeted policy interventions.

The findings highlight the urgent need for early detection strategies, particularly in lower-SDI regions where the disease burden remains highest. Strengthening screening programmes, expanding health education and improving access to treatment could help reduce long-term cardiovascular and kidney failure risks in young populations.

The study underscores that while paediatric CKD remains a global concern, addressing socioeconomic inequalities and investing in early intervention will be critical to improving outcomes for children and adolescents worldwide.