World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day

Kidney disease is New Zealand’s silent killer. While much emphasis has rightly been put on the 2,500 New Zealanders on dialysis and the 1,500 living with a successful kidney transplant, of even greater concern are the one in ten New Zealanders with early stage (or so-called chronic) kidney disease, according to Kidney Health NZ chief executive Max Reid.

“Those 300,000 people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are of such concern for two very clear reasons,” Mr Reid says. “Firstly, because if they wait until the more obvious symptoms of kidney disease appear, 90% of those 300,000 will inevitably progress to end-stage kidney disease, requiring either life-long dialysis or transplant. Secondly, because those at with or at risk of CKD are so easily identified, and the lifestyle changes required to reduce the impact of CKD relatively According to Kidney Health NZ’s Medical Advisor, Dr Colin Hutchison, most of those with CKD will not even be aware of the risk they face.

“Yet kidney disease, even in its early stages, can be readily identified on blood or urine tests arranged by a patient with their General Practice team. Taking steps to live a healthy lifestyle drastically helps to reduce risk of kidney disease, and its progression to kidney failure” Dr Hutchison says.

The last 20 years has seen the number of patients affected by kidney disease climb astronomically across both developed and developing countries. Largely this rapid expansion in the number of patients affected has been driven by the dual epidemics of diabetes and obesity. Those at greatest risk of developing kidney disease include people with Maori, Pacific or South Asian heritage, those aged over 60, those who smoke, have high blood pressure or diabetes, and those with a family

Some facts and figures (as at 31 December 2015)

Number of patients receiving dialysis - 2678

Half of those patients receiving dialysis were being treated at home.

The cost to the health system of dialysis for an individual ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year.

Number of people with a functioning kidney transplant – 1628

Number of new patients diagnosed with end stage kidney disease in the past

Half the patients presenting with end stage kidney disease were as a result of Kidney Health NZ (formally the Kidney Foundation) is a national organisation supporting kidney patients and their families by way of education, advocacy and research across all areas of kidney health - including organ donation and transplant, dialysis, early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease. For further information or advice, contact the Kidney Health Helpline – 0800 KIDNEYS

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