Chronic Kidney Disease as a Novel Epidemic and KDIGO

Chronic diseases are currently the major cause of death in all over the world. Among chronic diseases, the prevalence and incidence of chronic kidney disease are progressively increasing and assuming a novel epidemic. It has been predicted that the number of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients will be doubled in the following decade. Although the prevalence of CKD in Turkey is unknown, the number of patients undergoing dialysis treatment increased two-fold in the last 5 years. Beyond ESRD figures, the number of patients in the earlier stages of CKD was substantially great. The late diagnosis, difficulties in treatment, the effect on quality of life and life expectancy and the cost of treatment have a great impact in the outcomes of kidney disease. In order to improve patient outcomes, clinical practice guidelines were developed in several countries and regions. However, kidney disease is a global problem and it needs a universal approach. In order to fulfill this aim, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) was established in 2003, as an independent, non-profit foundation in the public interest. The mission of KDIGO is “to improve the care and outcomes of patients with kidney disease worldwide, through promoting coordination, collaboration and integration of initiatives to develop and implement clinical practice guidelines”. This review is prepared to introduce KDIGO and its actions to Turkish nephrologists. Volunteer support to these activities will certainly improve kidney disease outcomes both in our country and in the world.