The diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the seven major markets (*7MM) are projected to increase from 18 million cases in 2021 to 20 million in 2031, equating to an annual growth rate (AGR) of 0.98%, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

CKD is an asymptomatic, long-term condition that damages the kidneys and leads to the loss of kidney function over time. The condition is a major disease that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as a considerably lower quality of life.

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – Epidemiology Forecast to 2031’, reveals that in 2031, the US is predicted to have the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic kidney disease in the 7MM at 5 million, whereas Italy with nearly 0.9 million cases will have the lowest number of these cases.

Bharti Prabhakar, MPH, Associate Project Manager at GlobalData, comments: “The larger share of the populations of the US, Europe, and Japan is in older age groups where CKD is more common, which accounts for most of the increased prevalence in later decades. Each stage of CKD requires different diagnostic tests and treatments for the management of the disease.”

Adults ages 60 years and older accounted for more than 65% of the diagnosed prevalent cases of CKD in the 7MM, while those ages 18–29 years accounted for approximately 6% of the cases. CKD occurs slightly more commonly in women compared to men. This is apparent from GlobalData estimates for sex-specific diagnosed prevalent cases.

Prabhakar adds: “The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a key measure of kidney function, is determined by the amount of creatinine in the blood, and the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification system is the standard for GFR measurement and diagnosis of CKD. Currently, there is no cure for CKD. However, treatments can slow the progression of the disease. Better forecasts of the future burden of CKD can help countries to plan for future health care needs, raise awareness about the importance of keeping kidneys healthy, and stimulate research on interventions to slow the progression of CKD.”

*7MM: The US, 5EU (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), and Japan