Chronic Kidney Disease: The Silent Epidemic of the United States

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time and is the eighth leading cause of death in the US. This widespread condition affects approximately 1 in 7 adults (more than 37 million people) and an estimated 38% of US seniors. Of these affected patients, it has been estimated that nearly 40% are in Stage 3 or higher where pharmaceutical intervention, as recommended by the gold-standard KDIGO guideline, can have a profound impact in delaying progression to kidney failure.

Despite this high prevalence, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) estimates that 80% of CKD cases are currently undiagnosed and undertreated. Leaving CKD patients undiagnosed and untreated results in significant health and cost implications as it progresses further from early stage stage 3 CKD to end stage kidney disease, a deadly stage with a three-year survival of only 56%, requiring dialysis or transplant.