One out of three Pakistanis have kidney Disease: Experts

KARACHI: Chronic kidney disease, a common medical problem is estimated to affect significant number of population of Pakistan where one in every three in the age group of 40 plus citizens is inflicted with one or the other kidney disease.Consultant Nephrologist at Aga Khan University (AKU) Dr. Waqar Kashif, in his presentation at a session organised by the University on Thursday said available studies identify diabetes and high blood pressure as the two commonest causes of chronic kidney disease.The programme organised as part of World Kidney Day, is observed for the last three years on every third Thursday of March, he said.Highlighting severity of the ailment, he said “If left unchecked, patients would ultimately need to undergo dialysis up to three times a week to stay alive.” Dr. Kashif called for widespread screening of those sections of society that are at risk of kidney disease, emphasising that it is essential to create awareness among physicians as well as the public. He said studies have shown that early detection and treatment can delay and possibly prevent kidney failure in most patients.Identifying key strategies, he advised strict control of blood pressure and blood glucose levels, the use of certain classes of blood pressure medicines, avoiding drugs that may cause further kidney damage (especially some pain killers), a low salt diet and cardiovascular risk reduction. AKU Consultant Urologist, Dr. Raziuddin Biyabani discussing renal stone disease in Pakistan said it was a significant preventable cause of chronic kidney disease.He said since Pakistan lies in the “Stone Belt,” hospital-based figures reflect up to 200 cases per 100,000 people in the southern regions. To prevent stones recurring, Dr. Biyabani advised treating and preventing urinary infection, increasing fluid intake, decreasing protein intake and eating in moderation.He also referred to varied treatments available for the problem and specially mentioned of endoscopy which is used to treat stones in the urethra and urinary bladder. Larger stones in the kidney can be removed with a procedure “PCNL” which involves approaching the stones through a small hole in the skin, he said.Diagnosis of urinary tract infection in children was said to be important for the early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease in children.Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist at AKU, Professor Iqtidar Khan, spoke of early warning signs of kidney disease in children, which include high blood pressure, pain in back, puffy eyes, swollen hands and feet and passage of blood through urine. He stressed the importance of early investigation, on any suspicion of kidney disease or infection. Consultant Nephrologist at AKU, Professor Tazeen Jafar, spoke on key aspects of high blood pressure and kidney disease.●