Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most under-recognised threats to global public health. It affects more than 850 million people worldwide, including an estimated 1 in 8 adults in Ireland — most of whom are unaware they have it.

Unlike acute illnesses, CKD progresses slowly, often without noticeable symptoms until advanced stages. By the time a diagnosis is made, irreversible damage has often occurred, limiting treatment options and increasing the risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.

The High Stakes of Delayed Detection

CKD is typically diagnosed through a combination of tests — estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin, and serum creatinine — all available within standard primary care settings. And yet, the condition is frequently overlooked.

Why? Because:

• Its progression is often subtle, with no early symptoms.
• Risk indicators are spread across time, tests, and clinical systems.
• Clinicians are managing increasing patient loads, with little support for longitudinal data tracking.

In effect, the system is reactive — waiting for overt signs of disease instead of acting on early data signals. That delay can cost patients years of healthy life.

A Clinical and Economic Burden

CKD doesn’t exist in isolation. It accelerates other chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure. Patients with CKD are more likely to be hospitalised, require polypharmacy, and suffer complications that strain both lives and healthcare budgets.

• In Ireland, dialysis treatment costs can exceed €80,000 per patient per year.
• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in CKD patients.

Early-stage interventions are not only clinically effective — they are far more cost-efficient.

The Case for Intelligent Prevention

This is where modern digital tools can provide real value. When thoughtfully designed and integrated with clinical workflows, they can:

• Track longitudinal eGFR trends across visits and systems
• Flag deteriorating kidney function earlier, before Stage 3 or 4
• Correlate risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and medication history
• Prompt timely interventions or referrals based on national guidelines

Rather than overwhelm clinicians with data, these platforms should elevate what matters — presenting subtle risk changes clearly, in context, and when action is still possible.

Empowering Early Action

Early intervention for CKD might involve:

• Titrating or introducing ACE inhibitors or ARBs
• Intensifying management of diabetes and blood pressure
• Introducing dietary changes or referring to a renal dietitian
• Planning timely nephrology referrals before crisis points

When action is taken early, kidney function can often be stabilised. Progression can be delayed. Quality of life can be preserved.

A New Standard of Care

CKD is not inevitable. But catching it early requires more than guidelines — it requires better systems.

By using intelligent digital platforms to watch for risk in the background, clinicians gain an added layer of support: one that respects their time, integrates seamlessly, and helps them see the patient beyond the moment.

We know how to prevent kidney failure. What we need now is the infrastructure to do it — at scale, in practice, and on time.

‍