The cost of disease

Some striking figures:

• Recent reports from the United States estimate that nearly half a million patients in the United States were treated for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2004 and by 2010 this figure is expected to increase by approximately 40%.
• The cumulative global cost for dialysis and transplantation over the next decade is predicted to exceed US$ 1 trillion. This economic burden could strain healthcare budgets in developed countries. For lower income countries it is impossible to meet such costs.
• The economic burden for developing countries is particularly severe, partly because CKD generally occurs at a younger age. For example, in Guatemala, 40% of patients receiving RRT are under 40. In China, the economy will lose US$558 billion over the next decade due to effects on death and disability attributable to chronic cardiovascular and renal disease. For more information please see the diagram
• The number of people with renal replacement therapy have increased from 426,000 in 1990 to 1.5 million in 2000 and is expected to rise to 2.5 million by 2010.
• In Europe, it is estimated that screening for urinary protein loss exceeding 50 mg/day costs 7,000 Euros per life year gained, according to the PREVEND study, which is largely cost-effective.
• More than 80% of individuals receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) live in the developed world because in developing countries it is largely unaffordable. In countries such as India and Pakistan, less than 10% of all patients who need it receive any kind of renal replacement therapy. In many African countries there is little or no access to RRT, meaning many people simply die.

We also recommend the following readings:

• The cost of Chronic Kidney Disease in Europe (EKHA Pfd to download)
• The benefits and cost-effectiveness of early detection and treatment according to a study on the population of Groningen, Netherlands: PREVEND study http://www.prevend.org/index.php