ABCDE to identify and prevent chronic kidney disease: A call to action

Abstract

Kidney disease is a global health priority affecting >850 million people worldwide. This number is projected to increase over the coming decades given the increasing prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and obesity and the aging population. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can reduce both life expectancy and quality of life and is intricately linked with cardiac and metabolic health - the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic multimorbidity syndrome. With early recognition of risk, CKD can be prevented and with timely case finding, early diagnosis and early intervention, its progression can be halted or slowed. The European Renal Association has established the Strong Kidneys Task Force, with the main purpose of creating awareness about the importance of kidney health for individual and population health. In collaboration with the European Kidney Health Alliance and the European Kidney Patients Federation, the ABCDE campaign will empower communities and individuals to remind their healthcare providers to assess their risk of kidney disease. ABCDE asks five simple questions about health status that only the healthcare system can provide: A) Do I have Albumin in my urine? B) What is my Blood pressure? C) What is my Cholesterol? D) Do I have Diabetes? E) What is my current kidney function (Estimated glomerular filtration rate)? This advocacy text aims to inform individuals, communities and front line healthcare workers that capturing the risk of kidney, cardiac and metabolic health is simple, makes sense, is logical and will save lives. Although making meaningful change will take time and involve major personal and societal changes, the first step really is as easy as ABCDE!