Women and kidney disease: Reflections on World Kidney Day 2018 (an editorial)

Abstract

On behalf of the World Kidney Day Steering Committee***. About 10% of the adult population suffers from chronic kidney disease that is included in the list of 20 major causes of death worldwide and leads to adverse consequences for both patients and their families. World Kidney Day and International Women’s Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering us an opportunity to think about the particular importance of the health of women and especially their kidney health for currently living and future generations. We have a unique opportunity not only to learn more about the characteristics of kidney diseases in women, but also to more widely use the knowledge gained. Women and girls constitute approximately 50% of the world’s population and make a huge contribution to society, not to mention the most important role in family life. At the same time, there are still gender differences in access to education, health care, and participation in clinical trials almost everywhere. Pregnancy, which is a special burden upon the female body, a leading cause of acute renal injury, and frequently a reason for identifying existing kidney diseases, may also lead to acute and chronic renal manifestatios that in turn may affect the health of the offspring, including that of their kidneys. Many autoimmune and other diseases more often develop in women than in men and adversely affect female reproductive capacity and fetal status. Complications of dialysis in women differ from those in men, and in addition, the women are more likely to be kidney donors rather than recipients.