Chronic Kidney Disease in the USA
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects one in nine Americans leading to a 10% increase in end stage renal disease (ESRD), kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. The impact to the nation runs in the billions. More than 50,000 Americans die each year because of kidney disease, close to 300,000 suffer from ESRD with more than 48,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant.

The leading cause of CKD are hypertension and diabetes striking disproportionably in minority populations such as African Americans, American Indians and Pacific Islanders. In more cases ESRD can be forestalled by early intervention using appropriate medications, diet and life style changes.

The Maryland statistics KD in MD are reflective of the rest of the nation.  The National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) provides a clear, concise look at the impact of chronic kidney disease in  Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States. The PDF files below provide information on symptoms, treatment including diet and medication, anemia, blood pressure control, guidelines for primary care physicians (PCP) or family practitioners as well as patient education and support services.

The National Kidney Disease Education Program, under the auspices of the National Institutes of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease at NIH, has developed a program to heighten the awareness of the impact of kidney disease on minority populations in five pilot cities - Atlanta, Baltimore, Jackson, Miss. and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Treatment of CKD and prevention of ESRD depends of access to appropriate healthcare. On the page labeled "How States Handle Kidney Disease" provide information on the various forms of healthcare reimbursement in Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio and Pennsylvania. If you would like a similar document created for your state please contact Pearl Lewis at yettapearl@comcast.net.

To address all issues related to CKD we have drawn from various websites - the National Kidney Foundation, Quest Diagnostics, Medline, etc. to provide information on all aspects of kidney disease. We acknowledge the contribution of each one to this educational effort.

Kidney Disease - An Overview

Understanding Lab Values

CKD Diet Recommendations

Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms

CKD Medications for Hypertension and Renal Protection

CKD Staging

CKD Practical Guide for the PCP

Anemia & Kidney Disease

Slowing the Progression of CKD

SEXUALITY AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE