The numbers of people with a functioning kidney transplant, or who are on long-term dialysis, is expected to rise by 5 to 6 per cent per year, the HSE’s National Renal Office has said.
At present, about 1,850 patients have a functioning transplant and about 1,670 are on long-term dialysis therapy.
Today (March 11) is World Kidney Day.
The main risk factors for developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are increasing age, hypertension and, especially, diabetes mellitus, the HSE said in a statement to mark World Kidney Day.
One-third of patients with diabetes may develop kidney damage as a result of diabetes. This diabetic nephropathy is now the single commonest cause of CKD.
Dr Liam Plant, National Clinical Director, National Renal Office, said: “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical in avoiding the development of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease. Simple screening tests can detect the earliest signs of kidney disease and allow treatment to be given before severe complications have developed.”
Every year in Ireland about 450 patients reach End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) and need treatment for their non-functioning kidneys. The main forms of treatment are haemodialysis (performed three times weekly) or peritoneal (home) dialysis. Some will be suitable for, and fortunate enough to receive, a kidney transplant.
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