International Variability in the Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes of CKD and ESKD: A Systematic Review.

Key Points: There is dramatic global variability in the prevalence of ESKD. Higher health care spending in each country is associated with increased delivery of care for ESKD.

Background: Approaches to treating ESKD may vary internationally on the basis of the availability of care and other factors. We performed a systematic review to understand the international variability in ESKD epidemiology, management, and outcomes.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed for population-based studies of CKD and ESKD epidemiology and management. Population-level data from 23 predesignated nations were eligible for inclusion if they pertained to people receiving dialysis or kidney transplant for ESKD. When available, government websites were used to identify and extract data from relevant kidney registries. Measures gathered included those related to the prevalence and mortality of ESKD; the availability of nephrologists; health care expenditures; and use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents.

Results: We obtained data from the United States; seven nations in Eastern Europe; four each in Western Europe, Latin America, and Africa; and three in Asia. The documented prevalence of ESKD per million population varied from a high of 3600 (Malaysia) to a low of 67 (Senegal). The annual mortality associated with ESKD varied from 31% (Ethiopia and Senegal) to 10% (the United Kingdom). Nephrologist availability per million population varied from 40 (Japan) to <1 (South Africa) and was associated with health care expenditures.

Conclusions: The delivery of kidney care related to ESKD varies widely among countries. Higher health care spending is associated with increased delivery of kidney care. However, in part because documentation of kidney disease varies widely, it is difficult to determine how outcomes related to ESKD may vary across nations.