Epidemiology and risk factors for chronic kidney disease

Groups at high risk for increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) include individuals with a family history of end-stage renal disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Therapeutic interventions that delay or prevent progressive kidney disease are well established and incorporated into widely disseminated clinical practice guidelines. These interventions also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and should be regarded as essential components of care of CKD. Achieving high levels of medically appropriate care of CKD patients and reduction in risk of progression to end-stage renal disease may be delayed by barriers created by individual and regional poverty.