World Kidney Day 2008: Think Globally, Speak Locally

摘要

Thursday, March 13, 2008 will mark the third iteration of World Kidney Day (WKD). The concept of an annual WKD was first proposed in 2003 and, through a joint collaboration between the International Federation of Kidney Foundations and the International Society of Nephroiogy, the first WKD was launched on March 7, 2006. The primary goal for WKD is to draw attention to a global pandemic of kidney disease, with its associated morbidity and mortality, primarily resulting from amplification of cardiovascular risk. The concept of WKD has caught on remarkably quickly, resonating throughout the kidney disease community worldwide, thereby providing an energizing focus for efforts to squarely place kidney disease into a global public health framework. This year, it is anticipated that kidney organizations in at least 60 countries will participate by organizing health screening events, public lectures, press conferences, political activities, and other efforts to better inform primary care physicians, allied health professionals, individuals and families with kidney disease, as well as government health officials about the burgeoning importance of kidney disease.The WKD concept stems directly from recent efforts to develop a simple, clinically relevant definition for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Before 2000, a consensus-driven, consistent definition of CKD did not exist. Since that time, nationaland international consensus groups have arrived at consensus definitions of CKD and issued clinical practice guidelines and position statements related to a standardized definition. The development of these standardized definitions for CKD helps reveal that kidney disease is not just a relatively infrequent but individually costly disease, particularly, end-stage renal disease (ESRD). But in truth, ESRD is a highly prevalent disease with high collective costs and important public health consequences. WKD emphasizes kidney disease as "common, harmful, and treatable" with a consequent impetus on kidney disease screening, detection, surveillance, prevention, and research.What should nephrologists be doing on WKD 2008? We think, as others have suggested, that this is an opportunity to simultaneously reflect on the past and look toward the future. The profession of nephroiogy is in the midst of a vital transformation, and the changing medical, social, public health, and political environments surrounding kidney disease will change the practice of nephroiogy. We think that, while reflecting on the many conundrums demanding attention concerning the epidemic of CKD, it is important for nephrologists to actively participate in the resultant medical, social, and political processes with a fundamental goal of improving outcomes for patients with kidney disease. Thus, WKD 2008 is a call to action for nephrologists in the United States and worldwide.