Kidney disease screening: a worthwhile investment for health and economy

Kidney disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to kidney failure, cardiovascular complications, and premature death. However, many cases of kidney disease are undiagnosed or untreated, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

A new study published in The Lancet Global Health suggests that routine screening for kidney disease would be a cost-effective strategy to improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs in these settings.

Methods

The researchers used a mathematical model to compare the costs and benefits of different screening strategies for kidney disease in four countries: China, India, Mexico, and Nigeria. They considered three scenarios: no screening, screening only high-risk groups (such as people with diabetes or hypertension), and screening the general population.

They estimated the costs of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for each scenario, as well as the health outcomes measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained.

Results

The study found that screening only high-risk groups was cost-effective in all four countries, compared to no screening. Screening the general population was also cost-effective in China and India, but not in Mexico and Nigeria.

The researchers calculated that screening only high-risk groups could prevent 4.3 million DALYs and save $5.6 billion in health care costs over 10 years in the four countries combined. Screening the general population could prevent 7.4 million DALYs and save $9.9 billion in health care costs over 10 years in China and India combined.

The study concludes that routine screening for kidney disease would be a cost-effective intervention to reduce the burden of kidney disease and its complications in low- and middle-income countries. The authors recommend that policy makers consider implementing screening programs as part of their national health strategies.

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