Ask the Doctor: Kidney Diseases

“Yes. Gender, race, age and pregnancy are related to kidney diseases. Regarding gender, women are more likely to develop CKD compared to men. According to a study by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, the average prevalence of CKD in women is 14 per cent as opposed to 12 per cent in men. This is likely due to women’s longer life expectancy.

“In contrast, males are more likely to develop ESRD compared to women. The Malaysian Society of Nephrology Renal Registry 2015 reports 56 per cent of males against 44 per cent of females, were new dialysis patients. The fact is, kidney function declines faster in men than women, possibly owing to the unhealthier lifestyles of men and the damaging effects of testosterone. Women’s estrogens have a protective effect on the kidneys.

“Relating to race, generally, colored skin including Asians, are at an increased risk of getting kidney diseases. African Americans are three times more likely to get CKD while Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to have kidney failure compared to Caucasian Americans. Researchers do not fully understand why minorities are at a higher risk of getting kidney diseases. However, minorities have a much higher rate of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart diseases, all of which increase the risk of kidney diseases. Minimal access to healthcare may also play a role.

“Sadly, kidney diseases can develop at any time and any age, but those over the age of 60 are more likely to develop kidney diseases. As people age, so do their kidneys. Many people don’t realize that as we age, we lose kidney function. According to recent estimates from researchers at Johns Hopkins University, more than 50 percent of seniors over the age of 75 are believed to have a kidney disease. Kidney diseases have also been found to be more prevalent in those over the age of 60 when compared to the rest of the general population.

“Moving on, it would not be wrong to say that a woman with kidney disease face a significant dilemma in her pregnancy that affects her kidney health. Pregnancy can occur at all CKD stages and in kidney transplant recipients too. Pregnant women with CKD are at a higher risk of complications such as preeclampsia, restricted growth of the fetus, early delivery and the worsening of the CKD. If you are worried about this, do consult a nephrologist during pre-pregnancy as it is vital to assess the timing of pregnancy and check-ups regarding clinical matters, investigations and medications. Equally important is the continuous multidisciplinary care from both nephrologist and obstetrician. This is important throughout the duration of the pregnancy.”