The Romanian Society of Nephrology (SRN), the National Society of Family Medicine (SNMF) and the Ministry of Health have launched the first national information and awareness campaign on chronic kidney disease (CKD). The event took place on Thursday, March 9, thus marking World Kidney Day. The initiative originates in the context of prioritizing kidney health at the level of the Romanian health care system, both among categories with a high risk of developing CKD (patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) and among the general population .

The message from the scientific community and authorities draws attention to the main risk factors for chronic kidney disease, as well as the importance of constant assessment of kidney health in the family doctor’s office: “Cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes are common and can seriously affect the kidneys. Get your kidneys evaluated for free by your family doctor!

Only 1 in 10 people living with chronic kidney disease is diagnosed in the early stages. A free kidney assessment is essential.

“Chronic kidney disease affects more than 10% of the Romanian population, often associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. The diagnosis is most often made in advanced stages, when the evolution of the disease cannot be slowed down. In particular, only 1 in 10 people with CKD are diagnosed in the early stages, when measures can be taken to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of premature death from cardiovascular and kidney causes. The Ministry of Health intends to change this reality regarding chronic kidney disease by prioritizing early detection of the disease. We aim to expand access to free diagnosis of the disease, as well as risk assessment related to chronic kidney disease at the family physician level by conducting two tests recommended by international clinical guidelines – estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio. At the same time, we, together with the medical community, are launching a broad information and educational campaign about chronic kidney disease and its associated risk factors.” ANDstated university professor Dr. Alexandru Rafila, Minister of Health.

Early diagnosis and intervention save the lives of patients at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease

“There are many patients who only find out they have BCR when they arrive at the emergency department. It is important to work in a multidisciplinary team for early detection of chronic kidney disease. Monitoring by the family physician is necessary, which correlates with a preventive approach at the level of nephrologists and the secondary conditions most commonly associated with BCR, namely diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. “Too many times we see severely damaged kidneys, people dying even though they had no signs of kidney disease.”he explained university prof. Dr. Liliana Tutse, president of the special commission on nephrology of the Ministry of Health.

Implementation of a standardized diagnostic framework and special rules at all levels of health care is a priority for the CNN

“Chronic kidney disease does not hurt. It’s a silent killer. For this reason, many cases remain undiagnosed, although investigations are neither extremely difficult nor necessarily expensive. Early diagnosis makes it possible to implement effective therapeutic measures that reduce the progression of the disease to more advanced stages, associated complications and the need for dialysis. Therefore, a correct and practical approach to chronic kidney disease is needed, in which early diagnosis of CKD is a priority at the level of legislation and state policy. Launching today’s campaign, the first of its kind in Romania, we aim to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease, raise awareness of the main risk factors – high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease – while encouraging people with a group of high risk to periodically check the state of health of your kidneys with your family doctor,” he said Prof. Univ. Dr. Ina Cacho, President of the Romanian Society of Nephrology.

“Statistics on the incidence of BCR, the devastating consequences of this disease, which is mostly diagnosed only in the late stages, prompted us to launch the first national information and education campaign on chronic kidney disease. Together with our partners, we are committed to prioritizing diagnosis and intervention in the early stages of chronic kidney disease at all levels of care, so that patients with this serious diagnosis really have a chance at a better life,” said Prof. Univ. Dr. Gener Ismail, president-elect of the Romanian Society of Nephrology

“We have a great opportunity to modernize and optimize the treatment of chronic kidney disease by prioritizing early diagnosis in the family doctor’s office. Patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes will be screened and followed by a family doctor for detection or diagnosis until the course of the chronic disease has changed significantly. Thus, we are entering a new phase of primary care through preventive consultation and evaluation for chronic kidney disease. At the moment, the partnership between family doctors and nephrologists is all the more necessary, because we all want to improve the quality of life of patients.”stated Head of works Adriana-Carmen Dogaru, vice president of the National Society of Family Medicine

Risk assessment, diagnosis and early intervention starting in the early stages of CKD are essential to prevent and slow the progression of this disease, significantly reducing premature mortality from cardiovascular or renal causes. By launching the first national awareness and education campaign for chronic kidney disease, doctors and authorities are taking an important step towards awareness of the risks associated with the disease, acting on behalf of people living with the disease, with a clear and strong message: “Cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes are common and can seriously affect the kidneys. Get your kidneys evaluated by your family doctor for free!”

The sponsor of the article is AstraZeneca