An overview of the risk factors and socio-economic impact of end-stage renal disease management

The end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is an emerging public health problem associated with morbidity and mortality. This paper is a narrative review (qualitative and quantitative) of studies on the socio-economic impact of ESRD management to bring to the attention of relevant stakeholders the risk factors, various consequences of the disease, and the need to provide sustainable, cost-effective interventions for prevention, early diagnosis of cases and timely commencement of management. The development of ESRD and the impact of management of patients with ESRD depends on the interrelated factors and influence of the healthcare system, the lifestyle, biological factors, genetic factors, and the physical and social environment. The major risk factors for developing ESRD are hypertension and diabetes mellitus which are known to have familial linkage and exposure to modifiable risk factors like sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol ingestion. The diagnosis of the disease is based on laboratory parameters and the availability of trained healthcare workers capable of detecting signs, and symptoms and interpreting the laboratory results. Timely referral of cases is critical in salvaging the kidney’s functions. Hemodialysis or renal transplant are the management options for ESRD. The cost is unacceptably high, the number of facilities providing these services is currently unable to meet the demand of many patients, and there is a general lack of trained personnel capable of providing the needed services. The government and relevant stakeholders should ensure free or subsidized, services, an increased number of centers providing quality services, community and facility-based screening, and preventive intervention strategies.