Global burden and projections of chronic kidney disease attributable to chronic glomerulonephritis in women of childbearing age

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and disproportionately affects women of childbearing age (WCBA). Despite this vulnerability, global data on CKD attributable to GN in this population remain scarce. This study analyzes the disease burden from 1990 to 2021 and projects trends through 2049 across age groups, regions, and countries. Data were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021), focusing on incidence and disability-adjusted life years for CKD due to GN in WCBA. Age-standardized rates (ASIR/ASDR) were calculated. Trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression, and the Bayesian age-period-cohort model forecast future burden. Regions were categorized by Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) levels. Health inequalities were evaluated using slope and concentration indices, with frontier analysis identifying priority countries. From 1990 to 2021, the global burden of CKD attributable to GN in WCBA increased. ASIR and disability-adjusted life years peaked in the 45 to 49 age group, while the highest incidence occurred in the 15 to 19 group. Health inequalities persist; high and high-middle SDI regions bear a lower burden compared to middle and low-middle SDI regions. Geographically, Western Europe and high-income Central Asia had the lightest burden, while Central America and the Asia-Pacific region faced the heaviest. Notably, the global burden has accelerated over the past 3 years, and projections indicate a continued rise through 2049. This study highlights the increasing burden of CKD due to GN among WCBA, particularly in middle and low SDI regions. Strengthened global collaboration and enhanced access to diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in low-SDI areas are urgently needed. Greater attention must also be paid to younger and older WCBA subgroups experiencing higher burdens. Given the rapid recent growth, vulnerable groups such as WCBA require increased focus in kidney disease research and policy.