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Chinese Health Network Reporter Huang Manying / Taipei Report December 26, 2017
Kidney disease has become a national health crisis in Taiwan! The number of dialysis patients in Taiwan has exceeded 85,000. According to the latest statistics from the American Society of Nephrology, Taiwan ranks first globally in both the incidence rate (new cases relative to the total population) and prevalence rate (total cases relative to the total population) of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Clinical statistics from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital also reveal a familial clustering phenomenon among ESRD patients undergoing dialysis.
NHIA Spends NT$48.3 Billion Annually on Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease—Truly a National Health Crisis
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephropathy rank as the ninth leading cause of death in Taiwan. ESRD, which requires dialysis or kidney transplantation, imposes immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and their families. The latest data from the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) shows that acute and chronic kidney disease topped the list of healthcare expenditures in 2016, costing approximately NT$48.3 billion.
Previous studies indicate that the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Taiwan is as high as 11.3%, meaning nearly one in ten people suffers from CKD. This underscores why kidney disease is considered a national health crisis.
Chang Gung Hospital Study: Familial Clustering Observed in Dialysis Patients
The causes of CKD are numerous, including diabetes, hypertension, excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gout, aristolochic acid nephropathy, immune system disorders, and genetic factors.
Clinical observations at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital have shown that some CKD and ESRD patients have family members with the same condition. Dialysis centers also report couples, parent-child pairs, or siblings undergoing dialysis together.
To investigate whether familial clustering exists among dialysis patients, Chang Gung Hospital conducted a big-data analysis of over 80,000 ESRD patients nationwide. The study found that if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) has uremia, the risk of requiring dialysis is 2.5 times higher than the general population. Specifically, if a sibling has uremia, the risk increases to 4.96 times. For spouses without blood relations, if one has ESRD, the other’s risk of dialysis is 1.66 times higher, confirming the familial clustering phenomenon.
Within the same family, shared environmental factors, dietary habits, or exposure to toxins may contribute to this clustering. Further analysis revealed that about 30% of uremia cases in Taiwan are due to genetic factors, while 70% stem from environmental causes. This study was published in the internationally renowned *American Journal of Kidney Disease* in November 2017.
Preventing Kidney Disease: Chronic Disease Patients Must Manage Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
The public is reminded that if a family member has uremia, vigilance is crucial. Regular blood pressure monitoring is advised, and symptoms like foamy urine, edema, hypertension, or fatigue warrant medical attention. Routine health checkups can aid early detection. Patients with chronic conditions should maintain controlled blood pressure and blood sugar, adhere to medication regimens, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent kidney function deterioration.Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ th……ng- phenomenon- 031336355. html
Kidney Dialysis: 30% Fate? Chang Gung Study Shows Family Clustering in Dialysis Patients
Kidney disease has become a national health crisis in Taiwan! The number of dialysis patients in Taiwan has exceeded 85,000. According to the latest statistics from the American Society of Nephrology, Taiwan ranks first globally in both the incidence rate (new cases relative to the total population) and prevalence rate (total cases relative to the total population) of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Clinical statistics from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital also reveal a familial clustering phenomenon among ESRD patients undergoing dialysis.
NHIA Spends NT$48.3 Billion Annually on Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease—Truly a National Health Crisis
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephropathy rank as the ninth leading cause of death in Taiwan. ESRD, which requires dialysis or kidney transplantation, imposes immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and their families. The latest data from the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) shows that acute and chronic kidney disease topped the list of healthcare expenditures in 2016, costing approximately NT$48.3 billion.
Previous studies indicate that the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Taiwan is as high as 11.3%, meaning nearly one in ten people suffers from CKD. This underscores why kidney disease is considered a national health crisis.
Chang Gung Hospital Study: Familial Clustering Observed in Dialysis Patients
The causes of CKD are numerous, including diabetes, hypertension, excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gout, aristolochic acid nephropathy, immune system disorders, and genetic factors.
Clinical observations at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital have shown that some CKD and ESRD patients have family members with the same condition. Dialysis centers also report couples, parent-child pairs, or siblings undergoing dialysis together.
To investigate whether familial clustering exists among dialysis patients, Chang Gung Hospital conducted a big-data analysis of over 80,000 ESRD patients nationwide. The study found that if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) has uremia, the risk of requiring dialysis is 2.5 times higher than the general population. Specifically, if a sibling has uremia, the risk increases to 4.96 times. For spouses without blood relations, if one has ESRD, the other’s risk of dialysis is 1.66 times higher, confirming the familial clustering phenomenon.
Within the same family, shared environmental factors, dietary habits, or exposure to toxins may contribute to this clustering. Further analysis revealed that about 30% of uremia cases in Taiwan are due to genetic factors, while 70% stem from environmental causes. This study was published in the internationally renowned *American Journal of Kidney Disease* in November 2017.
Preventing Kidney Disease: Chronic Disease Patients Must Manage Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
The public is reminded that if a family member has uremia, vigilance is crucial. Regular blood pressure monitoring is advised, and symptoms like foamy urine, edema, hypertension, or fatigue warrant medical attention. Routine health checkups can aid early detection. Patients with chronic conditions should maintain controlled blood pressure and blood sugar, adhere to medication regimens, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent kidney function deterioration.Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ th……ng- phenomenon- 031336355. html