News from the Kidney Services at Guy's and King's

World Kidney Day, 10th March 2011

 Treating kidney disease early could help reduce deaths from heart disease.

World Kidney Day 2011 focussed on raising awarenessof the fact that people diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease are at increased risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease and the risk rises as the kidney disease worsens. Early diagnosis of kidney disease can improve outcomes for patients, and help ease the financial burden on the NHS.

 However, kidney disease is usually ‘silent’, showing no specific symptoms until it becomes more advanced; screening is often the only way the disease can be detected in its early stages. If diagnosed early, kidney disease can often be successfully managed through medication and lifestyle advice, delaying or preventing a move to dialysis. If diagnosed late, renal failure is complex, challenging and expensive to treat.

 Targeted screening and treatment of kidney disease could help reduce the number of deaths from heart disease and strokes, according to the Kidney Alliance, a group representing patient and professional organisations.

 ”Screening for kidney disease is still not the norm for all those at risk. We need to change this, increase detection and raise awareness of kidney disease, especially for those with heart or circulatory problems, or a family history of kidney disease. As a kidney patient, I want to know that fewer people are moving onto dialysis, but I also need to know that there is an integrated service available for those who do need it“, commented Fiona Loud, Chair of the Kidney Alliance.

For more information and reports of local activities from all over the UK to support World Kidney Day – please see www.worldkidneyday.co.uk|

The Guy's and St Thomas' Kidney Patients' Asociation launched their new website on World Kidney Day; for news, views, information and advice please visit www.gsttkpa.org|