Focus on home dialysis at Home Therapies 2010 Workshop

World Kidney Day

The following link is relevant for World Kidney Day 2010 with Diabetes a key component in the fight against kidney disease

http://www.viralnet.com.br/ifkf/fast_track_01.htm

2009 Annual Report

Click Here to Download Annual Report

Organ donation and transplantation study

We would like to interview individuals and families who have been involved in making decisions about donating organs and body tissues. We would also like to interview organ donor recipients.

For more information about the study please contact Rhonda Shaw at Victoria University on (04) 463 6134 or email rhonda.shaw@vuw.ac.nz. If you identify as Maori and would like information about the study please contact Dr. Robert Webb at Auckland University of Technology on (09) 921 9999 or email robert.webb@aut.ac.nz.

This research has been approved by the Health and Disability Multi-Region Ethics Committee (MEC/08/03/027). No names will be used in the published research.

Click here for participant information sheet

Media Release
April 24, 2009
Influenza Immunisation is your best defence

Health officials urge people living with kidney disease to get their free influenza immunisation as soon as possible to improve their defence against this serious illness.

This year’s seasonal influenza immunisation campaign began in March and the National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG) 1 is advising people to get their immunisation from their family doctor or nurse before winter.

Influenza immunisation is free for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - people aged 65 and over and people of any age including children, with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, kidney disease, immune suppression and most cancers. It is available free to these groups until June 30.

Virologist and NISG spokesperson, Dr Lance Jennings says the influenza virus changes each year so annual immunisation is essential for best protection from this serious illness.

“Influenza immunisation is particularly important for those who are most vulnerable and at high risk of complications," says Dr Jennings. "For these people, influenza can be a serious and potentially fatal disease.”

Between 10 and 20 per cent of the population are infected with influenza each year. In 2008, 474 New Zealanders were admitted to hospital for influenza.

This year’s influenza vaccine offers protection against a Brisbane H3N2-like strain, a Brisbane H1N1-like strain and a B strain.

The “Brisbane strains” of influenza killed six children in Australia last year, says Dr Jennings.

“Immunisation is our best protection. Being fit, active and healthy does not protect you against influenza – it's easily spread and anyone can catch it,” he explains.
ends

Media contact:
NISG : Brenda Saunders, Auckland 09 536 6753 or (021) 777 171

Background Information on Influenza:

Influenza and ‘the Flu’ are the same thing. It is a potentially serious viral infection – much worse than a cold. The illness can last for weeks, often confines you to bed and can carry the risk of severe complications or death.

The influenza vaccine cannot give you influenza as the vaccine does not contain any live viruses.

The influenza virus changes each year so it’s important that people are immunised annually to gain protection from the strains most likely to circulate.

Even when you are immunised you should practise good hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection. You should cover your mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing and then wash your hands. You should always stay at home when sick.

For further information go to www.fightflu.co.nz or www.moh.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.

1National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)
NISG was formed in 2000 to help District Health Boards and the Ministry of Health to meet the national influenza immunisation target. It aims to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.

- ends

The Department of Nephrology at Christchurch Hospital recommends the following guidelines:

Patients with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis - Annual flu immunisation from your family doctor

Patients with a kidney transplant - No immunisation in the first year after transplant - after this , flu immunisation each year from your family doctor.

NB - The anti-rejection medication may reduce the body's response to the flu jab and thus there may not be as much protection from infection as for people with normal kidneys.

Media Release
February 10 2009
Chronic Kidney Disease & High Blood Pressure – a potentially deadly combination

World Kidney Day on March 12 is being held to raise awareness of the role of the kidney in maintaining good health. Throughout New Zealand a number of special events, aimed at promoting awareness of kidney disorders and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, are being led by Kidney Health New Zealand.

The fourth World Kidney Day, will be marked in more than 100 countries. The theme for 2009 is "Keep the pressure down" to highlight the role of blood pressure as one of the key symptoms and causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The international event aims to raise awareness about the role of the kidney in health and the need for early screening for people at increased risk of kidney disease.

“One in five New Zealanders has hypertension,” says Professor Kelvin Lynn, Kidney Health New Zealand’s Medical Director. “High blood pressure can independently cause CKD, contribute to its development or even be the result of CKD. “The treatment of high blood pressure is the most important part of the management of all forms of CKD,” says Dr Lynn.

It is estimated that four out of five patients with CKD have high blood pressure. “Treatment of raised blood pressure slows the progression of CKD and makes it less likely that a patient will require dialysis or suffer from heart or other cardiovascular diseases,” says Dr Lynn.

Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and a diet low in salt and unsaturated fats, can have a profound impact on blood pressure and overall health. Weight loss – even as little as three to four kilograms - can have a dramatic impact on blood pressure. Blood pressure can also be lowered by drinking less alcohol. Non smokers have a reduced incidence of heart or kidney disease so stopping smoking is also encouraged..

In addition to life style changes, most people with hypertension will require medication to achieve the desired lowering in blood pressure. Some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, offer kidney protection as well as the other benefits of lowering blood pressure, particularly in people with diabetic kidney disease.

The treatment of kidney failure is expensive; costing at least $100 million in New Zealand. Kidney Health New Zealand estimates that there are about 200,000 people in New Zealand with significant CKD. At the end of 2007 there were 2,064 people with kidney failure on dialysis in New Zealand.

Around one adult in ten, has some sign of CKD, but most do not know it. CKD increases the risk of heart disease and stroke ten-fold.

Maori and Pacific people are particularly susceptible to serious kidney disease: one in three people on dialysis are Maori and one in five a Pacific person.

In 2007, 461 New Zealanders began dialysis treatment; for 40 percent their kidney failure was caused by diabetes; in 11 percent the cause was hypertension. The number of people on dialysis in New Zealand is predicted to rise by four to six percent annually, at least until 2020.

“Prevention is our best chance of coping with this global health problem. If discovered early enough, CKD is treatable. The main problem is that studies show up to 90% of CKD goes undiagnosed in the early stages,” according to Dr Lynn.

“By making people more aware of CKD, and educating them as to who is at the highest risk and how to look after their kidneys, we hope to cut the number of people reaching the stage where they need dialysis and transplantation.

To highlight how easy it is to screen for kidney disease, Kidney Health New Zealand, with the help of kidney nurses and doctors from Wellington Hospital, will be offering blood pressure and urine protein checks for Members of Parliament and their staff at Parliament Buildings on World Kidney Day.

Lion Nathan has also agreed to Kidney Health New Zealand offering their staff education on kidney health, and blood pressure and urine protein checks at their three facilities in Auckland and their offices in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

To learn more about World Kidney Day and Kidney Health New Zealand’s activities visit www.kidneys.co.nz

The National Heart Foundation website has useful information on blood pressure www.nhf.org.nz

Chronic kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.

Professor Kelvin Lynn, Medical Director of Kidney Health New Zealand
Telephone: Christchurch Hospital on (03) 364-0655, 0274-376-542
kelvin.lynn@cdhb.govt.nz www.kidneys.org.nz

Ends

OVERNIGHT HEMODIALYSIS DRAMATICALLY IMPROVES SURVIVAL

Philadelphia, PA (October 30, 2008) — For hemodialysis patients, undergoing dialysis for eight hours overnight, three times weekly, reduces the risk of death by nearly 80 percent, compared to conventional, four hour
dialysis, according to research being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 41st Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In a study led by Ercan Ok, MD, of Ege University in Izmir, Turkey, 224 dialysis patients were switched to overnight dialysis. The patients spent three nights a week at the dialysis center where they underwent eight hours of continuous hemodialysis. The patients adjusted well to overnight hemodialysis. "After an adaptation period of a month, all patients slept during the night without any complaint," says Dr. Ok.

The patients remained on overnight hemodialysis for about one year. Their outcomes were compared with those of a similar group of patients who continued on conventional dialysis: four hours, three days per week.

Overnight dialysis led to improvements in a wide range of outcomes. "The hospitalization rate during follow-up was one-fourth of that observed in patients treated with four-hour conventional hemodialysis," comments Dr. Ok. "Most importantly, our results confirmed that longer dialysis produces significantly better
patient outcomes, with a 78 percent reduction in mortality rate."

Patients receiving overnight hemodialysis had better blood pressure control, leading to a two-thirds reduction in blood pressure medications. They were also at lower risk of blood pressure drops during dialysis, a common problem with conventional hemodialysis. Levels of the mineral phosphate decreased toward normal, despite a 72 percent reduction in medications used to lessen phosphate absorption.

The need for other medications decreased as well. All of these outcomes either did not change or deteriorated in patients on four-hour conventional dialysis.

Most patients in the overnight hemodialysis group mentioned an increase in appetite. They gained weight, and their serum protein (albumin) levels increased. Many patients were able to return to work, reporting improved job performance and better mental (cognitive) functioning.

More frequent and/or longer dialysis regimens are a promising alternative to addressing the "unacceptably high" risk of death among dialysis patients, according to Dr. Ok. Although home dialysis is may be the best approach (aside from kidney transplantation), it is not an option for most patients.

Previous studies of overnight, thrice-weekly hemodialysis have shown impressive results, with ten-year survival rates as high as 75 percent. The new trial is the first prospective, controlled study to compare the results of eight-hour versus four-hour hemodialysis, performed in the dialysis center.

The study has some important limitations, including the fact that patients were not randomly assigned to the two dialysis strategies. With an average age of 45, the patients were younger than the general population of dialysis patients—few older patients were willing to switch to overnight hemodialysis. In addition, the followup
period was relatively short.

However, given the clear superiority of eight-hour dialysis, the researchers do not think the results would be changed with long-term observation. Dr. Ok adds, "We expect that these data would be convincing to the whole of society—including physicians, patients, health authorities, and social security institutions—for the
necessity of longer hemodialysis in order to improve high mortality and morbidity."

The study was supported by a grant from the European Nephrology Dialysis Institution. The study was conducted in Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) Turkey clinics. Ercan Ok, MD and Ali Basci, MD are members of the Scientific Advisory Board of FMC Turkey; Siddig Momin Adam, MD, is a nephrologist in a FMC Turkey
Clinic.

The study abstract, "Eight-Hour Nocturnal In-Center Hemodialysis Provides Survival Benefit Over Four-Hour Conventional Hemodialysis," (F-FC317) will be presented as part of a Free Communications session on the topic of “Outcomes Associated with Dialysis Mortality and Delivery” on Friday, November 7 at 5:24 p.m.
in Room 204 B/C of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.

ASN is a not-for-profit organization of 11,000 physicians and scientists dedicated to the study of nephrology and committed to providing a forum for the promulgation of information regarding the latest research and clinical findings on kidney disease. ASN Renal Week 2008, the largest nephrology meeting of its kind, will provide a forum for 11,000 nephrologists to discuss the latest findings in renal research and engage in educational sessions related to advances in the care of patients with kidney and related disorders. Renal Week 2008 will take place November 4 – November 9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Media Release – October 24, 2008

Kidney Health New Zealand supports Diabetes New Zealand's call for more investment in the management of Type 2 Diabetes
Kidney Health New Zealand welcomes the report on Type 2 Diabetes just released by Diabetes New Zealand which highlights the additional costs and suffering of the complications of diabetes. http://www.diabetes.org.nz/news/nz_news/2008_type_2_update_report

“Diabetes is the commonest cause of serious kidney failure”, says Professor Kelvin Lynn, Medical Director of Kidney Health New Zealand, “and responsible for 45 percent of new cases of kidney failure requiring dialysis treatment”.

At the end of 2006, there were 1,971 New Zealanders on dialysis and, for more than a third, diabetes was the primary cause. The majority of the patients with diabetic kidney disease were Maori and Pacific Islanders.

“Early recognition and treatment can either prevent kidney disease in diabetes or substantially slow its progress”, says Professor Lynn.

Diabetic kidney disease is expensive and costs at least $ 36 million annually. Its impact on sufferers and their families is substantial.

In spite of the best efforts of Kidney Health New Zealand, Diabetes New Zealand, health professionals and some enlightened health managers New Zealand still does not have a national system for early detection and treatment of diabetic kidney disease.

Early detection is straightforward and involves a simple blood and urine test. There is consensus on the best treatment for people found to have early evidence of kidney disease.

Kidney Health New Zealand supports Diabetes New Zealand’s call for “a major preventive strategy” to reduce the burden of kidney disease in our community

For more information please contact:
Professor Kelvin Lynn, Medical Director of Kidney Health New Zealand
Christchurch Hospital on 03 364 0640
Or
Mr David Henderson, Chairman of Kidney Health New Zealand

23 April 2008

New Zealanders who were given the intravenous medication, heparin, can be reassured contaminated products found overseas have not been supplied to the New Zealand market.
Dr Stewart Jessamine, Medsafe Interim Manager says: " Medsafe has worked closely with the FDA to manage the risk of contaminated heparin products. I can reassure patients given intravenous heparin for clotting disorders in New Zealand that we are confident that no contaminated products have been distributed in this country and that the benefits of using these products far outweigh the risk of contamination".

In February 2008, the United States FDA advised Medsafe that it was investigating the safety of heparin products. This followed a number of reports in the United States of serious allergic-type reactions and very low blood pressure occurring in patients who had been give a particular brand of heparin injection during kidney dialysis or heart bypass surgery. The manufacturer of this brand of heparin had voluntarily recalled batches of their product from the United States and other countries in January.

In response to the FDA notification Medsafe contacted the distributors of injectable heparin products in New Zealand and clinicians in dialysis units to determine whether the suspect brand of heparin was available in this country, and if there had been any reports of similar side effects to those seen in the United States. This investigation found the brand in question was not used in New Zealand and that there were no problems with allergic type reactions to heparin occurring in dialysis units.

The FDA later contacted Medsafe with information that it had identified a contaminant substance within the suspect brand of heparin and provided New Zealand with the specifics of two tests that could be used to detect this substance. Medsafe subsequently contacted a New Zealand based company involved in processing the raw ingredients (these are further purified by other manufacturers of heparin products) to ensure that it was using the FDA tests on the raw ingredients it received and the processed material it exported.The company reported that some of the raw ingredients it received from China were positive for the contaminant and Medsafe reported these findings on to the FDA.

So far, testing of the finished products being supplied to patients in New Zealand indicates that these products are free from contamination.

Dr Jessamine says the requirement, introduced by the FDA and other medicines regulators, for manufacturers of heparin products to conduct testing to detect this contaminant, gives Medsafe confidence that all future imports of heparin products will be free from this problem.

Medsafe also asked the National Pharmacovigilance Centre at the University of Otago to review New Zealand's adverse reactions database for reports of allergic-type reactions to heparin and to urgently report any cases it receives to Medsafe. Clinicians working for DHBs in the field of intensive care and renal dialysis were also contacted and advised of the FDA findings and encouraged to report any unusual adverse reactions to heparin to the national centre. No reports of the serious side effects seen in the United States with heparin were identified from either the national data base or the DHBs.

The current absence of significant reports of adverse reactions to heparin in New Zealand increases Medsafe's confidence that none of the contaminated heparin has been distributed in New Zealand. Medsafe will continue to work with the New Zealand importers and distributors of heparin to ensure that supplies remain safe and free from contaminants, Dr Jessamine says.

Rebecca Walsh
Media Advisor
Ministry of Health
DDI: 04 496 2115
Mobile: 021 277 5411

Stewart Jessamine
Interim Manager
Medsafe
Sector Accountability & Funding Directorate
Ministry of Health
DDI: 04 819 6874

www.influenza.org.nz

Media Release April 8, 2008

Influenza immunisation is your best defence

Health officials urge people living with kidney disease to get their free influenza immunisation as soon as possible and improve their defence against this serious illness.

Influenza immunisation is free for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - people aged 65 and over and people of any age including children, with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, kidney disease and most cancers. It is available free to these groups until June 30.

Virologist and National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)1 spokesperson, Dr Lance Jennings says the influenza virus changes each year so annual immunisation is essential for best protection from this serious illness.

Between 10 and 20 per cent of the population are infected with influenza each year. In 2007, there were 347 hospital admissions in New Zealand for influenza.

“Immunisation is our best protection. Being fit, active and healthy does not protect you against influenza – it's easily spread and anyone can catch it,” explains Dr Jennings.

The new influenza immunisation promotional campaign takes a “Kung Fu” martial arts theme this year to show that immunisation is still one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from influenza and that “you’re never too fit to get hit”. The new television “Kung Flu” ad will appear on screen from April 13.

ends

NISG : Brenda Saunders, Auckland 09 536 6753 or (021) 777 171

Background Information on Influenza:

Influenza and ‘the Flu’ are the same thing. It is a potentially serious viral infection – much worse than a cold. The illness can last for weeks, often confines you to bed and can carry the risk of severe complications or death.

The influenza vaccine cannot give you influenza as the vaccine does not contain any live viruses.

The influenza virus changes each year so it’s important that people are immunised annually to gain protection from the strains most likely to circulate.

Even when you are immunised you should practise good hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection. You should cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and then wash your hands. You should always use disposable tissues and stay at home when sick.

For further information go to www.influenza.org.nz or www.moh.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.

1National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)
NISG was formed in 2000 to help District Health Boards and the Ministry of Health to meet the national influenza immunisation target. It aims to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.

Kidney Health New Zealand's new name was launched by David Cunliffe in Parliament on March the 12th. Members from various health organisations, patients and support groups were invited to attend.
On Thursday the 13th World Kidney Day staff from Wellington Renal Department and KHNZ set up a screening station where a number of MP's and Parliamentary staff had their blood pressure and urine tested. By the time we left Parliament everyone knew who we were and what we we do.

Kelvin Lynn our Medical Director and the team at Christchurch Hospital with recent living related donor transplant recipient Graeme Blacktopp on World Kidney Day.

Media Release – February ------, 2008

TV One’s Brendon Pongia gives his support to Kidney Health New Zealand
TV One’s Brendon Pongia is supporting Kidney Health New Zealand, in a bid to raise awareness of kidney disease.

The former Tall Black has taken on the role as ambassador for the charity (formerly known as the New Zealand Kidney Foundation) in a bid to educate people across New Zealand about the risk of kidney disease.

As next month’s World Kidney Day approaches (March 13), the Good Morning presenter is asking all New Zealanders, “Are your kidneys OK?”.

Around one in 10 adults have signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD), although up to 90% may be unaware.

“Kidney disease is a huge global problem and New Zealand is no different,” says Brendon, whose father Geneva, from who he was estranged, died of kidney disease.

“It’s amazing to think one in 10 adults have some form of kidney disease, yet the vast majority know nothing about it.”

While Brendon’s professional playing days are behind him, healthy living is still a priority for the former Dancing with the Stars contestant, who likes to stay active and watch his diet.

“Promoting a healthy approach to life is very important to me, but eating healthy and exercising isn’t the only message we want to get across.

“The thing with kidney disease is that you may often don’t know you have signs of it.

“You may not have symptoms in the early stages, when treatment is more of an option. Sometimes it isn’t until you have moderate or severe renal failure that you know about it, and then your options are very limited.

“The only way we will increase the number of people being diagnosed early, is to get the message across to all those who are at an increased risk of kidney disease and ensure they are talking to their GPs.

“Diagnosing kidney disease is not hard, it’s a simple and inexpensive test, but it’s a test people need to be more aware of. Early detection could save your life.”

Kidney disease is an issue particularly close to Brendon’s heart as one of those groups at a greater risk of being affected is the Maori community.

“While nobody can predict exactly who will be affected, we do know what groups are more likely to be.

“I really hope we can get the message through to the Maori community, and all those individuals at a higher risk, so we can start diagnosing people earlier and less will be left with dialysis and transplantation as their only options,” says Brendon.

While anyone can be affected by kidney disease, the following groups have an increased risk:

* People with a family history of kidney disease
* People over the age of 50
* People of Maori and Pacific Heritage
* People with Diabetes
* People who smoke
* People with high blood pressure

-ends-

For more information please contact:
Katrina McClintock, Star Public Relations
Telephone: 09 912 7827
Cell: 021 960 933

The Amazing Kidney – the facts

· Surveys carried out before the first World Kidney Day showed that as few as 5% of people knew where there kidneys were located in their bodies.

· Despite this lack of knowledge, the kidneys do an amazing job.

· Our kidneys are roughly the size of two fists and are located deep in the abdomen, beneath the rib cage.

· Their main job is to remove toxins and excess water from our blood.

· Everyday our kidneys filter and clean 200 litres of blood – enough to fill 20 buckets.

· In addition to this feat, the kidneys help to control our blood pressure, produce red blood cells and to keep our bones healthy.

Media Release – ……… , 2008

Valerie Vili throws her support behind World Kidney Day

World Champion Valerie Vili has taken time out from her hectic pre-Olympic schedule to give her support to a major event to raise awareness of kidney disease in New Zealand.

The third World Kidney Day takes place on March 13 and will be marked in more than 60 countries, including New Zealand where events are being led by Kidney Health New Zealand (formerly the New Zealand Kidney Foundation).

The event aims to highlight the message that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common (with around one in 10 adults have signs of it), harmful and treatable.

Valerie has agreed to become an ambassador for Kidney Health New Zealand, and will use her high profile to help the organisation after the Beijing Olympics.

“The facts and figures around kidney disease are shocking, and it’s a problem on the increase,” says Valerie, 23, this year’s Supreme Halberg Award winner.

“I’m sure a lot of people would be surprised to hear that one in 10 adults have signs of kidney disease. The really scary thing is that the vast majority are often unaware of it and don’t find out until the condition has reached a far more advanced stage, and treatment options are limited.”

In New Zealand about 2000 people are on dialysis and the number is growing every year. About 1200 are alive with a kidney transplant, and at any one time around 350 Kiwis are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

“One of the key aims of World Kidney Day is to educate people about who is at risk from kidney disease. Although it can affect anyone, there are groups which are at greater risk,” says Valerie.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely linked with diabetes and high blood pressure and is more common in Maori and Pacific people.

”As a Pacific Islander this concerns me greatly, and I just hope that by adding my voice it helps get the message across where it’s most needed.

“Being involved in sport to such a high level means pushing myself all the time, and it has made me more aware of my body and I have more respect for my health than ever. It’s something you should never take for granted,” says Valerie.

There is a lot that can be done to treat CKD in its early stages but most people with early CKD do not know that they have a kidney problem as they may not get symptoms until the disease has progressed.

“We are missing opportunities to help people early and prevent them from ending up on dialysis or needing transplants.

“This event is all about giving those at risk the knowledge to empower them to do something proactive, something which could potentially save their lives,” says Valerie, who is due to compete for the first time at the World Indoor Championships in Valencia next month (March).

Two simple and inexpensive tests are available which can detect CKD, but developing a whole-population screening programme would be hugely expensive and unlikely to prove cost-effective.

One of the aims of World Kidney Day, a joint initiative between the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), is to promote a targeted screening programme, aimed at those most at risk.

In addition to indigenous populations, studies have shown that the other people at an increased risk of CKD are those aged over 50, those who smoke, have high blood pressure or diabetes, and those with a family history of kidney disease.

”We are delighted Valerie has chosen to give her support to this event, and really highlight what a major issue kidney disease is throughout New Zealand,” says Professor Kelvin Lynn, Medical Director of Kidney Health New Zealand.

-ends-

For more information please contact:

Professor Kelvin Lynn, Medical Director of Kidney Health New Zealand
Telephone Christchurch Hospital on 03 364 0640

Media Release – February 2008

World Kidney Day asks “Are your kidneys OK?”

They are each no bigger than a fist and the majority of people do not know where they are, but this year World Kidney Day aims to make people realize just what a big job their two kidneys do.

The third World Kidney Day takes place on March 13, and in New Zealand events to highlight the day are being led by Kidney Health New Zealand (formerly the New Zealand Kidney Foundation).

World Kidney Day, set to be marked in more than 60 countries, aims to highlight the message that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, harmful and treatable.

Globally more than 500 million individuals, around one adult in 10, have some sign of CKD, but most do not know it. CKD increases the risk of heart disease and stroke ten-fold.. It is estimated that up to 36 million people will die prematurely by the year 2015 as the result of CKD.

“Chronic kidney disease is a growing problem in New Zealand, closely linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. It places a huge strain on patients, their families and the health system,” says Professor Kelvin Lynn, Kidney Health New Zealand’s Medical Director.

“However, this does not need to be the case, and that is the message we hope to get across this World Kidney Day.

“If discovered early enough, chronic kidney disease is treatable. The main problem is that studies show up to 90% of CKD goes undiagnosed in the early stages.

“By making people more aware of CKD, and educating them on who is at the highest risk and how to look after their kidneys, we hope to cut the number of people reaching the stage where they need dialysis and transplantation. Prevention is our best chance of coping with this global health problem.”

Recently released figures from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, show that in New Zealand in 2006 a total of 484 new patients started treatment for end-stage renal failure. This was the highest number ever recorded.

Diabetic kidney disease (42%) was the most common cause of end stage renal disease, and in 94% of these cases the patient had Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

“The epidemic of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in New Zealand is a huge concern.

“The rate of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is particularly high in the Maori and Pacific Island communities, and these populations are at a high-risk of kidney disease,” says Professor Lynn, a nephrologist at Christchurch Hospital.

A study from researchers at the Christchurch