Sex- and Gender-Based Reporting in Antihypertensive Medication Literature Informing Hypertension Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor with recognized sex- and gender-based differences. We assessed the incorporation of sex and gender reporting in the antihypertensive medication literature informing hypertension guidelines. METHODS AND RESULTS: Literature cited in the International Society of Hypertension (2020), European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension (2018), American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (2017), Latin American Society of Hypertension (2017), Pan-African Society of Cardiology (2020), and Hypertension Canada (2020) guidelines was systematically reviewed. Observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews involving antihypertensive medications were included. Studies with participants of a single sex, guidelines, and commentaries were excluded. Data on study participation-to-prevalence ratio by sex, analysis of baseline demographics and study outcomes by sex, and stratification of adverse events by sex were extracted. Of 1659 unique citations, 331 studies met inclusion criteria. Of those, 81% reported the sex of participants, and 22% reported a male-to-female participation-to-prevalence ratio of 0.8 to 1.2. Three percent of studies stratified baseline characteristics by sex, and 20% considered sex during analysis through statistical adjustment or stratification. Although 32% of studies reported adverse events, only 0.6% stratified adverse events by sex. Most (58%) studies reporting sex/gender used sex and gender terms interchangeably. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of sex- and gender-based considerations in study population, analysis, or reporting of results and adverse events is not common in the antihypertensive medication literature informing international hypertension guidelines. Greater attention to sex- and gender-based factors in research is required to optimally inform management of hypertension.

Step-by-step guide to setting up a kidney replacement therapy registry: the challenge of a national kidney replacement therapy registry.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become one of the most important public health problems worldwide. Analysis, and understanding, of this global/national/regional reality would benefit from renal registry databases. The implementation of a CKD registry (including all categories) is difficult to achieve, given its high cost. On the other hand, patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are easily accessible and constitute the most severe subgroup in terms of comorbidities and healthcare costs. A kidney replacement therapy registry (KRTR) is defined as the systematic and continuous collection of a population-based data set from ESKD patients treated by dialysis/kidney transplant. The lack of available data, particularly in emerging economies, leaves information gaps on healthcare and outcomes in these patients. The heterogeneity/absence of a KRTR in some countries is consistent with the inequities in access to KRT worldwide. In 2014, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) proposed to determine the prevalence of patients on dialysis for at least 700 patients per million inhabitants by 2019 in every Latin American (LA) country. Since then, PAHO and the Sociedad LatinoAmericana de Nefrología e Hipertensión have provided training courses and certification of KRTR in LA. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide guidance on how to set up a new KRTR in countries or regions that still lack one. Advice is provided on the sequential steps in the process of setting up a KRTR, personnel requirements, data set content and minimum quality indicators required.

The epidemiology of renal replacement therapy in two different parts of the world: the Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry versus the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To compare the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Latin America and Europe, as well as to study differences in macroeconomic indicators, demographic and clinical patient characteristics, mortality rates, and causes of death between these two populations. Methods. We used data from 20 Latin American and 49 European national and subnational renal registries that had provided data to the Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplant Registry (RLADTR) and the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry, respectively. The incidence and prevalence of RRT in 2013 were calculated per million population (pmp), overall and by subcategories of age, sex, primary renal disease, and treatment modality. The correlation between gross domestic product and the prevalence of RRT was analyzed using linear regression. Trends in the prevalence of RRT between 2004 and 2013 were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis. Results. In 2013, the overall incidence at day 91 after the onset of RRT was 181 pmp for Latin American countries and 130 pmp for European countries. The overall prevalence was 660 pmp for Latin America and 782 pmp for Europe. In the Latin American countries, the annual increase in the prevalence averaged 4.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5%-5.6%) from 2004 to 2013, while the European countries showed an average annual increase of 2.2% (95% CI: 2.0%-2.4%) for the same time period. The crude mortality rate was higher in Latin America than in Europe (112 versus 100 deaths per 1 000 patient-years), and cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in both of those regions. Conclusions. There are considerable differences between Latin America and Europe in the epidemiology of RRT for ESRD. Further research is needed to explore the reasons for these differences.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Comparar los datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal (TSFR) para la nefropatía terminal en América Latina y Europa, así como estudiar las diferencias en cuanto a indicadores macroeconómicos, características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, tasas de mortalidad y causas de defunción entre estas dos poblaciones. Métodos. Utilizamos los datos de 20 registros renales latinoamericanos y 49 europeos, a nivel nacional y subnacional, que le habían proporcionado datos al Registro Latinoamericano de Diálisis y Trasplante Renal (RLADTR) y al Registro de la Asociación Europea Renal–Asociación Europea de Diálisis y Trasplantes (ERA-EDTA, por su sigla en inglés), respectivamente. Se calculó la incidencia y la prevalencia del TSFR en el 2013 por millón de habitantes, en total y por subcategoría (edad, sexo, nefropatía primaria y modalidad de tratamiento). Se analizó la correlación entre el producto interno bruto y la prevalencia de TSFR mediante regresión lineal. Se evaluaron las tendencias en la prevalencia de TSFR entre el 2004 y el 2013 mediante un análisis de regresiones lineales segmentadas. Resultados. En el 2013, la incidencia general al día 91 después de iniciar el tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal era de 181 por millón de habitantes en los países latinoamericanos y de 130 en los países europeos. La prevalencia general era de 660 por millón de habitantes para América Latina y de 782 para Europa. En los países latinoamericanos, el aumento anual promedio de la prevalencia fue de 4,0% (intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC]: 2,5%-5,6%) entre el 2004 y el 2013, mientras que los países europeos registraron un aumento anual promedio de 2,2% (IC de 95%: 2,0%-2,4%) durante el mismo período. La tasa bruta de mortalidad fue mayor en América Latina que en Europa (112 defunciones por 1 000 años-paciente, en comparación con 100 defunciones), y las enfermedades cardiovasculares fueron la principal causa de muerte en ambas regiones. Conclusiones. Hay considerables diferencias entre América Latina y Europa en cuanto a los datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal para la nefropatía terminal. Es necesario hacer más investigaciones para explorar las razones de tales diferencias.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Comparar o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com doença renal em estágio final (DREF) em terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) na América Latina e na Europa e examinar as diferenças nos indicadores macroeconômicos, características demográficas e clínicas, taxas de mortalidade e causas de morte entre as duas populações de pacientes. Métodos. O estudo foi baseado em informação de 20 registros latino-americanos e 49 registros nacionais e subnacionais europeus que haviam fornecido dados ao Registro Latino-Americano de Diálise e Transplante Renal (RLADTR) e Registro da Associação Europeia de Nefrologia e Associação Europeia de Diálise e Transplante (ERA-EDTA), respectivamente. A incidência e a prevalência de TRS em 2013 foram calculadas por milhão de habitantes (pmh), geral e por subcategorias de idade, sexo, doença renal primária e modalidade de tratamento. A correlação entre o produto interno bruto (PIB) e a prevalência de TRS foi analisada com o uso de regressão linear. Tendências na prevalência de TRS entre 2004 e 2013 foram analisadas com o uso de regressão linear segmentada. Resultados. Em 2013, a incidência geral ao dia 91 do início de TRS foi 181 pmh nos países latino-americanos e 130 pmh nos países europeus. Observou-se uma prevalencia geral de TRS de 660 pmh na América Latina e 782 pmh na Europa. No período 2004–2013, o aumento médio anual da prevalência foi de 4,0% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%] 2,5%–5,6%) nos países latino-americanos, enquanto que houve um aumento médio anual de 2,2% (IC 95% 2,0%–2,4%) nos países europeus. A taxa de mortalidade bruta foi maior na América Latina que na Europa (112 versus 100 óbitos por 1.000 pacientes-anos) e doença cardiovascular foi a principal causa de morte em ambas as regiões. Conclusões. Existem diferenças consideráveis entre a América Latina e a Europa no perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com DREF em TRS. Outras pesquisas devem ser realizadas para investigar mais a fundo estas diferenças.

The epidemiology of renal replacement therapy in two different parts of the world: the Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry versus the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Latin America and Europe, as well as to study differences in macroeconomic indicators, demographic and clinical patient characteristics, mortality rates, and causes of death between these two populations. METHODS: We used data from 20 Latin American and 49 European national and subnational renal registries that had provided data to the Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplant Registry (RLADTR) and the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry, respectively. The incidence and prevalence of RRT in 2013 were calculated per million population (pmp), overall and by subcategories of age, sex, primary renal disease, and treatment modality. The correlation between gross domestic product and the prevalence of RRT was analyzed using linear regression. Trends in the prevalence of RRT between 2004 and 2013 were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis. RESULTS: In 2013, the overall incidence at day 91 after the onset of RRT was 181 pmp for Latin American countries and 130 pmp for European countries. The overall prevalence was 660 pmp for Latin America and 782 pmp for Europe. In the Latin American countries, the annual increase in the prevalence averaged 4.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5%-5.6%) from 2004 to 2013, while the European countries showed an average annual increase of 2.2% (95% CI: 2.0%-2.4%) for the same time period. The crude mortality rate was higher in Latin America than in Europe (112 versus 100 deaths per 1 000 patient-years), and cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in both of those regions. CONCLUSIONS: There are considerable differences between Latin America and Europe in the epidemiology of RRT for ESRD. Further research is needed to explore the reasons for these differences.

The epidemiology of renal replacement therapy in two different parts of the world: the Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry versus the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry / Datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal en dos partes del mundo: el Registro Latinoamericano de Diálisis y Trasplante Renal frente al Registro de la Asociación Europea de Nefrología y Asociación Europea de Diálisis y trasplante / Epidemiologia da terapia renal substitutiva em dois pontos distintos do planeta: Registro Latino-Americano de Diálise e Transplante Renal e Registro da Associação Europeia de Nefrologia e Associação Europeia de Diálise e Transplante

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Latin America and Europe, as well as to study differences in macroeconomic indicators, demographic and clinical patient characteristics, mortality rates, and causes of death between these two populations. Methods We used data from 20 Latin American and 49 European national and subnational renal registries that had provided data to the Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplant Registry (RLADTR) and the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry, respectively. The incidence and prevalence of RRT in 2013 were calculated per million population (pmp), overall and by subcategories of age, sex, primary renal disease, and treatment modality. The correlation between gross domestic product and the prevalence of RRT was analyzed using linear regression. Trends in the prevalence of RRT between 2004 and 2013 were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis. Results In 2013, the overall incidence at day 91 after the onset of RRT was 181 pmp for Latin American countries and 130 pmp for European countries. The overall prevalence was 660 pmp for Latin America and 782 pmp for Europe. In the Latin American countries, the annual increase in the prevalence averaged 4.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5%-5.6%) from 2004 to 2013, while the European countries showed an average annual increase of 2.2% (95% CI: 2.0%-2.4%) for the same time period. The crude mortality rate was higher in Latin America than in Europe (112 versus 100 deaths per 1 000 patient-years), and cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in both of those regions. Conclusions There are considerable differences between Latin America and Europe in the epidemiology of RRT for ESRD. Further research is needed to explore the reasons for these differences.

RESUMEN Objetivo Comparar los datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal (TSFR) para la nefropatía terminal en América Latina y Europa, así como estudiar las diferencias en cuanto a indicadores macroeconómicos, características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, tasas de mortalidad y causas de defunción entre estas dos poblaciones. Métodos Utilizamos los datos de 20 registros renales latinoamericanos y 49 europeos, a nivel nacional y subnacional, que le habían proporcionado datos al Registro Latinoamericano de Diálisis y Trasplante Renal (RLADTR) y al Registro de la Asociación Europea Renal-Asociación Europea de Diálisis y Trasplantes (ERA-EDTA, por su sigla en inglés), respectivamente. Se calculó la incidencia y la prevalencia del TSFR en el 2013 por millón de habitantes, en total y por subcategoría (edad, sexo, nefropatía primaria y modalidad de tratamiento). Se analizó la correlación entre el producto interno bruto y la prevalencia de TSFR mediante regresión lineal. Se evaluaron las tendencias en la prevalencia de TSFR entre el 2004 y el 2013 mediante un análisis de regresiones lineales segmentadas. Resultados En el 2013, la incidencia general al día 91 después de iniciar el tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal era de 181 por millón de habitantes en los países latinoamericanos y de 130 en los países europeos. La prevalencia general era de 660 por millón de habitantes para América Latina y de 782 para Europa. En los países latinoamericanos, el aumento anual promedio de la prevalencia fue de 4,0% (intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC]: 2,5%-5,6%) entre el 2004 y el 2013, mientras que los países europeos registraron un aumento anual promedio de 2,2% (IC de 95%: 2,0%-2,4%) durante el mismo período. La tasa bruta de mortalidad fue mayor en América Latina que en Europa (112 defunciones por 1 000 años-paciente, en comparación con 100 defunciones), y las enfermedades cardiovasculares fueron la principal causa de muerte en ambas regiones. Conclusiones Hay considerables diferencias entre América Latina y Europa en cuanto a los datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal para la nefropatía terminal. Es necesario hacer más investigaciones para explorar las razones de tales diferencias.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com doença renal em estágio final (DREF) em terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) na América Latina e na Europa e examinar as diferenças nos indicadores macroeconômicos, características demográficas e clínicas, taxas de mortalidade e causas de morte entre as duas populações de pacientes. Métodos O estudo foi baseado em informação de 20 registros latino-americanos e 49 registros nacionais e subnacionais europeus que haviam fornecido dados ao Registro Latino-Americano de Diálise e Transplante Renal (RLADTR) e Registro da Associação Europeia de Nefrologia e Associação Europeia de Diálise e Transplante (ERA-EDTA), respectivamente. A incidência e a prevalência de TRS em 2013 foram calculadas por milhão de habitantes (pmh), geral e por subcategorias de idade, sexo, doença renal primária e modalidade de tratamento. A correlação entre o produto interno bruto (PIB) e a prevalência de TRS foi analisada com o uso de regressão linear. Tendências na prevalência de TRS entre 2004 e 2013 foram analisadas com o uso de regressão linear segmentada. Resultados Em 2013, a incidência geral ao dia 91 do início de TRS foi 181 pmh nos países latino-americanos e 130 pmh nos países europeus. Observou-se uma prevalência geral de TRS de 660 pmh na América Latina e 782 pmh na Europa. No período 2004-2013, o aumento médio anual da prevalência foi de 4,0% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%] 2,5%-5,6%) nos países latino-americanos, enquanto que houve um aumento médio anual de 2,2% (IC 95% 2,0%-2,4%) nos países europeus. A taxa de mortalidade bruta foi maior na América Latina que na Europa (112 versus 100 óbitos por 1.000 pacientes-anos) e doença cardiovascular foi a principal causa de morte em ambas as regiões. Conclusões Existem diferenças consideráveis entre a América Latina e a Europa no perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com DREF em TRS. Outras pesquisas devem ser realizadas para investigar mais a fundo estas diferenças.

Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry: Experience and contributions to end-stage renal disease epidemiology.

In 2015, 634387 million people (9% of the world's population) resided in Latin America (LA), with half of those populating Brazil and Mexico. The LA Dialysis and Transplant Registry was initiated in 1991, with the aim of collecting data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) from the 20 LA-affiliated countries. Since then, the Registry has revealed a trend of increasing prevalence and incidence of end-stage kidney disease on RRT, which is ongoing and is correlated with gross national income, life expectancy at birth, and percentage of population that is older than 65 years. In addition, the rate of kidney transplantation has increased yearly, with > 70% being performed from deceased donors. According to the numbers reported for 2013, the rates of prevalence, incidence and transplantation were (in patients per million population) 669, 149 and 19.4, respectively. Hemodialysis was the treatment of choice (90%), and 43% of the patients undergoing this treatment was located in Brazil; in contrast, peritoneal dialysis prevailed in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala. To date, the Registry remains the only source of RRT data available to healthcare authorities in many LA countries. It not only serves to promote knowledge regarding epidemiology of end-stage renal disease and the related RRT but also for training of nephrologists and renal researchers, to improve understanding and clinical application of dialysis and transplantation services. In LA, accessibility to RRT is still limited and it remains necessary to develop effective programs that will reduce risk factors, promote early diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease, and strengthen transplantation programs.

Los registros nacionales de diálisis y trasplante renal en América Latina: cómo implementarlos y mejorarlos

El Plan Estratégico de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, 2014-2019, En pro de la salud: Desarrollo sostenible y equidad, reconoce que “La enfermedad renal crónica causada principalmente por las complicaciones de la diabetes y la hipertensión ha aumentado en la Región”. En él se define por primera vez una meta concreta sobre la enfermedad renal crónica: alcanzar una prevalencia del tratamiento de sustitución de la función renal de por lo menos 700 pacientes por millón de habitantes en 2019. Los Registros de Diálisis y Trasplante (RDT) nacionales constituyen una herramienta útil para la investigación epidemiológica, la planificación de la atención de salud y la mejora de su calidad. Su éxito depende de la calidad de sus datos y los procedimientos de control de calidad. En este artículo se describen la situación actual de los RDT nacionales de la Región, sus contenidos informativos e indicadores de calidad, y ofrecen recomendaciones para crearlos y mantenerlos. Se destaca su heterogeneidad o ausencia en algunos países en consonancia con las inequidades de acceso a los tratamientos de reemplazo renal que afrontan los pacientes. La carencia total de información en países del Caribe impide incluirlos en esta comunicación, lo que requiere inmediata atención.

Los registros nacionales de diálisis y trasplante renal en América Latina: cómo implementarlos y mejorarlos / National kidney dialysis and transplant registries in Latin America: how to implement and improve them

El Plan Estratégico de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, 2014-2019, En pro de la salud: Desarrollo sostenible y equidad, reconoce que "La enfermedad renal crónica causada principalmente por las complicaciones de la diabetes y la hipertensión ha aumentado en la Región". En él se define por primera vez una meta concreta sobre la enfermedad renal crónica: alcanzar una prevalencia del tratamiento de sustitución de la función renal de por lo menos 700 pacientes por millón de habitantes en 2019. Los Registros de Diálisis y Trasplante (RDT) nacionales constituyen una herramienta útil para la investigación epidemiológica, la planificación de la atención de salud y la mejora de su calidad. Su éxito depende de la calidad de sus datos y los procedimientos de control de calidad. En este artículo se describen la situación actual de los RDT nacionales de la Región, sus contenidos informativos e indicadores de calidad, y ofrecen recomendaciones para crearlos y mantenerlos. Se destaca su heterogeneidad o ausencia en algunos países en consonancia con las inequidades de acceso a los tratamientos de reemplazo renal que afrontan los pacientes. La carencia total de información en países del Caribe impide incluirlos en esta comunicación, lo que requiere inmediata atención.

The Strategic Plan of the Pan American Health Organization, 2014-2019, Championing Health: Sustainable Development and Equityrecognizes that "Chronic kidney disease, caused mainly by complications of diabetes and hypertension, has increased in the Region." This Plan includes the first concrete goal on chronic kidney disease: to achieve a prevalence rate for renal replacement therapy of at least 700 patients per million population by 2019. National dialysis and transplant registries (DTR) are a useful tool for epidemiological research, health care planning, and quality improvement. Their success depends on the quality of their data and quality control procedures. This article describes the current situation of national DTRs in the Region and the content of their information and health indicators, and it offers recommendations for creating and maintaining them. It points to their heterogeneity or absence in some countries, in line with the inequities that patients face in access to renal replacement therapy. The complete lack of information in Caribbean countries prevents their inclusion in this communication, which requires immediate attention.

National kidney dialysis and transplant registries in Latin America: how to implement and improve them.

The Strategic Plan of the Pan American Health Organization, 2014-2019, Championing Health: Sustainable Development and Equityrecognizes that "Chronic kidney disease, caused mainly by complications of diabetes and hypertension, has increased in the Region." This Plan includes the first concrete goal on chronic kidney disease: to achieve a prevalence rate for renal replacement therapy of at least 700 patients per million population by 2019. National dialysis and transplant registries (DTR) are a useful tool for epidemiological research, health care planning, and quality improvement. Their success depends on the quality of their data and quality control procedures. This article describes the current situation of national DTRs in the Region and the content of their information and health indicators, and it offers recommendations for creating and maintaining them. It points to their heterogeneity or absence in some countries, in line with the inequities that patients face in access to renal replacement therapy. The complete lack of information in Caribbean countries prevents their inclusion in this communication, which requires immediate attention.

Análisis del crecimiento de la prevalencia de las diferentes modalidades de tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal en Latinoamérica / Analysis of prevalence increase in different methods of renal function replacement treatment in Latin America

Introducción: el Registro Latinoamericano de Diálisis y Trasplante Renal (Sociedad Latinoamericana de Nefrología e Hipertensión, SLANH) recoge desde 1991 datos sobre el tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal (TSFR), cuya prevalencia aumentó de 335 a 576 pmp durante el período 2000-2008. Objetivos: Analizar el crecimiento proporcional de la prevalencia de cada modalidad de tratamiento, Hemodiálisis (HD), Diálisis Peritoneal (DP) y Trasplante Renal Funcionante, y establecer la relación que las modalidades tienen entre sí y con la tasa de nefrólogos pmp. Material y métodos: Se determinaron los porcentajes de crecimiento de las prevalencias por país y por regiones divididas según: a) la SLANH (criterio geográfico); b) el Estudio de Carga Global de Enfermedades de la OMS (GBD-WHO) (criterio epidemiológico). Resultados: El porcentaje de crecimiento de las tasas mostró amplia variabilidad entre las tres modalidades, siendo mayores los de DP. El porcentaje de crecimiento de DP se relacionó en forma inversa con el porcentaje de crecimiento de HD en las regiones 1 (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay y Uruguay) y 4 de SLANH (México, América Central y Caribe) y en todas las regiones de GBD-WHO se relacionó directamente con la prevalencia total del TSFR e inversamente con el porcentaje de crecimiento de HD. La tasa de no se relacionó con el aumento de la prevalencia. Conclusiones: Agrupando los países según criterios epidemiológicos, el crecimiento de DP correlacionó en forma inversa al de HD y directa con la prevalencia total del TSFR. No se observó correlación de esta última con la tasa de nefrólogos por país.

Introduction: the Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Registry (Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension, SLANH) since 1991, has been collecting data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) whose prevalence increased from 335 to 576 pmp during 2000-2008 period. Objectives: To analyze the proportional increase of each treatment method, Hemodialysis (HD), Peritoneal Dialysis (DP) and Functional Renal Transplantation, and to establish the relationship among them and with the nephrologists rate pmp. Methods: Prevalence increase percentages were determined in each country and regions divided according to: a) the SLANH (geographical criteria); b) Global Burden of Disease study (GBD-WHO) (epidemiological criteria). Results: Percentage growth rate showed wide variability among the three methods, DP being the larger. DP percentage growth was inversely related to HD increase percentage in SLANH regions 1 (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay) and 4 (México, Central America and the Caribbean) and in all GBDWHO regions it was directly related to the total RRT prevalence and inversely to HD percentage growth. Nephrologists rate was not relatedto prevalence increase. Conclusions: Grouping together countries according to epidemiological criteria, DP growth correlated inversely to HD one, and directly to RRT total prevalence. RRT correlation to nephrologists rate by country, was not observed.

Chronic kidney disease in Latin America: time to improve screening and detection.

Latin America is a conglomerate of adjacent countries that share a Latin extraction and language (Spanish or Portuguese) and exhibit extreme variations in socioeconomic status. End-stage renal disease prevalence and incidence rates have been growing steadily, probably as a result of the increase in life expectancy, aging of the population, a growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes, and a fast epidemiologic transition across the region. Chronic noncommunicable diseases impose an enormous cost, barely supported at present and unlikely afforded by Latin America in the future. National health surveys in Chile, Mexico, and Argentina showed a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 21% of the Chilean population had a creatinine clearance <80 ml/min. Among the surveyed people, 8.6% of Argentines, 14.2% of Chileans, and 9.2% of Mexicans had proteinuria. There are ongoing national chronic kidney disease detection programs in Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela; Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Paraguay are still developing them. The prevalence of cardiovascular and renal risk factors is high in Latin America. Data about chronic kidney disease are scarce, but public health awareness is high, evidenced by ongoing or developing chronic kidney disease detection programs. High-risk patients (e.g., those with hypertension or diabetes, elderly) must be studied, using simple determinations such as creatinine and proteinuria. For these programs to succeed, lifestyle changes must be encouraged, and public awareness must be increased through teaching and media-oriented activities.