Quezon City: The number of individuals undergoing dialysis treatment has surged to 64,845 in 2024, marking a significant 22-percent increase from the 53,296 cases recorded in 2023. National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) adult nephrology consultant Anthony Russel Villanueva highlighted this rise as indicative of the serious burden chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses in the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva noted that kidney disease remains one of the top ten causes of death among Filipinos, emphasizing its profound impact on patients' livelihoods as many are unable to work properly due to their condition. Data from the Philippine Renal Disease Registry of the Department of Health, as of March 2025, indicated that hypertensive nephrosclerosis accounted for 33.07 percent of kidney disease cases nationwide, followed by diabetic nephropathy at 30.04 percent, and chronic glomerulonephritis at 12.20 percent.
Villanueva further detailed that 56.34 percent of the patients with kidney issues are male, while 43.65 percent are female. The age distribution of affected individuals shows that 40.82 percent are aged 60 years and above, 57.44 percent are between 20 to 59 years old, 0.62 percent are aged 11 to 19, and 1.11 percent are 10 years old and below.
NKTI pediatric nephrology consultant Ana Katherine Alas reported a noticeable increase in CKD cases among children, rising from 144 cases (9.3 percent) in 2023 to 301 cases (12.1 percent) in 2024. Alas explained that 55 percent of these cases were boys, primarily linked to congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, often caused by posterior urethral valves that are male-specific. Age distribution among pediatric cases showed 128 patients were aged 16 to 18, 120 were 11 to 15 years old, 38 were aged 6 to 10 years, and 15 were 5 years old or younger.
The types of kidney problems include acute kidney injury (AKI), CKD, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). AKI is described as a sudden malfunction often due to infection, with kidneys typically regaining function post-treatment. CKD progresses irreversibly, frequently due to diabetes and hypertension, while ESRD is characterized by the necessity for treatments like dialysis or transplantation.
Symptoms of CKD include dry and itchy skin, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, swelling in the feet and ankles, decreased urination, and trouble breathing or sleeping. CKD can also lead to anemia, gout, and hyperkalemia, a life-threatening condition marked by heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Villanueva highlighted that adults with uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, and genetic factors are at risk, while Alas pointed to stunting as a primary symptom in children with kidney disease. High-risk children include those born prematurely or with very low birth weight and congenital kidney diseases.
According to the NKTI, kidney function assessment tests include blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests, kidney biopsies, and kidney stone analyses. Treatment options for kidney failure comprise dialysis and kidney transplantation, with the latter considered the gold standard. However, many patients face challenges due to the cost and availability of qualified donors.
The NKTI emphasizes preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing diabetes and hypertension, and seeking early treatment for kidney and urinary tract infections.
