World Kidney Day will be commemorated on Thursday 10^th March 2022 under the theme, “Kidney Health for All.” The observance is a collaborative effort with the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundation (FKF).

The day was established in 2006 with its mission being “to highlight the importance of the kidneys to our general health and to reduce the regularity and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.”

Each year, nations around the world demonstrate their commitment by staging events to include public health screenings and Zumba marathons. These screenings are focused on preventive measures along with information sharing for those living with the disease.  

The objectives of World Kidney Day (WKD) are to: reflect on our amazing kidneys, draw attention to key risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD)such as diabetes and hypertension, educate medical professionals relating to their essential role in the detection and reduction of risk factors of chronic kidney disease particularly in high- risk populations.

On WKD, governments across the globe are being encouraged to: take action to invest in future kidney disease screenings, to encourage transplantation as the greatest option for kidney failure, as well as organ donation which is a life- saving initiative.

 Chronic kidney disease or chronic kidney failure is a gradual loss of kidney function. Our kidneys act as filters for waste and excess fluids from the blood which are then extracted by way of urine. In the case of advanced chronic kidney disease, there is a buildup of high levels of fluids, electrolytes, and waste in the body.

In early stages of kidney disease, there might not be any significant signs or symptoms until the condition has progressed. Some persons may never comprehend the gravity of the situation until it has worsened.

 For those diagnosed with CKD, emphasis is centered on slowing the progression of kidney damage by controlling the cause. However, this does not work in all cases and some patients’ conditions progress to end-stage kidney failure. End-stage kidney failure is fatal without the assistance of artificial filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.

Some risk factors related to chronic kidney disease are diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, smoking and obesity. Statistically, ethnicity too plays a major role with being of African or Asian descent places one at risk. Furthermore, a family history of kidney disease, abnormal kidney structure and increased age are major risk factors for CKD.

Chronic kidney disease can affect every area of the body. It causes fluid retention which leads to swelling of the arms and legs, high blood pressure, and fluid in the lungs leading (pulmonary oedema). A sudden rise in potassium levels in a person with CKD can impair heart function and is life-threatening. CKD can also cause anaemia and weak bones leading to heart disease and increased risk for bone fractures, respectively. Furthermore, CKD can affect the central nervous system and can present as seizures or personality changes. 

As part of the commemoration for World Kidney Day, a public screening was held at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. This was the result of a collaborative effort with the Rotary Club of Antigua, the Diabetes Association, the Medical Benefits Scheme, and the Renal Institute.

President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, Joanna Spencer said it was the first health screening for kidney disease sponsored by the club.  The initiative was because of discussion with Dr Ian Thomas who insisted on having the screening done for World Kidney Day. She further stated that “after seeing the rapid increase in cases of chronic kidney disease in Antigua and Barbuda, the club was able to donate two portable dialysis machines with a reverse osmosis plant.” She also iterated that, “since chronic kidney disease has no symptoms, we decided to sponsor a health screening for the public. Special thanks were also extended to the British High Commission and the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB.)

The patients were selected from the Diabetes Association and the Antigua and Barbuda Renal Society. Several doctors were at hand to interact with patients, namely Drs Ian Thomas, George Mansoor and Worthman.

 Conversations centred on the need for consistent education relating to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The need for in polyclinics and the need for more monitoring of patients with NCDs within the community was explored. Education must be started chiefly with the young as method of primary prevention as well as control of the growing number of NCDs within Antigua and Barbuda.

The Dialysis Unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is staffed with three (3) medical consultants, and three (3) house officers. It consists of seventeen (17) installed dialysis machines, three (3) portable dialysis machines and one (1) spare dialysis machine. Presently, there are one hundred and ten (110) patients accessing the services for the unit.

Special thanks  to Drs. Thomas, Mansoor and Worthman for their contribution to this article.