Research: early-onset kidney disease up nearly 30% in three decades

The global age-specific incidence rate for early-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased by approximately 28.64% from 1990 to 2019, and it is projected to become the 5th leading cause of early death by 2040, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Despite its growing prevalence, CKD often goes unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. However, advancements in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) genetic testing offer new hope for early detection, personalized treatment, and preventative intervention.

'I Thought It Was Just Period Pain' - Sasha's Story

Fifteen-year-old Sasha Bellamy, from Manchester, never suspected she had a kidney disease. When she began experiencing persistent stomach cramps, she assumed it was related to her menstrual cycle. A visit to her school nurse led to a doctor's appointment, where a routine blood test revealed abnormal kidney function.

What followed was a life-changing diagnosis: Sasha had a rare genetic kidney disease.

"It was a real shock," she told the Kidney Research UK. "The weird thing is that even to this day I don't feel ill, but I just get very tired all the time. A few weeks before the stomach pain I was told I looked anemic but that was it."

The once-active teenager now faces an uncertain future. She will need lifelong monitoring and may eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Her younger sister, Ashley, was later tested and found to have the same genetic condition, though her kidney function remains normal. She now undergoes check-ups every six months to track any potential decline.

A Silent Threat Affecting Millions

Sasha's case is far from rare. According to The Lancet Global Health, CKD affects over 10% of the global population, and a quarter of those affected have a family history of the disease.

The condition is particularly prevalent among people with diabetes and hypertension. In high-income countries, one in three people with diabetes and one in five with hypertension develop CKD.

Despite these high numbers, CKD is often called a "silent disease", as symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are significantly damaged. Many people only receive a diagnosis when their kidney function has already deteriorated to the point where dialysis or transplantation is necessary.

Genetic Testing Guide Precision Medicine

With advances in genetic research, scientists are gaining a better understanding of how inherited factors contribute to CKD. Modern high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies—such as BGI Genomics’ Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)—allow the detection of rare genetic mutations that can cause or accelerate kidney disease.

These technology and tools help doctors identify people at risk before symptoms appear, improve diagnosis accuracy, especially for rare forms of CKD, and eventually guide more personalized treatment plans.

Lifestyle and Early Detection

"There are some people who are going to develop kidney disease no matter what they do—just as some people will develop heart disease. But good general care, early diagnosis, and treatment can keep people healthier for longer." Dr Randy Luciano, a nephrologist at Yale Medicine, says early intervention can be life-changing.

Doctors recommend regular screening for people with a family history of CKD or high blood sugar/pressure risk factors. This includes measuring creatinine levels in the blood and checking for protein in the urine—two key indicators of kidney function.

While genetics play a role in CKD, doctors stress that lifestyle choices also affect kidney health. A diet high in processed foods, excess salt, and sugar can contribute to high blood pressure and diabetes—two major risk factors for CKD. Staying hydrated, maintaining an active lifestyle, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can help slow kidney function decline.

On March 13, World Kidney Day, Sasha's story reminds us that kidney disease does not always show symptoms until it is too late. With better awareness, early detection, and advances in genetic testing, experts hope to slow the rising burden of CKD worldwide. For those with a family history of kidney disease, speaking to a doctor about screening could be a crucial step in protecting long-term health.

BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.