Introduction

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as any condition that leads to permanent reduced kidney function, is prevalent worldwide. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes as stage 5 CKD with a glomerular filtration rate less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m² that require either dialysis or a renal transplant in order to sustain the body’s normal daily functions [1]. Kidney disease is currently the 12th leading cause of death globally and affects 10.4% of the world’s population [2, 3]. In the US, at least 15% of the population lives with CKD [4]. In a recent study published by Lancet, 1.2 million people died from CKD in 2017 globally [5]. CKD cases are expected to increase to 2.2 million by 2040 [5]. The incidence of renal replacement therapy and transplant has increased recently. According to the United States Renal Data System, 86.9% of newly diagnosed ESRD patients were started on hemodialysis, 10.1% on peritoneal dialysis, and 2.9% received a preemptive kidney transplant [6]. Kidney transplantation is associated with lower long-term costs, better lifestyle, and greater survival compared to remaining on renal replacement therapy [6].