Studies show important gaps in detection and recognition of CKD, testing and monitoring of kidney function and use of recommended medications. The magnitude of these gaps is related to the potential preventive ability to reduce the risk of adverse events.
Objetive: Describe the clinical burden and quantify the health care resources utilization (HCRU) and costs of CKD overall, by CKD stage at diagnosis in Catalonia.
Methods. Retrospective cohort population-based, non-interventional, based on electronic health data.
Study population: People with CKD diagnosed code and/or with =2 measures of eGFR<60 mL/min/1,73m2 and/or UACR >30 mg/g and at least 90 days apart, between January 1st 2011 and December 31st 2021.
Variables. Sociodemograhic, cardiovascular risks factors and diseases, Charlson, CKD diagnosis, clinical and analytical measurements, drug treatment, HCRU (hospitalizations, primary care and emergency visits).
Statistical analysis. Annual diagnose rates. Description of baseline sociodemographic variables, clinical characteristics and comorbidities and drug use overall, according to CKD stage, diagnosis and CRM comorbidities. The impact of CKD on the health system will be evaluated in terms of the costs of use of drugs, disease monitoring (laboratory and image testing), and HCRU.
Expected results. A high proportion of CKD patients will be undiagnosed, undertested and undertreated, with a higher risk of cardiovascular and/or renal events and increased HCRU and costs. The quantification of these gaps will urge to implement strategies to improve CKD management to reduce the incidence of complications and optimize costs.