A growing number of kidney disease cases are being observed, and doctors say a key factor is a lack of regular health checkups and consistent management of existing chronic conditions. Doctors at Vilnius City Clinical Hospital (VMKL) emphasize that early detection and proactive lifestyle choices can significantly delay or even prevent the progression of many kidney ailments. The rising incidence isn’t simply a medical issue, according to VMKL Director Dr. Aušra Bilotienė-Motiejūnienė, but a systemic one reflecting broader public health trends.
The trend is driven by both an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, Dr. Bilotienė-Motiejūnienė explained. “Today, we are seeing a clear trend – an increase in patients with impaired kidney function,” she said. “This requires not only early diagnosis but also coordinated collaboration between specialists in different fields to manage the course of the disease and prevent complications.” VMKL is actively expanding nephrology services and improving dialysis treatment options to address the growing need.
Often, kidney disease progresses silently for years, with subtle symptoms easily dismissed as general fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, or weight loss. This makes early detection particularly challenging. Unlike many other organ failures, chronic kidney disease rarely presents with acute, severe pain. Diagnoses are frequently made at a late stage, when treatment options are limited and damage is extensive. According to Dr. Alicija Bartašūnaitė-Afanasjeva, a nephrologist at VMKL, a diagnosis is only made in approximately ten percent of patients before the condition becomes severe.
The Silent Threat: Why Early Detection Matters
One of the primary reasons for delayed diagnosis, Dr. Bartašūnaitė-Afanasjeva notes, is insufficient monitoring of chronic conditions and infrequent routine testing. “A large proportion of patients, especially those of middle age, already have diagnosed chronic diseases, but their monitoring is not consistent enough,” she said. “Simple blood and urine tests, which do not require significant costs, can show whether kidney function remains stable or begins to deteriorate. Unfortunately, in practice, we often find that even a simple test like a general urine analysis is performed too rarely.”
Even in the absence of obvious symptoms, regular health monitoring is crucial. The appearance of elevated blood pressure, for example, should prompt a urine test. If abnormalities are detected, an ultrasound can assess potential structural changes in the kidneys. Timely testing can lead to earlier diagnosis and slower disease progression.
The increasing prevalence of kidney disease is also linked to the growing rates of heart failure, a condition that frequently co-occurs with chronic kidney disease. “It is likely that kidney diseases will continue to increase in the future, as our population ages and more elderly patients with both chronic diseases and severe heart failure are admitted to hospitals,” Dr. Bartašūnaitė-Afanasjeva stated.
When Dialysis Becomes Necessary
For some patients, kidney dysfunction progresses to the point where medication alone is insufficient, necessitating renal replacement therapy. The most common form of this therapy is hemodialysis, a process where a dialysis machine filters toxins from the blood 2-3 times per week.
“If a patient arrives at a medical facility with acute kidney failure and we see that the so-called uremic indicators in the blood are very high, and conservative treatment is no longer effective, we begin renal replacement therapy – hemodialysis,” explained Dr. Bartašūnaitė-Afanasjeva. “During treatment, we assess whether kidney function recovers, and we look for the causes of the acute failure. Often, patients recover from acute kidney failure, their kidney function normalizes, or a background of chronic kidney disease remains, so they continue to be monitored by a nephrologist.”
Another group of patients who may require renal replacement therapy are those with chronic kidney disease, who are monitored on an outpatient basis with periodic tests and prepared for therapy when the disease progresses and test results worsen.
Prevention Through Lifestyle and Responsible Medication Use
Experts emphasize that the risk of kidney disease is closely linked to daily habits and the control of chronic conditions. Even small lifestyle changes can assist slow the deterioration of kidney function and prevent more serious health problems. “If a person suffers from chronic diseases, it is very important to manage them properly – to control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and drink enough fluids. This helps to delay the development of chronic kidney disease,” Dr. Bartašūnaitė-Afanasjeva said. “Physical activity, a healthy diet, and a normal body weight are also important, as obesity and metabolic disorders are significant risk factors.”
Responsible medication use is also critical. Doctors at VMKL frequently encounter patients who do not adhere to recommended dosages of pain medication. It is essential to follow prescribed doses and ensure adequate fluid intake when taking these medications. The kidneys filter everything that enters the body, so balance – avoiding both dehydration and overhydration – is vital.
Dr. Aušra Bilotienė-Motiejūnienė, director of VMKL, has a strong background in healthcare administration and research, having earned a doctorate in medicine and health in 2021. Her dissertation focused on the problem of hospitalizations following repeat visits to the emergency department, their impact on service quality, and ways to manage them. More information about Dr. Bilotienė-Motiejūnienė can be found on the VMKL website.
The increasing burden of kidney disease demands a proactive approach to public health, emphasizing preventative care and early detection. VMKL continues to expand its nephrology services and improve dialysis capabilities, but the most significant impact will come from individual responsibility and consistent engagement with healthcare providers. The hospital plans to continue monitoring trends and adapting its services to meet the evolving needs of the population.
If you have concerns about your kidney health, please consult with your doctor. Share this article with friends and family to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and preventative care.
