"This number
has increased 123% in the last decade. Most of this increase appears
to be due to an increase in chronic kidney failure deaths that have
risen 148% in the last decade (2046 deaths in 2007 c/w 1386 in 1998)
with a striking 133% rise over the last 3 years.
This is at a time when cardiovascular deaths have decreased
125% in the last decade.
The rise in mortality has occurred in both sexes with female
deaths accounting for 55% of all deaths from diseases of the kidney
and urinary tract. An age breakdown of these deaths is not yet
available.
"When adjusted for the population and expressed as a mortality
rate there was an increase of 150% over the last decade - from 4.1
in 1998 to 6.25 in 2007 (deaths per 100,000 person years)
Dr Mathew said "Explanations for this significant increase in
deaths from kidney failure include the ageing population (kidney
failure increases with age), an increased awareness of kidney
diseases due to better diagnosis and reporting practices and a real
increase possibly related to the fall in cardiovascular mortality".
Kidney Health Information
"Do you know without kidney
function our body dies! One in three Australians is at risk of
developing kidney disease.
Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure are
risk factors."
Media Enquiries:
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney
Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith, National Media
Communications, Kidney Health Australia (03) 9818 5700,
Mobile:
0417 329 201
