Recent data from the European Renal Association (ERA) Registry highlights a significant increase in the incidence and prevalence of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) across Central and Eastern Europe from 2010 to 2021. This comprehensive analysis reveals marked differences between individual countries, shedding light on the complexities of renal care in the region.
The study examined data from 19 Central and Eastern European nations, uncovering an average yearly increase of 1.5% in KRT incidence from 2010 to 2019. This trend reflects a rise from 106.3 per million population (pmp) in 2010 to 119.6 pmp in 2019. However, these overall statistics mask considerable disparities among countries. For instance, while Bosnia and Herzegovina saw a significant decline in KRT incidence, nine countries reported stable rates, and eight experienced increases. This variability underscores persistent inequalities in access to renal care across the region.
The prevalence of KRT has also surged, marking an annual increase of 5.1%. The number of cases jumped from 426.2 pmp in 2010 to 651.2 pmp in 2019, with nearly all countries showing an upward trend. The sole outlier was Belarus, where prevalence remained stable. This rise is largely attributed to improvements in kidney transplant availability and long-term patient survival rather than an expansion of dialysis alone, offering a positive glimpse into advancements in renal healthcare.
Interestingly, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, KRT trends in Central and Eastern Europe remained largely unaffected. Patterns of incidence and prevalence observed before 2020 continued through to 2021, suggesting that renal healthcare systems exhibited resilience during this period.
The study’s findings reveal that the variation in KRT usage is more pronounced in Central and Eastern Europe compared to Western Europe. Disparities in healthcare infrastructure, funding models, organ donation systems, and access to transplantation programs likely contribute to these differences. As such, the authors stress the importance of addressing these national gaps while fostering regional progress.
The insights from this study are invaluable for clinicians, policymakers, and healthcare planners focused on optimizing KRT care. By leveraging the data to inform country-specific strategies, stakeholders can work towards reducing inequalities and improving renal care delivery across Central and Eastern Europe. As the global burden of end-stage kidney disease rises, understanding these regional trends becomes crucial in establishing sustainable and equitable nephrology services.
This comprehensive overview, conducted by Bonthuis et al., serves as a call to action for stakeholders across the region to prioritize effective and equitable renal healthcare solutions that can adapt to emerging challenges. The full study can be found in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation.
For further information, refer to the original publication: Bonthuis M et al. Incidence and prevalence of kidney replacement therapy in Central and Eastern Europe – trends from the ERA registry. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2026; doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfaf268.
Tags: Kidney replacement therapy, renal care, Eastern Europe, healthcare disparities, nephrology services.
Original Source: https://www.emjreviews.com/nephrology/news/increasing-kidney-replacement-therapy-in-central-eastern-europe/
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Publish Date: 2026-01-16 14:33:00
