Pharmacologic and psychological interventions for depression treatment in patients with kidney disease

Pharmacological treatment for mental health illnesses in adults receiving dialysis: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Pharmacologic management of mental health illnesses in patients receiving dialysis is complex and lacking data.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to synthesize published data for the treatment of depression, bipolar and related disorders, schizophrenia or psychotic disorders, and anxiety disorders in adults receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

METHODS

We undertook a scoping review, searching the following databases: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data on patients who received only short-term dialysis, a kidney transplant, or non-pharmacologic treatments were excluded.

RESULTS

Seventy-three articles were included: 41 focused on depression, 16 on bipolar disorder, 13 on schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, 1 on anxiety disorders, and 2 addressing multiple mental health illnesses. The majority of depression studies reported on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a treatment. Sertraline had the most supporting data with use of doses from 25 to 200 mg daily. Among the remaining SSRIs, escitalopram, citalopram, and fluoxetine were studied in controlled trials, whereas paroxetine and fluvoxamine were described in smaller reports and observational trials. There are limited published data on other classes of antidepressants and on pharmacological management of anxiety. Data on treatment for patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and related disorders are limited to case reports.

CONCLUSION

Over half of the studies included were case reports, thus limiting conclusions. More robust data are required to establish effect sizes of pharmacological treatments prior to providing specific recommendations for their use in treating mental health illnesses in patients receiving dialysis.

Far-infrared stimulation of Neiguan acupoints improves heart rate variability and ameliorate fatigue in hemodialysis patients: A randomized trial

BACKGROUND

In 2018, 84 615 patients in Taiwan received hemodialysis, of which about 62% to 97% suffered from fatigue. Fatigue caused by hemodialysis may be mental or physical. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether far-infrared stimulation of the Neiguan acupoint (P6) could effectively reduce fatigue and improve heart rate variability (HRV) in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

We conducted a two-arm, randomized trial in a hemodialysis center between March 2015 and March 2016. A total of 73 hemodialysis patients were included and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 37) and a control group (n = 36). The experimental group received far-infrared radiation on Neiguan acupoint during hemodialysis for 12 weeks. The outcomes were fatigue level and HRV.

RESULTS

All patients showed moderate fatigue ( M = 26.00 ± 13.01, range = 0-78) at baseline. Far-infrared stimulation on Neiguan acupoint significantly reduced overall fatigue ( β = 24, p < 0.001) and improved HRV ( β = 74.36, p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the experiment group had significantly reduced fatigue levels in all aspects such as reduced energy and motivation ( β = -2.97, p < 0.001), reduced physical strength ( β = -1.28, p < 0.01), reduced mental capability ( β = -2.38, p < 0.001), reduction in daily activities ( β = -1.48, p < 0.01), depressed mood and loss of control ( β = -1.21, p < 0.05) as well as increased autonomous nervous system activity ( β = 14.71, p < 0.01) in the third month of stimulation.

CONCLUSION

Far-infrared stimulation of the Neiguan acupoints effectively reduces fatigue and increases autonomic nervous system activity in hemodialysis patients.

Comparative Safety of Antidepressants in Adults with CKD

BACKGROUND

Depression is prevalent in patients with CKD and is related to poor prognosis. Despite the widespread use of antidepressants in the CKD population, their safety remains unclear.

METHODS

We identified adults with CKD stages G3-5 (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 not treated with dialysis) and incident depression diagnosis during 2007-2019 from the Stockholm Creatinine Measurements project. Using the target trial emulation framework, we compared the following treatment strategies: (1) initiating versus not initiating antidepressants, (2) initiating mirtazapine versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and (3) initiating SSRIs with a lower dose versus a standard dose.

RESULTS

Of 7798 eligible individuals, 5743 (74%) initiated antidepressant treatment. Compared with noninitiation, initiation of antidepressants was associated with higher hazards of short-term outcomes, including hip fracture (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88 to 1.74) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.82 to 2.31), although not statistically significant. Initiation of antidepressants was not associated with long-term outcomes, including all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular event, CKD progression, and suicidal behavior. Compared with SSRIs, initiation of mirtazapine was associated with a lower hazard of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.96), but a higher hazard of mortality (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.22). Compared with the standard dose, initiation of SSRIs with a lower dose was associated with nonstatistically significantly lower hazards of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.34) and CKD progression (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.02), but a higher hazard of cardiac arrest (HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.02 to 5.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Antidepressant treatment was associated with short-term adverse outcomes but not long-term outcomes in people with CKD and depression.

Drugs with a negative impact on cognitive functions (Part 2): drug classes to consider while prescribing in CKD patients

There is growing evidence that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment, especially due to vascular damage, blood-brain barrier disruption and uremic toxins. Given the presence of multiple comorbidities, the medication regimen of CKD patients often becomes very complex. Several medications such as psychotropic agents, drugs with anticholinergic properties, GABAergic drugs, opioids, corticosteroids, antibiotics and others have been linked to negative effects on cognition. These drugs are frequently included in the treatment regimen of CKD patients. The first review of this series described how CKD could represent a risk factor for adverse drug reactions affecting the central nervous system. This second review will describe some of the most common medications associated with cognitive impairment (in the general population and in CKD) and describe their effects.

Sleep quality and associated factors among patients with chronic kidney disease in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Poor sleep quality adversely affects the overall well-being and outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it has not been well studied in Africans with CKD. We determined the prevalence of poor sleep quality and associated factors among patients with CKD.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study that involved patients with CKD .

SETTINGS

The study was carried out in the outpatient clinic of nine hospitals in Nigeria.

METHODS

Sleep quality, depressive and anxiety symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were assessed among 307 patients with CKD using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale Questionnaire and 12-item Short Form Health Survey Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively. The prevalence of poor sleep quality and associated factors were determined. A p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study participants was 51.40±15.17 years. The male:female ratio was 1.5:1 One hundred and twenty-one (39.4%) of the patients were on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). The prevalence of poor sleep quality, anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms among the patients was 50.2%, 37.8% and 17.6%, respectively. The prevalence of poor sleep quality in the CKD stages 3, 4, 5 and 5D was 38.1%, 42.6%, 52.2% and 58.7%, respectively. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was significantly higher in MHD patients compared with predialysis CKD (59.5% vs 43.6%; p=0.008). Factors associated with poor sleep quality were CKD stage (p=0.035), anaemia (p=0.003), pruritus (p=0.045), anxiety symptoms (p≤0.001), depressive symptoms (p≤0.001) and reduced QoL (p≤0.001). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with poor sleep were anxiety (AOR 2.19; 95% CI 1.27 to 3.79; p=0.005), anaemia (AOR 5.49; 95% CI 1.43 to 21.00;p=0.013) and reduced physical component of QoL (AOR 4.11; 95% CI 1.61 to 10.47; p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Poor sleep quality is common among patients with CKD especially in the advanced stage. The significant factors associated with poor sleep quality were QoL, anaemia and anxiety symptoms. These factors should be adequately managed to improve the overall outcomes of patients with CKD.

High rates of psychological distress, mental health diagnoses and suicide attempts in people with chronic kidney disease in Ireland

BACKGROUND

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience high levels of psychological distress, which is associated with higher mortality and adverse health outcomes. Little is known about the rates of a range of mental health difficulties or rates of suicide attempts in people with CKD.

METHODS

Individuals with CKD (n = 268; age range 18-94 years, mean = 49.96 years) on haemodialysis (n = 79), peritoneal dialysis (n = 46), transplant recipients (n = 84) and who were not on renal replacement therapy (RRT; n = 59) were recruited through the Irish Kidney Association social media pages and three Irish hospitals. Participants completed surveys to gather demographics and mental health histories, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

RESULTS

A total of 23.5% of participants self-reported they had received a mental health diagnosis, with depression (14.5%) and anxiety (14.2%) being the most common, while 26.4% of participants had experienced suicidal ideation and 9.3% had attempted suicide. Using a clinical cut-off ≥8 on the HADS subscales, current levels of clinically significant anxiety and depression were 50.7% and 35.4%, respectively. Depression levels were slightly higher for those on haemodialysis compared with those with a transplant and those not on RRT. Depression, anxiety and having a mental health diagnosis were all associated with lower HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

People with CKD in Ireland experience high levels of psychological distress, mental health difficulties, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. The identification of and intervention for mental health difficulties in CKD should be prioritised in clinical care.

Cognitive disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease: Approaches to prevention and treatment

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and early intervention may prevent the progression of this condition.

METHODS

Here, we review interventions for the complications of CKD (anemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, metabolic acidosis, harmful effects of dialysis, the accumulation of uremic toxins) and for prevention of vascular events, interventions that may potentially be protective against cognitive impairment. Furthermore, we discuss nonpharmacological and pharmacological methods to prevent cognitive impairment and/or minimize the latter's impact on CKD patients' daily lives.

RESULTS

A particular attention on kidney function assessment is suggested during work-up for cognitive impairment. Different approaches are promising to reduce cognitive burden in patients with CKD but the availabe dedicated data are scarce.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for studies assessing the effect of interventions on the cognitive function of patients with CKD.

How Are Albertans "Adjusting to and Coping With" Dialysis? A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background:

Depression and anxiety are commonly reported (40% and 11%-52%) among adults receiving dialysis, compared with ~10% among all Canadians. Mental health in dialysis care is underrecognized and undertreated.

Objective:

(1) To describe preferences for mental health support reported by Albertans receiving dialysis; (2) to compare depression, anxiety, and quality-of-life (QOL) domains for people who would or would not engage in support for mental health; and (3) to explore sociodemographic, mental health, and QOL domains that explain whether people would or would not engage in support for mental health.

Design:

A cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Alberta, Canada.

Patients:

Adults receiving all modalities of dialysis (N = 2972).

Measurements:

An online survey with questions about preferences for mental health support and patient-reported outcome measures (Patient Health Questionnaire–9 [PHQ-9], Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 [GAD-7], and Kidney Disease QOL Instrument–36 [KDQOL-36]).

Methods:

To address objectives 1 and 2, we conducted chi-square tests (for discrete variables) and t tests (for continuous variables) to compare the distributions of the above measures for two groups: Albertans receiving dialysis who would engage or would not engage in support for mental health. We subsequently conducted a series of binary logistic regressions guided by the purposeful variable selection approach to identify a subset of the most relevant explanatory variables for determining whether or not people are more likely to engage in support for mental health (objective 3). To further explain differences between the two groups, we analyzed open-text comments following a summative content analysis approach.

Results:

Among 384 respondents, 72 did not provide a dialysis modality or answer the PHQ-9. The final data set included responses from 312 participants. Of these, 59.6% would consider engaging in support, including discussing medication with a family doctor (72.1%) or nephrologist (62.9%), peer support groups (64.9%), and talk therapy (60%). Phone was slightly favored (73%) over in person at dialysis (67.6%), outpatient (67.2%), or video (59.4%). Moderate to severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥10) was reported by 33.4%, and most respondents (63.9%) reported minimal anxiety symptoms; 36.1% reported mild to severe anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score ≥5). The mean (SD) PHQ-9 score was 8.9 (6.4) for those who would engage in support, and lower at 5.8 (4.8) for those who would not. The mean (SD) GAD-7 score was 5.2 (5.6) for those who would engage in support and 2.8 (4.1) for those who would not. In the final logistic regression model, people who were unable to work had 2 times the odds of engaging in support than people who are able to work. People were also more likely to engage in support if they had been on dialysis for fewer years and had lower (worse) mental health scores (odds ratios = 1.06 and 1.38, respectively). The final model explained 15.5% (Nagelkerke R²) of the variance and with 66.6% correct classification. We analyzed 146 comments in response to the question, “Is there anything else you like to tell us.” The top 2 categories for both groups were QOL and impact of dialysis environment. The third category differed: those who would engage wrote about support, whereas those who would not engage wrote about “dialysis is the least of my worries.”

Limitations:

A low response rate of 12.9% limits representativeness; people who chose not to participate may have different experiences of mental health.

Conclusions:

Incorporating patients’ preferences and willingness to engage in support for mental health will inform future visioning for person-centered mental health care in dialysis.

The management of women with kidney disease

Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) is more prevalent among women than men in the United States. This review highlights the important yet unique considerations that should be made in the care of women with kidney disease including psychosocial issues, preventive care and family planning. We emphasize the critical work that needs to be performed to prevent kidney disease progression in this population and manage comorbid conditions. Significance statement: The health of women with kidney disease has been understudied. This review offers insights on key areas in the management of women with kidney disease.

[Long-term physical and psychological consequences of chronic kidney disease]

Aufgrund der verbesserten Behandlungsoptionen können Patient:innen mit chronischen Nierenerkrankungen heute deutlich länger überleben als noch vor 10 Jahren. Das Überleben ist für die Betroffenen jedoch immer mit einem Verlust an Lebensqualität verbunden. In diesem Beitrag wird eine kurze Übersicht über die körperlichen und psychischen Erkrankungsfolgen, Begleiterkrankungen und Therapienebenwirkungen bei chronischen Nierenerkrankungen gegeben. Auf bisher bekannte Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie wird hingewiesen. Abschließend wird aufgezeigt, wie die Langzeitbehandlung weiterentwickelt werden sollte, um die Lebensqualität der Patient:innen zu erhöhen.

Funktionseinschränkungen der Niere haben aufgrund der Kontamination des Blutes mit harnpflichtigen Substanzen (Urämie) schwere Auswirkungen auf den Gesamtorganismus. Zusätzlich sind die Patient:innen von Nebenwirkungen betroffen, die im Zusammenhang mit der medikamentösen Therapie, Dialyse oder Nierentransplantation auftreten können. Patient:innen und Angehörige sind einer großen psychischen Belastung ausgesetzt. Infektionen mit SARS-CoV‑2 können die Nierenfunktion beeinträchtigen und auch die Prognose einer bereits bestehenden Erkrankung verschlechtern.

Die ganzheitliche Versorgung der Patient:innen mit chronischen Nierenerkrankungen muss neben der medizinischen Versorgung auch die psychologischen und psychosozialen Aspekte berücksichtigen. Nephrologie und Psychonephrologie müssen Hand in Hand weiterentwickelt werden, um die medizinische Versorgung und Lebensqualität der betroffenen Patient:innen zu verbessern.

Frailty as an Independent Risk Factor for Depression in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Depression confers substantial disease burden globally, especially among those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The presence of depression significantly impairs one's quality of life. Risk factors for depression in patients with CKD remain under-appreciated, and whether frailty, a geriatric phenotype, constitutes a risk factor for depression in this population is unknown.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis for >3 months from National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch between 2019 and 2021. Clinical, physical, functional, and performance parameters were recorded, followed by frailty/sarcopenia assessment. Depression was screened for using the Geriatric Depression Scale. We analyzed the independent relationship between frailty and depression in these patients, using multiple regression analyses.

Results

Totally 151 patients with ESRD were enrolled (mean 61.1 years, 66.9% male), among whom 16.6% had screening-identified depression. ESRD participants with depression did not differ from those without regarding most parameters except serum creatinine, functional indices, and sarcopenia/frailty status. We found that having greater frail severities was independently associated with a higher probability of depression; having FRAIL- (odds ratio [OR] 5.418) and SOF-based (OR 2.858) frailty independently correlated with a higher depression probability. A linear relation exists between a greater frail severity and the probability of depression. Using a more relaxed criterion for detecting depression, higher SOF scores remained significantly associated with an increased depression risk.

Conclusions

In patients with CKD, frailty independently correlated with a higher probability of having depression. Strategies aiming to attenuate frailty may be able to benefit those with depression simultaneously in this population.

Diagnosis and Management of Depression in Patients With Kidney Disease

Depression disproportionately affects patients with kidney disease, including those with nondialysis chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients. Patients across the spectrum of kidney disease should be screened for depression every 6 to 12 months using self-report questionnaires, followed by an interview with a clinician to confirm the presence of sadness or anhedonia when depressive symptoms are identified. Pharmacologic treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors has not consistently shown benefit compared with placebo and may be associated with serious adverse outcomes including cardiovascular events, bleeding, and fractures. However, based on the availability of alternative therapies, a watchful trial with close monitoring for therapeutic and adverse effects is reasonable. Several clinical trials have suggested that cognitive behavioral therapy and physical activity improve depressive symptoms when compared with a control group. Given the low risk associated with these therapies, they should be recommended to patients who have access and are amenable to such interventions. Future trials are needed to study therapeutic options for depression in nondialysis chronic kidney disease, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplant recipients, as well as alternative pharmacologic therapy and combination therapies. Given improvement in depressive symptoms with placebo in existing trials, inclusion of a control group is paramount.

"Together We Stand": A Pilot Study Exploring the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effects of a Family-Based Psychoeducational Intervention for Patients on Hemodialysis and Their Family Caregivers

This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a family-based psychoeducational intervention for patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and their family members. This was a single-group (six dyads), six-week, pre–post pilot study, delivered in a multifamily group format. Feasibility was based on screening, eligibility, content, retention, completion, and intervention adherence rates. Acceptability was assessed at post-intervention through a focus group interview. Self-reported anxiety and depression and patients’ inter-dialytic weight gain (IDWG) were also measured. The screening (93.5%), retention (85.7%), and completion (100%) rates were satisfactory, whereas eligibility (22.8%), consent (18.4%), and intervention adherence (range: 16.7–50%) rates were the most critical. Findings showed that participants appreciated the intervention and perceived several educational and emotional benefits. The results from the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test showed that a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms (p = 0.025, r = 0.646) was found, which was followed by medium to large within-group effect sizes for changes in depression symptoms (p = 0.261, r = 0.325) and patients’ IDWG (p = 0.248, r = 0.472), respectively. Overall, the results indicated that this family-based psychoeducational intervention is likely to be feasible, acceptable, and effective for patients undergoing HD and their family caregivers; nonetheless, further considerations are needed on how to make the intervention more practical and easily implemented in routine dialysis care before proceeding to large-scale trials.

Living Well With Kidney Disease by Patient and Care Partner Empowerment: Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease is associated with hardships for patients and their care partners. Empowering patients and their care partners, including family members and friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of chronic kidney disease-related symptoms to enable increased life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and reengagement in life, including emphasis on the patient being in control. The World Kidney Day Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education about and awareness of the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities, including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for patients with kidney disease, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. World Kidney Day 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures across populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Depression in dialysis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to examine updated prevalence rates, risk factors and the prognosis, diagnosis and treatments for depression among dialysis patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Depression influences prognosis, complications, quality of life (QOL), treatment and costs for dialysis patients worldwide. Reported prevalence of depression is 13.1-76.3%; it is higher for dialysis than transplant and higher post than predialysis. Reported depression rates with peritoneal dialysis (PD) compared with in-centre haemodialysis (HD) are inconsistent. Related medical factors are known, but suspected associated patient characteristics including gender and race remain unexplored. Associations between depression in dialysis and QOL, mortality, pathophysiological mechanisms of increased mortality, infection and pathways of inflammation-mediated and psychosocial factors require clarification. Several depression screening instruments are validated for dialysis patients - the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM disorders (SCID) remains the gold standard - but authors suggest the diagnostic standard should be higher than for the general population. Short-term studies indicate nonpharmacological therapy achieves clinical effects for depression in dialysis patients, but research on long-term effects is needed.

SUMMARY

Depression management through early screening and continuous care models emphasizing dynamic relationships between healthcare teams, patients and families should be encouraged. Large-scale studies of short-term and long-term benefits of pharmacological and nonpharmacological depression management are warranted.

[Depression therapy for somatic diseases]

A review of works devoted to the problem of psychopharmacotherapy of depression in general medical practice is presented. The issues of its comorbidity with somatic and neurological diseases, as well as multimorbidity are discussed. Both direct and side-effects of antidepressants, which are important for effective therapy of not only affective disorders proper, but also the symptoms of the leading pathology, are considered in detail for individual organs and systems. The analysis of the preferred pharmacological classes of antidepressants, which are drugs of first choice, taking into account the somatic condition of the patient, is carried out, and drugs are indicated, the appointment of which is undesirable for the treatment of a patient with a certain disease. The presented results are aimed both at increasing the efficiency of therapy for patients with general medical level of health care, and at increasing the safety of treatment of psychiatric patients with concomitant somatic disorders.

Living well with kidney disease by patient and care-partner empowerment: kidney health for everyone everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of “Living Well with Kidney Disease” in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labelling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living well with kidney disease by patient and care-partner empowerment: kidney health for everyone everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care partners. Empowering patients and their care partners, including family members and friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable increased life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and reengagement in life, including emphasis on the patient being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education about and awareness of the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities, including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for patients with kidney disease, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures across populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living Well with Kidney Disease by Patient and Care-Partner Empowerment: Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including an emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labelling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities, including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with a prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living Well with Kidney Disease by Patient and Care-Partner Empowerment: Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including an emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of “Living Well with Kidney Disease” in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with a prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living well with kidney disease by patient and care-partner empowerment: kidney health for everyone everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labelling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Reprint of: Living well with kidney disease by patient and care-partner empowerment: kidney health for everyone everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care partners. Empowering patients and their care partners, including family members and friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable increased life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and reengagement in life, including emphasis on the patient being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education about and awareness of the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities, including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for patients with kidney disease, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures across populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living well with kidney disease by patient and care-partner empowerment: kidney health for everyone everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care partners. Empowering patients and their care partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including an emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of “Living Well with Kidney Disease” to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labelling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with a prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy-makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living Well With Kidney Disease by Patient and Care-Partner Empowerment: Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living Well with Kidney Disease by patient and care-partner empowerment: Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including an emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of “Living Well with Kidney Disease” in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with a prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living Well with Kidney Disease by Patient and Care-Partner Empowerment: Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including an emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labelling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities, including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with a prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living well with kidney disease by patient and care-partner empowerment: Kidney health for everyone everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including an emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labelling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness programme for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with a prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programmes, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living Well with Kidney Disease by Patient and Care-Partner Empowerment: Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including an emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labelling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities, including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with a prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living well with kidney disease by patient and care partner empowerment: kidney health for everyone everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care partners. Empowering patients and their care partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including an emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of 'Living Well with Kidney Disease' in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with a prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals and policymakers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living Well With Kidney Disease by Patient and Care-Partner Empowerment: Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care partners. Empowering patients and their care partners, including family members and friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable increased life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and reengagement in life, including emphasis on the patient being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of “Living Well with Kidney Disease” in an effort to increase education about and awareness of the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities, including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for patients with kidney disease, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures across populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.

Living well with kidney disease by patient and care partner empowerment: kidney health for everyone everywhere

Living with CKD is associated with hardships for patients and their care partners. Empowering patients and care partners may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of 'Living Well with Kidney Disease' in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness programme for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.