Kidney disease cases on an upsurge

The number of Filipinos undergoing dialysis treatment rose sharply to 64,845 in 2024—a 22-percent increase from 53,296 in 2023—highlighting the growing burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the country.

National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) adult nephrology consultant Dr. Anthony Russel Villanueva said the rising number reflects a serious health concern. “Ang pagkasakit sa kidney ay nanatiling one of the top ten causes ng pagkamatay ng Pilipino,” he emphasized during the *Usapang Bato* webinar held at the Philippine Information Agency in Quezon City.

He also noted the condition’s impact on patients’ livelihoods. “Ito rin ay nagbibigay ng pagbawas sa kita sa ating mga pasyente na nagta-trabaho dahil hindi na sila makapagtrabaho,” he said.

As of March 2025, data from the Department of Health’s Philippine Renal Disease Registry show that hypertensive nephrosclerosis caused 33.07% of CKD cases nationwide. 

Diabetic nephropathy followed at 30.04%, and chronic glomerulonephritis at 12.20%. Males accounted for 56.34% of CKD cases, while females made up 43.65%. Adults aged 20 to 59 comprised the majority of patients at 57.44%, followed by those 60 years and older at 40.82%.

NKTI pediatric nephrology consultant Dr. Ana Katherine Alas also reported a rise in CKD cases among children, from 144 in 2023 to 301 in 2024. 

Of these, 55% were boys, most of whom had congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract linked to male-specific conditions such as posterior urethral valves. Children aged 16 to 18 accounted for the highest number of cases.

Alas stressed the importance of early detection, noting that kidney function begins while a baby is still in the womb.

Villanueva explained that kidney conditions are generally classified into three types: acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). 

While AKI can be temporary and treatable, CKD is progressive and irreversible, and ESRD requires long-term treatment such as dialysis or a kidney transplant.

He warned that early stages of CKD often have no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, patients may experience dry and itchy skin, muscle cramps, nausea, swelling, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping. CKD may also cause anemia, gout, and potentially fatal hyperkalemia—or dangerously high potassium levels.