Epidemiology of End-stage Renal Disease

The epidemiology of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) involves understanding how common it is, who is affected, and why. ESRD is the final phase of severe kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant. Its prevalence is increasing globally, largely due to rising rates of diabetes and high blood pressure—key risk factors. The condition is more common in older adults and certain ethnic groups. Understanding these patterns helps healthcare providers focus on prevention, early detection, and resource planning to improve patient outcomes and manage the growing burden of kidney failure worldwide.