Alarm at rate of CKD in Pasifika

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is "alarmingly" higher among Samoans than in New Zealand’s population as a whole, a recent study from the University of Otago shows.

This is the first time such a study has been conducted in New Zealand.

The study found rates of chronic kidney disease were five times higher among Pacific people, predominantly Samoans.

Using data from two of Auckland’s largest Pacific Island healthcare providers, serving a population of about 25,000, the study established the prevalence of CKD among Samoans and other ethnic groups living in Auckland. Of 7451 Samoan patients, 36% had CKD.

From the sample of 25,127 patients, 9415 identified as New Zealand European. The prevalence of CKD in that population was 7%. It jumped to 12% for Maori and averaged 18% in the Pacific population.

Worldwide, the prevalence of CKD hovers between 11% and 13%. It is the fourth-highest cause of mortality.

University of Otago department of medicine professor and study co-author Robert Walker said high rates of CKD in New Zealand are worrisome and that the disease was not well managed in its communities.

"High Samoan CKD is of concern, as are diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

"These mirror an increasing trend in non-communicable diseases occurring among Samoan people and Pacific people in New Zealand," Prof Walker said.

High rates of CKD among Samoans were not just about poor health choices, Prof Walker said. Poverty and access to good health care and were major contributing factors.

Less than 50% of the at-risk population had had their kidney function tested and only 25% had had their urine analysed, he said.

"There is an urgent need for further funding and support for primary health care to address this epidemic of kidney disease."

Prof Walker said the financial and emotional burdens of CKD to the patient, their whanau, and the larger community were heavy, but the Ministry of Health completely ignored that.

"It is important to place the ambulance at the top of the cliff to prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease, rather than at the bottom of the cliff when the damage is done."

Prof Walker and his fellow Otago University researchers, Malama Tafuna’i, Prof Robin Turner, Associate Prof Rosalina Richards and Faumuina Prof Fa’afetai Sopoaga reveal their findings in an article published this month in journal Nephrology.

-- ERIC TRUMP