Sunway city: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), frequently described as a 'quiet disease', progresses silently and is often detected only after significant kidney damage has occurred. This has prompted experts to urge women to prioritize early screening for better health outcomes.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Rosnawati Yahya, a Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplantation Physician at Sunway Medical Centre (SMC), emphasized that many patients only become aware of their condition when kidney function has already declined substantially. She stated that the initial three stages of CKD are typically asymptomatic, warning that waiting for symptoms could mean it is already too late.
Dr. Rosnawati further explained that the majority of CKD cases are driven by metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, affecting both men and women in fairly similar numbers. Data from the Malaysian Dialysis and Transplant 2023 Registry indicates that diabetes is responsible for 56 percent of kidney failure cases, while hypertension accounts for 30 percent.
She highlighted that early symptoms of CKD are often overlooked because they resemble common conditions like fatigue, hormonal changes, or anemia. Symptoms include persistent tiredness, lethargy, frequent night-time urination, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or face. Women, in particular, may normalize these symptoms, attributing them to stress, aging, or hormonal changes instead of recognizing them as potential signs of kidney disease.
Dr. Rosnawati also noted that blood test readings might sometimes obscure early kidney problems in women. She explained that since women generally have less muscle mass than men, a 'normal' creatinine level might still conceal early kidney issues. For instance, a creatinine reading of 90 might be acceptable for a large man but could indicate reduced kidney reserve in a petite woman.
She pointed out that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects women, with a female-to-male ratio as high as 9:1, and kidney involvement is more common among female patients. Certain life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, may also elevate long-term kidney risks. Complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes could signal underlying vascular or metabolic problems, increasing the risk of hypertension, proteinuria, and CKD two to four times later in life.
Additionally, Dr. Rosnawati identified polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a significant yet under-recognized risk factor. Closely linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, PCOS can lead to diabetes and high blood pressure earlier in life, both of which are major causes of kidney damage over time.
She advised women, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, autoimmune diseases, or pregnancy complications, to undergo regular screening. She recommended three simple tests to detect kidney disease early: a blood test for kidney function, a urine test for protein, and a blood pressure check. Protein in the urine is one of the earliest signs of kidney damage, and early detection is crucial as there are many treatment options available. The goal is to preserve kidney function, and by reducing kidney decline from 10 percent a year to just two percent, many patients may never need dialysis.