Knowledge and Uncertainties Regarding Women and Kidney Diseases: Unanswered Questions and Unquestioned Answers Observation of International Women’s Day with World Kidney Day

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease affects approximately 10% of the world’s adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death
worldwide, and it’s impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women’s Day
in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women’s health and specifically their kidney
health, on the community, and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney
disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of
the world’s population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the
world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering
an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which
may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more
likely to impact women with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications
on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. In this editorial, we focus on what
we do and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve
outcomes worldwide