Doctors expect prototype data system to facilitate early identification of kidney disease

About one in 10 adults in Ireland live with chronic kidney disease, increasing to one in seven among people aged over 50. Kidney disease is expected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040 around the world.

A prototype of the first Irish data system on kidney disease has been welcomed by advocates and healthcare workers, who believe it will deliver better results for patients.

About one in 10 adults in Ireland live with chronic kidney disease, increasing to one in seven among people aged over 50. Kidney disease is expected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040 around the world.

However, despite these risks, it is also known as a silent condition due to low awareness of symptoms. The new registry will make early identification of the disease easier, according to Professor Austin Stack.

“It will mark a significant step forward in strengthening how we understand and manage kidney disease at a national level, and aligning our services with international standards,” he said.

Prof. Stack, professor of medicine and consultant nephrologist at University of Limerick School of Medicine and University Hospital Limerick, said it will change how treatment is managed.

“High-quality, reliable data are fundamental to improving outcomes, enabling earlier intervention, and ensuring that health services are designed around population needs rather than reacting at the point of crisis,” he said.

He expects it will enhance how kidney health is monitored and managed.

HSE National Renal Office figures show by the end of 2025 there were 2,617 adults receiving dialysis treatment. There were also 30 children. This included 351 patients receiving home dialysis and 2,296 receiving in-centre haemodialysis.

HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry welcomed this system as a step forward.

“The establishment of the prototype Irish Kidney Disease Data System reflects the HSE’s commitment to strengthening chronic disease surveillance and evidence-informed service planning,” he said.

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The Irish Kidney Association also welcomed the announcement. Chief executive Carol Moore said it is “an essential resource for improving services for patients.” 

"We call for the prototype to be guaranteed multi-annual funding to ensure it can be expanded beyond a prototype.” 

Among the benefits are more effective recording of key information and improvements for identifying patients and managing disease.

Marking World Kidney Day on Thursday, she said: “Behind every statistic is a person and a family whose lives are permanently changed by kidney failure.” 

On a broader scale, she pointed out dialysis treatment costs the HSE over €300m per year. It is “life-sustaining but demanding,” she said, adding that organ transplants also require life-long specialist care.

“Early detection and prevention are the most effective way to reduce avoidable suffering and long-term healthcare costs,” she said.