Kidney-Related Diseases: An Overview of Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management and Emerging Therapeutic Approaches

Abstract

Kidney-related diseases constitute an increasingly important global health challenge because of their high prevalence, progressive nature, association with cardiovascular morbidity, and substantial requirement for long-term renal replacement therapy. Kidney disorders encompass a broad spectrum of conditions, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, glomerular disorders, tubulointerstitial diseases, diabetic kidney disease, hypertensive kidney disease, hereditary disorders, obstructive uropathies and kidney failure. Chronic kidney disease is particularly important because it may remain clinically silent during its early stages and is frequently identified only after substantial loss of kidney function. Recent global estimates indicate that approximately 788 million adults were living with chronic kidney disease in 2023, demonstrating the considerable and increasing worldwide burden of this condition. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension remain major contributors to chronic kidney disease, while cardiovascular disease, obesity, ageing, genetic disorders, infections, autoimmune diseases, nephrotoxic exposure and previous acute kidney injury may also contribute to renal impairment. Diagnosis relies principally on assessment of estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin excretion, supplemented by imaging, serological investigations and kidney biopsy when clinically indicated. Management has evolved substantially from conventional renin-angiotensin system blockade and risk-factor modification toward comprehensive cardiorenal protection involving sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and individualized risk-based treatment. Recent evidence has demonstrated renal and cardiovascular benefits of dapagliflozin, empagliflozin and finerenone in appropriate populations. This review discusses the major categories of kidney-related diseases, their pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic strategies, preventive measures and emerging directions in nephrology. Greater emphasis on early detection, integrated cardiorenal care, equitable access to treatment and implementation of evidence-based guidelines is essential for reducing the global burden of kidney disease.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.7181.202609

How to cite this article:
Mukherjee S, Banerjee D, Sengupta R. Kidney-Related Diseases: An Overview of Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management and Emerging Therapeutic Approaches. J Adv Res Med 2026; 13(3): 24-31.