CKD Care and Research in Guatemala: Overview and Meeting Report

Abstract

On October 14-15, 2019, the 1st Symposium to Promote Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Research in Guatemala was held in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The Symposium hosted more than 50 attendees, including health care professionals, policy makers, researchers, and leaders of nongovernmental organizations. The meeting's objectives were to (1) share clinical and health delivery experiences, (2) disseminate local research, and (3) establish consensus priorities for future research. In this report, we review the state of CKD nephrology in Guatemala, summarize experiences shared during the meeting from representatives of the clinical settings in Guatemala where CKD care is provided, and describe consensus priorities for future research.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis in Guatemala

“…Approximately 64% of those patients with access to kidney replacement therapy are being dialyzed by UNAERC. 18 IGSS is an employer-based health insurance system available to 18% of the overall population. IGSS provides dialytic care to approximately 34% of those with access to ESKD care in Guatemala.…”

Global Dialysis Perspective: Guatemala

“…There are only three nephrology training programs. 7 Because it is essential to increase this number, a policy must be implemented with local universities to carry out more training programs.…”

“…6 IGSS serves those Guatemalan patients with social security, which represents approximately 40% of those with the diagnosis of with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). 7 In 1997, the Guatemalan MoH created the National Center for Chronic Renal Disease (UNAERC) which is the only freestanding dialysis provider for those uninsured and without social security. 2 As of 2018, approximately 60% of those patients with access to kidney replacement therapy (KRT) were being dialyzed by UNAERC.…”

“…2 As of 2018, approximately 60% of those patients with access to kidney replacement therapy (KRT) were being dialyzed by UNAERC. 7 In 2003, the Guatemalan Foundation for Children with Kidney Diseases (FUNDANIER) was founded. FUNDANIER is where the pediatric and adolescent population with CKD or ESKD gets kidney care in Guatemala.…”

“…The estimated prevalence of CKD in Guatemala is still unknown. One of the aims established by our Guatemalan CKD research consortium is to join efforts to conduct population-based studies to better understand the CKD epidemiology in understudied rural and indigenous populations in Guatemala 7.…”