Women more prone to kidney diseases than men

Nagpur: Nature has been ‘unkind’ to women than men, as far as kidney diseases are concerned, essentially due to anatomical as well as physiological differences.
Risk of urinary infections and chronic kidney diseases (CKD) is more among women. CKD prevalence is 14% in women as compared to 12% in males. There are certain ailments specific to women like hypertension and acute kidney failure in pregnancy and also pregnancy-associated gestational diabetes.

Women are more prone to urinary infections due to small length of urethra. Sexually active women are prone for recurrent urine infection. The infection may spread to kidneys causing high fever, painful loins and even may cause kidney failure.

Urine infection during pregnancy can affect the child in the womb resulting in its growth retardation, premature delivery or even may result in its death.

Pregnancy may be difficult if associated with high blood pressure and leakage of protein in urine. Excessive bleeding after delivery of child may cause acute kidney failure which may permanently affect function of kidneys. Abortion performed by quacks may cause severe infection posing threat not only to kidneys but also to the mother’s life.

As many as 21% of women may develop diabetes during pregnancy which disappears after delivery. Occasionally, diabetes may persist even post-delivery, or may manifest after a few years. Diabetic women are more prone to urine infection, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Lupus is a synthesis of harmful proteins called anti-body which act against patients’ own body. Lupus is six times more common in women. Lupus damages kidneys irreversibly and if not treated in time, it may result in permanent damage resulting in kidney failure needing dialysis.

The first step towards women’s well-being is education. Secondly, their empowerment at every level of governance is needed. Other steps are preventing female infanticide, check dropout rate of girl child from schools, vaccination, nourishing food, sexual hygiene etc.

(The author, Dr SJ Acharya is an eminent nephrologist and kidney transplant physician. He is also founder member of Central India Kidney Foundation)