Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Kidney disease represents a significant public health issue in China, yet there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding national and regional trends in its mortality and causes. This study evaluated the mortality, causes, and regional distribution of major kidney diseases in China from 2014 to 2021. METHODS: Data pertaining to kidney disease were obtained from the National Death Cause Surveillance System. Estimates were made for both the mortality rates and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) for kidney cancer, glomerular disease, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and kidney failure. Additionally, the average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated to illustrate trends by sex, urban/rural distinctions, and regional differences from 2014 to 2021. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the ASMR for all kidney diseases combined from 2014 to 2021. Analysis of age-specific mortality rates reveals a gradual increase beginning at age 35, with a sharp rise after age 60. However, the ASMR for glomerular disease and kidney failure in females, as well as for tubulointerstitial nephritis in males, displayed a notable decrease. Regionally, the ASMR for glomerular disease in the eastern region and kidney failure in the western region significantly decreased by AAPC of -4.6% and -2.3%, respectively. Conversely, the ASMR for kidney cancer in the central region rose significantly (AAPC=2.1%). CONCLUSION: From 2014 to 2021, the ASMR for major kidney diseases remained high among men, urban residents, and individuals in western China. Future prevention and control initiatives should prioritize these disparities to mitigate the impact of kidney diseases.