Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a significant global health challenge, with anemia frequently manifesting in the more advanced stages. This study aimed to evaluate the global burden and cross-country inequality of CKD-related anemia from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: Data on CKD-related anemia were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study. Trends in prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs) and corresponding estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed at global, regional and national levels. Health inequity analysis methodologies were employed to evaluate cross-country inequality based on sociodemographic index. RESULTS: In 2021, global CKD-related anemia cases reached 63 751 624 [95% uncertainty interval (UI), 59 045 051-68 372 650], representing a 96.24% increase from 1990 (32 486 224; 95% UI 30 356 876-35 047 084). Notwithstanding this increase, global prevalence [EAPC -0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.34 to -0.21] and YLDs rates (EAPC -0.66; 95% CI -0.70 to -0.62) generally declined. Females were disproportionately affected, comprising 55.75% of prevalence cases and 65.87% of YLDs numbers in 2021. From 1990 to 2021, the burden increased in individuals with CKD-related anemia associated with type 1 diabetes. Significant cross-country inequalities in prevalence were observed and persisted [slope index of inequality: 255.04 (389.56-120.51) in 1990 to 423.30 (572.78-273.81) in 2021; health concentration index: -0.09 (-0.12 to -0.07) in 1990 to -0.14 (-0.17 to -0.11) in 2021]. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the global decline in prevalence and YLDs rates of CKD-related anemia, the number of cases continued to increase, and the burden disproportionately concentrated in less developed countries and territories. This investigation also revealed a gender disparity and the influence of specific causes.