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- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes at least 2.4 million deaths per year and is now the 6th fastest growing cause of death[2].
Jeddah: Head of Kidney Transplantation at Saudi German Hospital Jeddah, Dr Khaled Abouzeid, is urging for greater awareness around kidney health this World Kidney Day in a bid to take action and drive positive impact within a disease area that is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Although there is limited data around kidney disease in Saudi Arabia, Dr Abouzeid is seeing both incidence and prevalence of kidney diseases increasing throughout the Kingdom, and the rest of the Gulf, due to unhealthy lifestyles.
“A healthy kidney is essential for maintenance of life,” Dr Abouzeid explains. “There are several vital functions the kidney has for the human body, including removal of waste products and excess body water from your blood. Kidneys also help to control your blood pressure, to produce red blood cells and to keep your bones healthy. It is important patients look after their kidneys now, so it does not result in complications in later life, such as chronic kidney disease.”
For patients with chronic kidney disease whom gradually lose kidney function, two options are available: kidney transplant or dialysis.
Discussing the comparisons between dialysis and kidney transplantation, Dr Abouzeid explains, “Kidney transplants are preferred over dialysis. Kidney transplants allow for nearly normal kidney functions and higher quality of life. After kidney transplants, the patient regains the majority of their usual lifestyle back, with it also helping to extend a patient’s life expectancy by eight to ten years. However, kidney transplantation is not always possible due to a lack of donors from first-degree relatives being available.”
Last year, Saudi German Hospital Jeddah conducted six kidney transplant cases with a 100% success rate and expect to see this number double next year.
“Every day, there are innovations and breakthroughs being made in the nephrology field,” Dr Abouzeid explains. “At Saudi German Hospital in Jeddah, we offer the latest services and advances in multiple sub-specialties in nephrology, including kidney transplantation, hemodialysis and plasma exchange therapy. We also offer and pride ourselves on the highest level of patient experience. Having satisfied and happy patients is the most important and rewarding aspect of my job.”
Dr Abouzeid, who has been involved in over 3,000 kidney transplants across the UK, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, expects to see in the next five to ten years, Saudi German Hospital adopting cutting edge innovations in nephrology, such as stem cell kidney regeneration, to further benefit patients in Saudi Arabia.
Top tips to keep your kidneys healthy:
- Increase physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
- Drink plenty of water: Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day.
- Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet: Avoid processed foods and choose fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Quit smoking: The strongest modifiable risk factor for kidney disease is smoking. Smoking is also a risk factor for high blood pressure which can cause both heart and kidney disease.
- Avoid toxic medications.
- Visit your doctor for a routine checkup.
Please contact your local healthcare professional for any further information.
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About SGH Group
Saudi German Hospitals is the leading hospital group in the GCC. From its inception in 1988 with a single KSA based hospital, SGH Group has expanded further in KSA and to the UAE, Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco and Yemen. SGH Group is also developing new hospitals in a number of territories in the GCC and adjoining emerging markets. To find out more, please visit: http://www.sghgroup.com.sa/index.php/en/
Contact for journalists:
Mariam Awdi,
H+K Strategies
Mariam.Awdi@hkstrategies.com
+971 50 557 3385
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