Stephen Geoffrey Holt, Erik Koornneef, Ali Abdul Kareem Al Obeidli, Luke Hubbert, Lindsay Nicholson
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a major public health burden and a leading cause of mortality worldwide and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Alongside its clinical and humanistic burden, CKD care is associated with a significant carbon footprint. In this narrative review, we present an overview of the carbon footprint of current CKD treatments and the results of an analysis estimating the carbon footprint of CKD treatments in the UAE. Using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method and local data from the published national reports and inventory sources, we estimated that haemodialysis leads to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of ~12.8 tons of CO2 equivalents (CO2eq) per person in the UAE annually. Thus, the decarbonisation of CKD care is crucial in establishing an environmentally sustainable healthcare system. We propose a framework to decarbonise CKD care in the UAE that tackles the carbon footprint of CKD care in the UAE by focusing on three main pillars: Delaying early CKD and slowing its progression; reducing anthropogenic emissions from CKD and dialysis care by promoting best practices and eco-friendly technologies; and enhancing access to kidney transplantation. Such approaches are relevant not only for the UAE but also for global healthcare systems aiming towards net-zero emissions.
期刊介绍:
International Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal focusing on the pathophysiology of the kidney and vascular supply. Epidemiology, screening, diagnosis, and treatment interventions are covered as well as basic science, biochemical and immunological studies. In particular, emphasis will be given to: -Chronic kidney disease- Complications of renovascular disease- Imaging techniques- Renal hypertension- Renal cancer- Treatment including pharmacological and transplantation- Dialysis and treatment of complications of dialysis and renal disease- Quality of Life- Patient satisfaction and preference- Health economic evaluations. The journal welcomes submitted papers covering original research, basic science, clinical studies, reviews & evaluations, guidelines, expert opinion and commentary, case reports and extended reports. The main focus of the journal will be to publish research and clinical results in humans but preclinical, animal and in vitro studies will be published where they shed light on disease processes and potential new therapies and interventions.