[Background of measures against chronic kidney disease].

The number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Japan is estimated to be 6-13 million. The actions against CKD are urgently requested, because 1) CKD is a strong risk factor for the development of chronic renal failure and cardio-vascular diseases, 2) the numbers of end stage renal failure and cardiovascular events are increasing, and 3) CKD is a treatable disease. To prevent the increase in patients on dialysis and cardio-vascular events, the establishment of the system to detect and treat CKD patients is essential. In addition, the advice regarding healthy lifestyle is also valuable to prevent the development and progression of CKD. Since CKD is harmful but treatable, nephrologists and family doctors should collaborate in the action against CKD.