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World J Nephrol. Jun 25, 2026; 15(2): 117721
Published online Jun 25, 2026. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v15.i2.117721
Published online Jun 25, 2026. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v15.i2.117721
Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in young patients in developing countries
Allieu Tommy, Department of Acute Medicine, University of South Wales (in association with Learna Ltd.), Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom
Jonathan Soldera, Department of Gastroenterology and Acute Medicine, University of South Wales (in association with Learna Ltd.), Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom
Jonathan Soldera, Department of Gastroenterology, Logan Hospital, Brisbane 4131, Queen
Co-first authors: Allieu Tommy and Jonathan Soldera.
Author contributions: Both authors conceived the research idea, the theoretical framework, and collected data, discussed the results and contributed to the preparation and final version of the manuscript. Soldera J verified the data and performed the statistical analysis.
AI contribution statement: This manuscript is derived from a Master of Science (MSc) thesis developed by a junior author (Allieu). AI tools were used in a limited capacity to assist with language refinement and summarization during the process of adapting a Master of Science thesis into manuscript form. No section of the manuscript was generated solely by AI without substantial human input, critical review, and revision by the authors. AI tools were not involved in study design, data collection, statistical analysis, or interpretation of results. All scientific content, conclusions, and final wording were determined by the authors. No figures, images, or graphical elements were generated using AI.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
PRISMA 2009 Checklist statement: The authors have read the PRISMA 2009 Checklist, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the PRISMA 2009 Checklist.
Corresponding author: Jonathan Soldera, MD, PhD, Department of Gastroenterology and Acute Medicine, Crn Armstrong and Loganlea Rd Meadowbrook, 4131, QLD, Australia.
Received: December 15, 2025
Revised: January 12, 2026
Accepted: March 9, 2026
Published online: June 25, 2026
Processing time: 183 Days and 8.3 Hours
Revised: January 12, 2026
Accepted: March 9, 2026
Published online: June 25, 2026
Processing time: 183 Days and 8.3 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 0-25-year-old patients living in low- and middle-income countries is substantially under-recognized and highly variable across settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis show that CKD prevalence in individuals ≤ 25 years can reach clinically important levels even in community-based samples, and that much of the between-study variability is explained by study setting and region. These findings highlight the urgent need for stan