Houston, TX (November 8, 2025) — A 5-year study revealed a stability of globalacute kidney injury (AKI)–related mortality rates with differing patterns that indicate a rising concentration of mortality in older populations and higher socioeconomiccountries. The findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2025 November 5– 9.
When investigators at the Kyung Hee University Hospital in Seoul assessed AKI-related mortality trends in 43 countries from 1996–2021 using the WHO MortalityDatabase, they found that high-income countries showed an upward trend, whilelow- and middle-income countries experienced a decline. Older adults, especially females, in high socioeconomic settings demonstrated increasing mortality trends, and future projections indicated a gradual rise in global AKI-related mortality through 2050.
More detailed analyses revealed that although high-income countries have lowerAKI- related mortality rates, they have experienced gradual increases largelyattributable to population aging and higher comorbidity burden, while in low- and middle-income countries, declining mortality has been associated with younger populations and improvements in infection control and health care access.
“Our study provides the first global long-term analysis and projections of AKI-related mortality, offering critical insights for policymakers and health systems,” said lead author Hyeon Seok Hwang, MD, PhD. “These findings underscore theneed for tailored, region-, age-, and sex-specific strategies to mitigate the future burden of AKI,” added co-author Soo-Young Yoon, MD, PhD. “Additional studies are needed to continue monitoring AKI- related mortality and the effectiveness of different strategies to prevent it, said co-author Jeong-Yeun Lee, MD.
Study: “Temporal Trends in AKI-Related Mortality Across 43 Countries, 1996-2021,with Projections up to 2050: A Global Time Series Analysis and Modelling Study”
Join ASN and approximately 12,000 other kidney professionals from across the globe at Kidney Week 2025 in Houston, TX. The world's premier nephrology meeting, Kidney Week, provides participants with exciting and challenging opportunities to exchange knowledge, learn the latest scientific and medical advances, and listen to engaging andprovocative discussions with leading experts in the field. Early programs begin on November 5, followed by the Annual Meeting from November 6-9. Follow the conversation at #KidneyWk.
About the American Society of Nephrology (ASN)
Since 1966, ASN has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseasesthroughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has nearly 22,000 members representing 141 countries. For more information, visit www.asn- online.org and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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