Living with advanced kidney disease brings a range of symptoms that can affect every part of daily life, from fatigue and pain to sleep difficulties and low mood. At MRIKPA, we hear from our members regularly about how these experiences differ from person to person. A new European study published in April 2026 sheds light on how CKD symptom burden varies between men and women, and the findings may help shape more personalised approaches to kidney care. The CKD symptom burden can significantly impact overall quality of life.
How does CKD symptom burden differ between men and women?
The research, published in the journal Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, followed 1,135 adults aged 65 and over with advanced chronic kidney disease across Europe as part of the EQUAL study. None of the participants were on dialysis at the start. Over a period of up to five years, researchers tracked how symptoms changed using a validated questionnaire called the Dialysis Symptom Index, which covers 30 different symptoms.
Understanding the CKD symptom burden is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers, as it can lead to better management strategies.
The study found that women consistently reported a higher overall number of symptoms than men throughout the follow-up period, with an average of 13.6 symptoms compared to 10.9 in men. The report notes, however, that men experienced a faster rate of symptom increase over time, gaining an average of 0.58 new symptoms per year compared with 0.24 in women. As eGFR declined, men also showed a sharper rise in both the number and severity of their symptoms, particularly at lower levels of kidney function.
The increasing CKD symptom burden in men highlights the need for targeted interventions that address these specific challenges.
You can read the full original article from Medical Dialogues here: In Advanced CKD Cases, Women Have Higher Symptom Burden but Progression of Disease Faster in Men: Study.
What could these findings mean for how kidney patients are monitored?
For people living with chronic kidney disease, these results highlight something important: the way symptoms develop is not the same for everyone. Women may carry a heavier symptom load from an earlier stage, while men may see their symptoms escalate more rapidly as their kidney function worsens. The researchers emphasise that routinely measuring patient-reported symptoms in nephrology clinics could help clinicians identify changes sooner and tailor care accordingly.
Addressing the CKD symptom burden early on could greatly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
This is particularly relevant for older adults, who often manage kidney disease alongside other health conditions. Recognising that symptom patterns can differ by sex may encourage renal teams to ask different questions and to listen more carefully to what patients are experiencing day to day.
Healthcare teams should focus on the CKD symptom burden experienced by patients in order to provide more effective support and care.
We know from our members that the way kidney disease feels can vary enormously from one person to the next. Studies like this help us understand why, and they reinforce the importance of clinicians truly listening to their patients. Better understanding of symptom burden can only be a good thing for the care people receive.
Increased awareness of the CKD symptom burden can lead to transformative changes in the way kidney disease is managed.
– Guy Hill, Chair of MRIKPA
Should kidney patients be concerned by these findings?
This understanding of the CKD symptom burden can empower patients to advocate for their needs and ensure better care.
This study is observational, which means it describes patterns rather than explaining exactly why they occur. The researchers acknowledge that further work is needed to understand the biological and social factors behind these gender differences. For kidney patients reading this, the message is not one of alarm but of empowerment: if your symptoms are changing or feel different from what your clinical team expects, it is always worth raising this in your next appointment.
Being aware of the CKD symptom burden allows kidney patients to have more informed discussions with their healthcare teams.
Your renal team remains the best source of individual advice, and they can help assess whether any changes in how you feel need further investigation or a shift in your care plan.
At MRIKPA, we believe that understanding your condition is one of the most powerful tools you have. We encourage anyone living with CKD to explore our healthy living tips and to stay informed about the latest kidney research. If you are living with advanced kidney disease and want to connect with others who understand, we are here.
As community support grows, understanding the CKD symptom burden will be crucial for fostering connections among patients.
Sometimes it helps simply to speak with someone who has been there. Drop us a line at support@mrikpa.org.uk or give us a call on 07745 242 684. MRIKPA is run by kidney patients, for kidney patients, and you are always welcome.
Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation (via Medical Dialogues), April 2026, read the original article. This article discusses the CKD symptom burden in detail.
This article is provided for general information and awareness purposes only and was believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. It is not intended as medical advice, please always consult your doctor or renal team for guidance on your individual circumstances. Images used are for illustration purposes only and may not be medically or editorially accurate. While we take every care, errors can occur. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know at support@mrikpa.org.uk.
