CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE MORTALITY IN BRAZIL: TEMPORAL TRENDS, EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE, AND REGIONAL DIFFERENCES, 2010–2024

Abstract

Objective: To analyze chronic kidney disease mortality in Brazil according to temporal trends, epidemiological profile, and regional differences from 2010 to 2024. Methods: This ecological time-series study used data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM/DATASUS). Deaths whose underlying cause corresponded to code N18 of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), were included. Data were grouped into three five-year periods and analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies and percentage change according to sex, age group, race/skin color, education, marital status, place of death, and macroregion. Results: From 2010 to 2024, 110,375 deaths were recorded, with a 41.46% increase between the first and last five-year periods. Men accounted for more than 57% of deaths, which were concentrated among people aged 60 years or older; this group increased from 72.24% to 77.43%. Black and Brown individuals represented 49.64% of deaths in the last period. Hospitals remained the main place of death, although their share decreased from 85.43% to 80.70%. The Southeast had the largest number, whereas the North showed the greatest proportional increase (88.64%). Conclusion: Chronic kidney disease mortality increased in Brazil, with ageing of deaths, persistent male excess mortality, an increasing share among Black and Brown individuals, and regional differences. The findings indicate the need to strengthen early detection, hypertension and diabetes control, access to nephrology, and integrated care pathways.