End stage chronic kidney disease in Saudi Arabia. A rapidly changing scene.

There have been a marked rise in the prevalence and incidence of end stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Saudi Arabia over the last 3 decades. This rise exceeds those reported from many countries. The enormous and rapid changes in lifestyle, high population growth, and fast increase in life expectancy, and massive urbanization that has occurred over the last 3 decades combined to make the current CKD status different to what it was. The 2 major factors that influence the CKD status are the very high rate of diabetic nephropathy and shift in age demographics.