Chronic Kidney Disease: An Overview

  • Chronic Kidney Disease
    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem.  lthough the exact reasons for the growth of CKD are unknown, changes in the demographics of the population, differences in disease burden among racial groups, and under-recognition of earlier stages of CKD and of risk factors for CKD may partially explain this growth It is also known as Chronic Renal Disease. 
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 10 September 2014
Stock picture indicating a definition of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease is a condition characterised by gradual loss of kidney function over a period of time (months to years). It is also known as Chronic Renal Disease. It is the work of the kidneys to remove waste products and excess fluids from the body through urine. They also balance the levels of salt, potassium and acid in the body.

If the kidneys don’t function adequately, wastes can build up in the blood, progressing to develop complications like high blood pressure, anaemia (low blood count), weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage. Also, kidney disease increases the risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. 

These problems may happen slowly over a long period of time. Early detection and treatment can keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. If kidney disease progresses, it may lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplant.

The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) test diagnoses CKD and the stage of CKD. GFR in a normal kidney ranges from 90-120mL/min/1.73m2. Glomeruli are tiny filters in the kidney that filter waste products.

CKD is suspected if there is reduction in kidney function for more than 3 months with or without evidence of kidney damage and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60ml/min/1.73m2 is present for 3 months as evidenced by the following, irrespective of the underlying , or evidence of kidney damage with or without decreased GFR that 

  • Albuminuria (albumin protein in the urine)
  • Haematuria (blood in the urine) after exclusion of urological causes
  • Structural abnormalities
  • Pathological abnormalities 

 

Community
Kidney, Urinary, Gastro Intestinal, Liver
Condition
Chronic Kidney Disease

Stories

  • Chronic Kidney Disease Management
    Managing Chronic Kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease brings a markedly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a more common cause of death in these patients than renal failure. These patients often have other risk factors for heart disease, such as hyperlipidemia (increased lipid levels in blood).  Chronic Kidney Disease Diet CKD patients are kept on a special diet. The purpose of this diet is to keep the levels of electrolytes, minerals and fluid in balance. These changes…
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention
    Can Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) be prevented: The following may reduce your risk of developing or worsening CKD: Stop smoking and drinking alcohol Eat a balanced diet – avoid eating high cholesterol foods Exercise regularly Avoid usage of unprescribed medicine e.g. NSAIDs (pain killers) and abuse of antibiotics Manage your diabetes well Control your blood pressure
  • Stages and Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease
    Different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD) Stage 1: The eGFR (estimated GFR) shows normal kidney function but you have some pre-existing kidney damage or disease. eGFR is 90 or more ml/min/1.73m2. This is the first stage of CKD.  Stage 2: Mildly reduced kidney function and you are already known to have some kidney damage or disease. Stage 3: Moderately reduced kidney function (with or without a known kidney disease. For example, an elderly person with ageing kidneys may have reduced…
  • Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease and Risk Factors
    What causes Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Diabetes mellitus (an increase in blood sugar level) raises the risk of developing CKD.  Hypertension (high blood pressure), if poorly controlled, can lead to CKD. CKD can also cause high blood pressure. Diabetes and hypertension together are responsible for two-thirds of cases of CKD. Glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney's filtering units. These disorders are the third most common type of kidney…
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Tests
    Tests for Chronic kidney disease In many CKD patients, previous renal disease or other underlying diseases are already known. A small number present with CKD of unknown cause. Assessment of GFR is the best test to measure the level of kidney function and determine the stage of kidney disease. Urinary tract ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound, in which the size of the kidneys is measured. Kidneys with CKD are usually smaller (< 9 cm) than normal kidneys, with notable exceptions such as in…
  • Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease
    Your doctor may suggest the following treatments for CKD: Control of blood pressure Treatment of the original disease, like treatment of diabetes Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) to control the progression of kidney disease by improving renal blood flow  Replacement of erythropoietin and calcitriol (intravenous or intramuscular iron therapy prior to treatment with erythropoietin is recommended) Phosphate binders used to control…
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms
    Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease Initially there are no specific symptoms and Chronic Kidney Disease is generally only detected as an increase in serum creatinine or protein in the urine. As kidney function decreases, you may have the following symptoms of CKD: Feel more tired and have less energy Have trouble concentrating Have poor appetite Have trouble sleeping Have muscle cramping at night Have swollen feet and ankles Have puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning Have dry,…
  • Kidney Donation and Gender Disparity
    A widely prevalent skew in kidney donation — gender disparity — is just as shocking as economic disparity, when the bald numbers are scanned. Doctors at Narayana Health, a large Bangalore-headquartered hospital chain run by well-known cardiac surgeon Devi Shetty, found that an overwhelming 65 per cent of kidney donors in its hospitals are women, whereas 70 per cent of kidney recipients are male. Kidney donation is a medically proven safe process that has no bearing on a person’s lifespan. Yet,…
  • “I had a kidney transplant”
    Lalitha Nair, 49, talks about the pitfalls of suddenly falling victim to a life-threatening condition. Her experience and survival tips – from timely medical check-ups to insurance. When did you have the kidney transplant? I underwent kidney transplant on 3 Nov 2006 in a hospital in Bangalore. I was 41 years old. When were you diagnosed with kidney problem? Mid-October 2005 What were the early symptoms?  Nothing that was terribly alarming or significant. I went for a routine…
  • Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease patients
    Dietitian Ujjwala Baxi helps make sense of the diet guidelines and tells you what you can eat guilt-free. Good kidney function is essential for removing the waste material from food that we eat and other byproducts of the body. The kidneys excrete a dietary protein called urea, as well as sodium, potassium and phosphate. These substances can build up in the body if kidney function is impaired. If your kidneys are not working optimally, you need to follow a prescribed diet to lessen the…

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