chronic kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Overview

Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. This can lead to a buildup of waste and excess fluids in the body.

• Kidney Damage: CKD is characterized by progressive damage and loss of function in the kidneys [1].
• Reduced Function: The disease causes the kidneys to lose their ability to filter waste and fluid out of the blood, leading to a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) [7].
• Common Condition: CKD is a common condition often associated with other health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity [4].

Symptoms and Progression

CKD can worsen over time if left untreated. Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs and feet
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite

If CKD progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), it can lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.

References

[1] Sep 6, 2023 — Chronic kidney disease is a disease characterized by progressive damage and loss of function in the kidneys. [4] Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. It's a common condition often associated with ... [7] Sep 16, 2024 — The guidelines define CKD as either kidney damage or a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 ...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can progress slowly over time, and in its early stages, it may not show any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease advances, several signs and symptoms may appear.

• Urinary Issues: One of the earliest signs of CKD is foamy urine, which occurs when excess protein is present in the urine [1]. Other urinary issues include urinating more often or less often than usual.
• Skin Problems: Itchy and dry skin are common complaints among people with CKD [2].
• Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling tired and weak is a frequent symptom of CKD, as the kidneys struggle to filter waste products from the blood [3].
• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: As CKD progresses, some people may experience a loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss.
• Swollen Ankles, Feet, or Hands: Water retention (oedema) can cause swelling in these areas, which is often accompanied by shortness of breath [4].
• Blood in Urine: In more advanced stages of CKD, blood may appear in the urine due to kidney damage [5].

It's essential to note that some people with CKD may not experience any noticeable symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly. If you're concerned about your kidney health or are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

References: [1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 5 [4] Context result 8 [5] Context result 6

Diagnosing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease can be diagnosed through various tests that measure the function and structure of the kidneys. Here are some of the key diagnostic tests used to diagnose CKD:

• Blood Tests: A blood test is the main test for diagnosing CKD. It measures the levels of a waste product called creatinine in your blood. Elevated levels of creatinine indicate impaired kidney function [1].
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Test: This test estimates how well your kidneys are working by measuring the level of creatinine and other waste products in your blood [5].
• Serum Creatinine Test: This test measures the levels of creatinine in your blood, which is a waste product that builds up when kidney function is impaired [4][5].
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test: This test measures the level of urea nitrogen in your blood, which is another waste product that builds up when kidney function is impaired [4][5].
• Cystatin C Test: This test measures the levels of cystatin C, a protein that is produced by all cells and removed from the body by the kidneys. Elevated levels of cystatin C indicate impaired kidney function [5].

Imaging Tests

In addition to blood tests, imaging tests may be used to assess the structure and size of your kidneys. These tests include:

• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of your kidneys and assess their structure and size [3].
• Other Imaging Tests: Other imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, may be used in some cases to further evaluate kidney function and structure [3].

Urine Tests

Urine tests are also used to diagnose CKD. These tests include:

• Urinalysis: A urinalysis is a simple test that checks a small sample of your urine for many different things, including the presence of blood or protein [6].
• Urine Albumin Test: This test measures the levels of albumin in your urine, which can indicate impaired kidney function [2].

These tests are used to determine which stage of CKD you're in, ranging from very mild (stage 1) to kidney failure (stage 5) [7]. Early detection and diagnosis of CKD are crucial for preventing further kidney damage and improving outcomes.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 8 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7

Treatment Options for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation.

• Medications: The primary goal of medication therapy is to slow the progression of CKD by reducing proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) and lowering blood pressure. Commonly prescribed medications include:
  • ACE inhibitors or ARBs: These drugs help relax blood vessels, making it easier for kidneys to filter waste from the blood.
  • SGLT2 inhibitors: These medications reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, which can slow CKD progression.
  • Statins: Cholesterol-lowering medications that may also help reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for managing CKD. This includes:
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Following a balanced diet low in salt and sugar
  • Engaging in regular physical activity
  • Quitting smoking
• Dialysis or Kidney Transplantation: In advanced stages of CKD, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary to replace the kidneys' filtering function.

References:

1. [3] Today, the FDA approved a treatment to reduce the risk of kidney function decline, kidney failure, cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease.
2. [4] Find out about the main treatments for chronic kidney disease (CKD), including lifestyle changes, medication, dialysis and kidney transplants.
3. [7] All people with CKD should first be prescribed an ACE inhibitor or ARB that is up-titrated to the maximum tolerated dose.
4. [9] These medicines can include an ACE inhibitor/ARB, an SGLT2 inhibitor and/or an nsMRA. Your healthcare professional may also prescribe a statin (cholesterol-lowering medication).

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Differential Diagnosis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex condition that can be caused by various factors, making its differential diagnosis crucial for effective management. Here are some key points to consider:

• Primary diseases: CKD can be caused by primary diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and chronic glomerulonephritis [3]. These conditions can lead to progressive kidney damage and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
• Systemic lupus erythematosus: This autoimmune disease can cause CKD through various mechanisms, including immune complex deposition and vasculitis [2].
• Urinary tract obstruction: Obstruction of the urinary tract can lead to CKD by causing chronic kidney damage and decreased GFR [2].
• Renal artery stenosis: Stenosis of the renal arteries can cause CKD by reducing blood flow to the kidneys and leading to progressive kidney damage [2].

Key Considerations

When considering a differential diagnosis for CKD, it's essential to take into account the patient's medical history, including:

• Family history: A family history of kidney disease or other conditions that may contribute to CKD can be an important factor in the differential diagnosis [6].
• Symptoms: Symptoms such as failure to thrive, poor feeding, and lethargy in young patients (neonates) may indicate underlying kidney disease [6].

References

[1] Sep 16, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses · Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) · Alport Syndrome · Antiglomerular Basement Membrane Disease · Chronic Glomerulonephritis. [2] May 14, 2023 — Differential Diagnosis Or Related Disorders · Systemic lupus erythematosus · Urinary tract obstruction · Renal artery stenosis · Granulomatosis ... [3] by P Fatehi · Cited by 5 — Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by the presence of kidney damage or decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for three or more months ... [4] Jun 24, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses · Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) · Chronic Glomerulonephritis · Diabetic Nephropathy · Nephrosclerosis · Rapidly Progressive ... [5] by S UCHIDA · Cited by 13 — Primary diseases of chronic kidney disease. (CKD) can be determined by examining the pri- mary diseases of the patients who eventually received dialysis ... [6] Feb 14, 2019 — Young patients (neonates) may have history of: Failure to thrive; Poor feeding; Lethargy; Turner's syndrome; Familial predisposition ...