Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
by Amy Sussman, MDChronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by persistent urine abnormalities, structural abnormalities, or impaired excretory renal function suggestive of a loss of functional nephrons. Patients with CKD may suffer from accelerated atherosclerosis and overall higher mortality rates. In patients with end-stage renal disease, limited access to dialysis (renal replacement therapy) is an extremely morbid problem in many parts of the world.
When managing patients with CKD, early detection of disease progression and prevention (if possible) are the gold standard in decreasing morbidity and mortality. If an identifiable underlying cause exists, treatment of that cause may curb progression, such as better control of blood sugars in diabetics or blood pressure in hypertensive patients (in fact, the most common etiologies of CKD worldwide are diabetes mellitus and hypertension). In addition to blood pressure and glucose control, disease-specific therapy and renin-angiotensin system inhibition are the cornerstones of therapy. CKD complications significantly decrease quality of life and often require multidisciplinary management.
Course Details
- Videos 15
- Duration 1:13 h
- Quiz questions 41
- Concept Pages 8
