Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026
08:50
Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Kidney function in older people: pathology, assessment and management
Edmund J Lamb1, Shelagh E O'Riordan, Michael P Delaney
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Kent, Canterbury, UK. edmund.lamb@ekht.nhs.nk
Summary
Kidney failure disproportionately affects older adults, with rising renal replacement therapy (RRT) use. Early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this population is crucial for better management and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Geriatrics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Kidney failure is a significant health issue in older populations, with increasing reliance on renal replacement therapy (RRT).
- The distinction between age-related kidney function decline and pathological processes remains unclear.
- Current laboratory methods for assessing kidney function in the elderly are often insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in assessing kidney function in older adults.
- To explore methods for earlier detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the elderly.
- To emphasize the importance of managing CKD and its complications in aging individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of kidney function decline in aging.
- Evaluation of conventional laboratory assessments.
- Discussion of advanced methods including calculated clearance formulae and serum cystatin C.
Main Results:
- Age-related kidney function decline may not always be pathological.
- Calculated clearance formulae and serum cystatin C offer improved early detection of CKD in older individuals.
- Earlier detection facilitates timely intervention to slow disease progression and manage complications.
Conclusions:
- Kidney disease is a primary concern for the elderly, necessitating improved diagnostic tools.
- Utilizing calculated clearance and cystatin C can enhance early CKD detection in older patients.
- Proactive management of CKD in older adults can improve outcomes and reduce secondary complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
In geriatric patients, renal physiology undergoes significant changes, including diminished renal blood flow and a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to alterations in medication clearance. Drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium, and digoxin, which rely on glomerular filtration for removal from the body, particularly impact pharmacokinetics. These drugs tend to have slower clearance rates in older adults, necessitating careful dosage considerations.Evaluation of renal...
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...