[Treatment of patients with chronic renal insufficiency; a guideline for internists]

Early optimalization of the treatment of patients with chronic renal insufficiency can reduce morbidity and deaths. For each patient with a raised serum creatinine concentration, the creatinine clearance should be measured or calculated. When this is abnormal, the cause thereof should be investigated. Chronic renal insufficiency is often progressive, even when the initiating factors are no longer present. Progression can be delayed by treating the high blood pressure, proteinuria and hyperlipidemia by means of a restricted protein diet and advice not to smoke. Acute deterioration of an existing chronic renal dysfunction through dehydration and underfill or through the use of certain medications or toxic substances such as radio-opaque media should be avoided. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency specific attention should be paid not only to hypertension, lipid disturbances, smoking and weight, but also to the calcium-phosphate balance, anaemia and homocysteine levels. The blood pressure, oedema and weight of patients with a clearance between 30-59 ml/min should be checked 2-3 times a year, in addition to laboratory tests for Hb, Ht, creatinine, urea, potassium, calcium, phosphate, pH, bicarbonate and lipid spectrum. It is recommended that when creatinine clearance (< 50 ml/min) falls a nephrologist should be consulted at least once with respect to the strategy to be followed. Symptoms of chronic renal insufficiency can occur when the creatinine clearance is < 30 ml/min. This relates to: sodium retention, imbalances in the calcium and phosphate levels, anaemia, uraemia, water retention, potassium retention and metabolic acidosis. Referral should take place at a creatinine clearance of < or = 30 ml/min.