The value of pre-dialysis care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major health care burdens worldwide, with a significant increase in the number of patients and a huge increase in the financial demands in recent years. Patients with CKD usually progress through different stages before they reach end-stage renal disease. The rate and speed of renal function deterioration are variable, but uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes mellitus are major risk factors. Pre-dialysis care, with change of life style, blood pressure and glycemic control, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers, lipid-lowering agents and management of anemia and mineral bone disorder can improve quality of life, preserve functioning nephrons and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with significant reduction in management costs. Early referral of patients with CKD to the nephrologist allows for adequate exposure to educational programs, psychosocial preparation, participation in the decision of type of renal replacement therapy (RRT), pre-emptive kidney transplantation, early creation of dialysis access and adequate training in selected modality of RRT. The degree of involvement and interaction must be individualized according to the needs of the patient and the type of RRT planned. A multi-disciplinary team is crucial for the implementation of a variety of strategies and to intervene more effectively in meeting the health care needs of CKD patients.