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[Pharmacotherapy in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease]
1Klinik für Nieren- und Hochdruckerkrankungen, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland. kielstein@yahoo.com
Insights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 15% of adults globally, increasing risks for other health issues. Accurate estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is crucial for safe drug dosing in CKD patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) exceeds 15%, particularly in industrialized nations.
- CKD affects half of individuals aged 70 years and older.
- Diabetes and hypertension are primary drivers of CKD, increasing risks for cardiovascular events, cancer, and infections.
Purpose:
- To emphasize the critical need for accurate renal function assessment in managing CKD patients.
- To highlight the importance of dose adjustment for renally excreted drugs to prevent adverse events.
- To introduce estimation formulas for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as a key step in pharmacotherapy.
Summary:
- Serum creatinine alone is insufficient for assessing renal function due to its delayed rise and dependency on various factors.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation is essential for appropriate drug dosing in CKD patients.
- Formulas like the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) provide accurate GFR estimation.
Impact:
- Improved pharmacotherapy and patient outcomes in the growing CKD population.
- Reduced risk of drug-related complications and adverse events.
- Enhanced clinical decision-making for healthcare providers managing kidney disease.
Abstract:
The number of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide and exceeds 15% of the entire population in industrialized countries. Half of the patients aged 70 + years suffer from CKD. The most prevalent underlying diseases leading to CKD are diabetes and hypertension. CKD per se increases the risk of cardiovascular events, cancer, and infections; hence, adequate and intensified pharmacotherapy is of utmost importance in this patient population. About 60% of all regularly used drugs are excreted by the kidney. For those, dose adjustment is of utter importance to avoid untoward effects and serious complications. The first important step for dose adjustment is the accurate estimation of renal function, i.e., glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Renal function cannot be assessed by serum creatinine alone as it only rises after a substantial (> 50%) loss of glomerular function and depends on many factors, e.g., age, gender, weight, and race. GFR can easily be estimated using formulas, e.g., the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula.
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