[Pharmacotherapy in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease]

J T Kielstein1, F Keller

  • 1Klinik für Nieren- und Hochdruckerkrankungen, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland. kielstein@yahoo.com

Der Internist
|June 15, 2012
PubMed

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.

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic 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...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant01:25

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant

In patients with renal disease, dosage adjustments are necessary to maintain therapeutic plasma drug concentrations and prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic exposure. Renal impairment alters drug pharmacokinetics, especially in conditions like uremia, where changes such as prolonged elimination half-life and altered apparent volume of distribution can significantly affect drug disposition. These changes require careful modification of the dosing regimen to achieve the desired clinical...
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic 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...
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic 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...
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care01:20

Acute 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...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...