[Diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease]

Chronic kidney disease is defined by decreased glomerular filtration rate or proteinuria. Diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive renal damage are responsible for the majority of cases. The initiation of therapy has to consider if causal treatment of the underlying disease is possible and indicated. In all patients, even if specific treatment is not possible, therapy should aim at reducing progression of kidney failure. Chronic kidney diseases tend to intrinsic deterioration that persists after cessation of the causative damaging pathomechanism. Progression of disease can be delayed; the most important measures include strict blood pressure control, reduction of proteinuria, and avoidance of further renal harm. Kidney disease induces typical sequelae such as left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular calcification, anemia, and renal osteodystrophy. While these are well understood nowadays therapeutic options are limited. The uremic syndrome is to be avoided by renal replacement therapy.