[DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH TO PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Internal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by persistent albuminuria (>30 mg/day) or reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) for over three months, alongside evidence of kidney damage.
• Leading causes of CKD in developed nations include diabetes and arterial hypertension, with inflammatory and congenital conditions being less common.
• The CGA classification system categorizes CKD by Cause, GFR category, and Albuminuria level, aiding in diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the consensus definition and key diagnostic criteria for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• To highlight the importance of classifying CKD using the CGA system for tailored treatment and monitoring.
• To emphasize the role of family physicians in the early screening and diagnosis of CKD.

Main Methods:

• Review of consensus definitions for CKD, including urinary albumin excretion and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds.
• Description of common etiologies of CKD, such as diabetes, hypertension, and inflammatory or congenital diseases.
• Explanation of the CGA (Cause, GFR, Albuminuria) classification system for staging CKD.

Main Results:

• Early-stage CKD may present with subtle changes in creatinine, reduced eGFR, and albuminuria, often without overt symptoms.
• Accurate grading of renal impairment is essential for determining appropriate treatment strategies, monitoring protocols, and patient education.
• Increasing diagnostic capabilities and an aging population contribute to a rising incidence of CKD diagnoses.

Conclusions:

• CKD diagnosis requires persistent abnormalities in kidney function or structure.
• The CGA classification provides a framework for understanding CKD severity and guiding clinical decisions.
• Family physicians play a vital role in the early detection and collaborative management of CKD patients.