Chronic Renal Therapy

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a most challenging diagnosis for patients and their health care teams. Detection is often delayed because of the insidious nature of kidney failure and symptoms experienced by patients. It is not until later in the disease progression that laboratory test values begin to display values indicative of actual renal damage. Patients are then presented with life-changing alternatives that affect their work, lifestyle, relationships, and well-being. Therapies currently used in CKD and end-stage renal disease are described depicting choices patients have in maintaining and perhaps arresting some aspects of CKD.