Chronic kidney disease

Paola Romagnani1,2, Rajiv Agarwal3, Juliana C N Chan4

  • 1Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy.

PubMed

Insights

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves persistent kidney function abnormalities impacting health and homeostasis. Early detection and managing risk factors are crucial for slowing progression and improving outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by persistent kidney function or structure abnormalities with significant health consequences.
  • Progressive decline in kidney function disrupts body homeostasis and is linked to cardiovascular disease, infections, and premature death.
  • Kidney failure is fatal without access to kidney replacement therapy, a global health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the definition, consequences, and progression mechanisms of chronic kidney disease.
  • To emphasize the importance of early detection and management of modifiable risk factors in CKD.
  • To highlight therapeutic strategies for managing CKD and its associated complications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the pathophysiology of CKD progression, including nephron loss and overload.
  • Discussion of management strategies focusing on early detection and risk factor control.
  • Identification of key therapeutic interventions, including renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • CKD progression involves irreversible nephron loss and overload of remaining nephrons.
  • Effective management includes early detection and control of modifiable risk factors.
  • Pharmacological interventions like RAS inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors help reduce nephron overload.

Conclusions:

  • CKD management requires a comprehensive approach, including early detection and risk factor modification.
  • Targeting specific pathways and conditions like hypertension, anemia, and metabolic acidosis is essential.
  • Timely and appropriate interventions can mitigate cardiovascular morbidity and improve quality of life for CKD patients.

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