Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) describes abnormal kidney function or structure. It is often asymptomatic (and unrecognized) and commonly occurs in the context of other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is associated with an increased risk of mortality and a small, but significant percentage of people with CKD progress to end-stage renal failure. Patients with CKD have an increased risk of CVD and are much more likely to die from a CVDrelated cause than they are to progress to end-stage renal disease. There is evidence that treatment can delay the progression of CKD and reduce the associated risk of CVD. The combination of a condition that is common in primary care with evidence that treatment can reduce disease progression and the risk of associated complications make CKD an important topic for general practitioners (GPs). It is, however, not without controversy — there are significant disagreements within the nephrological community, particularly around the significance of milder stages of CKD and the effect of normal ageing, and this in part has contributed to confusion for many GPs.

Prevalence and management of anemia in pre-dialysis Malaysian patients: A hospital-based study

“…9 CVD is the foremost cause of mortality in the CKD population, accounting for nearly half of the overall mortality. 10 Even mild renal insufficiency is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular mortality in CKD population is 10 to 20 times greater than in normotensive populations.…”