Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as chronic kidney failure, is a progressive loss in kidney function over a period of months or years. Pronounced as /ˈkrɒnɪk ˈkɪdni dɪˈziːz/, the term originates from the Greek word "chronos" meaning time, and the Latin words "ren" meaning kidney, and "disease" meaning discomfort or disorder.
Symptoms
Early on there are typically no symptoms. Later, leg swelling, feeling tired, vomiting, loss of appetite, or confusion may develop. Complications may include heart disease, high blood pressure, bone disease, or anemia.
Causes
The two main causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for up to two-thirds of the cases. Other conditions that affect the kidneys are glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney's filtering units; inherited diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease; and malformations that occur as a baby develops in its mother's womb.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is generally by blood tests to measure the glomerular filtration rate and urine tests to measure albumin. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering wastes from the blood.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at slowing down or halting the progression of the disease. This is usually done by controlling its underlying cause. A diet low in protein, potassium, and phosphorus, along with intake of antihypertensive drugs and diuretics, is often recommended.
Prognosis
The prognosis of CKD is generally poor, as it often progresses to end-stage kidney disease, where the kidneys function at less than 10-15% of their normal capacity. At this stage, dialysis or a kidney transplant is required.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chronic Kidney Disease
- Wikipedia's article - Chronic Kidney Disease
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