Define CKD
abnormalities of kidney function or structure present for more than 3 months, with implications for health
Why are patients with CKD referred late to nephrology and what is the impact of this?
because early CKD is asymptomatic causing late referral, which leads to increased mortality and morbidity
How is CKD measured?
GFR is measured against ACR
What is ACR and how is it measured?
What are the different stages of CKD, their eGFR results and what this means?
SEE TABLE ATTACHED
What is the main difference between stages 1,2&3 when compared to stages 4&5 of CKD?
What is the general trend between eGFR and kidney function?
Lower eGFR = Lower kidney function
What are the risk factors associated with CKD?
How is CKD diagnosed?
Diagnosing CKD is done according to the classifications (blood creatinine levels + ACR) as well as certain prompts:
What are the 3 main functions of the kidneys and explain each one
What are the clinical complications of CKD?
Define acidosis
a condition in which the blood becomes too acidic, with an abnormally low pH level
What is the cause of acidosis in CKD?
What is the long-term maintenance treatment for acidosis?
PO sodium bicarbonate 1g TDS (long-term treatment)
What is the acute treatment for acidosis in a medical emergency?
IV sodium bicarbonate (acute treatment)
What is the main side effect of sodium bicarbonate and why?
fluid retention (swelling of body parts due to trapped fluid) due to secondary increase in sodium because wherever sodium goes, water follows
What is renal anaemia?
Quality/ quantity of RBCs is below normal
Define anaemia
when the quality or quantity of red blood cells are below normal
(2) Lack of erythropoietin
What are the 2 causes of renal anaemia?
What are the benefits of correcting renal anaemia?
Increased:
- Quality of life
- Exercise capacity
- Endocrine function
- Immune function
- Muscle metabolism
- Sleep patterns
- Cognitive function
- Nutrition
Decreased:
- Bleeding tendency
- Transfusions
- Depression
- Hospitalisation
What are the causes of a lack of circulating iron?
What is the treatment for a lack of circulating iron in pre-dialysis patients?
What are the side effects of PO iron?
(2) Black stools
What is the treatment for a lack of circulating iron in dialysis patients?