Chronic Kidney Disease

Nephrology

Persistent reduction in kidney function (eGFR <60) or markers of damage for ≥3 months.

Causes

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Obstruction

Clinical features

  • Often asymptomatic until late
  • Fatigue, oedema, pruritus, nocturia
  • Uraemia: nausea, encephalopathy

Investigations

  • eGFR (CKD-EPI), ACR
  • U&E, Ca, PO₄, PTH, vit D
  • FBC (anaemia), HbA1c, lipids
  • USS renal tract

Diagnosis

  • Stage by eGFR (G1–G5) and ACR (A1–A3)

Management

  • Treat cause; BP <130/80 (ACEi/ARB if proteinuria)
  • SGLT2i if ACR >25 (irrespective of DM)
  • Statin, lifestyle
  • Anaemia: iron then ESA
  • Bone disease: phosphate binder, active vit D
  • Plan RRT when GFR <15 + symptoms

Complications

  • CV disease (main mortality)
  • Anaemia, bone disease
  • Hyperkalaemia, acidosis
  • ESRD

Clinical pearls

  • Avoid NSAIDs, dose-adjust drugs
  • AVF planned when eGFR <20 and progressive

Educational — verify locally.

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