Chronic Kidney Disease CKD Flashcards
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
CKD is defined as abnormal kidney function or structure present for more than three months, with implications for health. It affects 9-13% of the adult population.
What are the common symptoms of CKD?
CKD is often asymptomatic in early stages. As it progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, polyuria, fluid overload, and sexual dysfunction.
What are the primary causes of CKD?
Common causes include diabetes, vascular disease, glomerular diseases, nephrotoxic drugs, obstructive uropathy, and hereditary kidney diseases.
What are the risk factors for developing CKD?
Risk factors include age over 50, previous acute kidney injury, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, smoking, male gender, and black or Hispanic ethnicity.
How is CKD classified?
CKD is classified into five stages based on GFR: Stages 1 to 5, ranging from normal or high kidney function to kidney failure (GFR <15 ml/min/1.73m²).
What clinical findings might suggest CKD?
Findings include uraemic fetor, pallor, cachexia, cognitive impairment, tachypnoea, hypertension, oedema, peripheral neuropathy, and signs of microvascular damage.
What laboratory investigations are important in CKD?
Investigations include urinalysis, plasma glucose, FBC, U&Es, serum albumin, urinary albumin, serum calcium, phosphate, PTH, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid profile.
What imaging studies are useful in CKD assessment?
Imaging studies like renal ultrasound, CT, or MRI assess kidney size, structure, and obstructive uropathy.
What are the goals of CKD management?
Goals include slowing progression, managing symptoms, reducing cardiovascular risk, and preparing for renal replacement therapy if needed.
What lifestyle modifications are recommended for CKD patients?
Modifications include regular exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation, and dietary changes like reducing salt and protein intake.
What role does blood pressure control play in CKD management?
Blood pressure control is crucial to slow CKD progression, often using ACE inhibitors or ARBs to achieve target levels.
How is glycaemic control managed in CKD patients with diabetes?
Glycaemic control is essential to prevent further kidney damage, often requiring adjustment of diabetic medications and regular monitoring.
What vaccinations are recommended for CKD patients?
Vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcus are recommended to lower infection risk.
Why should nephrotoxic medications be avoided in CKD patients?
Nephrotoxic drugs can worsen kidney function and should be avoided or used cautiously in CKD patients.
How is hyperphosphataemia managed in CKD?
Management includes dietary phosphate restriction and the use of phosphate binders.
What treatment is used for secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD?
Active vitamin D analogues, such as 1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol, are used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism.
What are the options for renal replacement therapy in CKD?
Options include dialysis (haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) and kidney transplantation.
What complications are associated with CKD?
Complications include metabolic acidosis, pulmonary oedema, anaemia, uraemic encephalopathy, cardiovascular disease, and mineral bone disorder.
How does CKD increase cardiovascular risk?
CKD is linked to hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and vascular calcification, all of which increase cardiovascular event risk.
What is the significance of proteinuria in CKD?
Proteinuria indicates kidney damage and is linked to faster CKD progression and increased cardiovascular risk.
How is anaemia managed in CKD patients?
Anaemia is treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and iron supplements to maintain target haemoglobin levels.
What dietary modifications are recommended for CKD patients?
Patients should reduce protein, salt, and phosphate intake to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
How is fluid balance managed in CKD patients?
Fluid intake should be adjusted based on volume status, and diuretics can help manage fluid overload.
What is the role of regular monitoring in CKD management?
Regular monitoring of kidney function, electrolytes, and complications is essential for treatment adjustment and slowing progression.
