Chronic kidney disease: clinical review

Content developed by MIMS Learning http://www.mimslearning.co.uk/

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease is associated with long term conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes and is often diagnosed incidentally during the course of investigations for other conditions. Early identification and treatment of CKD is vital to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and renal function decline. However, CKD is often unrecognised – in the early stages, patients are asymptomatic and in the latter stages, symptoms are non-specific.

This resource provides an in-depth guide to the diagnosis and management of (CKD) in primary care. This module provides key learning points for GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals around revised Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) categories, NICE guidance, management of CKD and when to refer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this activity, you should be better able to:

• Understand how CKD is classified
• Be aware of high-risk patient groups
• Undertake relevant investigations to diagnose CKD
• Be aware of when eGFR may be inaccurate
• Manage anaemia
• Know when to refer for a specialist opinion

AUTHORS

Dr Neil Iosson, Locum GP, Sussex

Dr Victoria Ingham, Consultant in nephrology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust, and

Dr Marlies Ostermann, Consultant in nephrology and critical care, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London