Since Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is irreversible, management of the disease will focus on three important objectives. The first objective is to understand the root cause and seek out management for the root cause when possible. The second objective is to stop and slow down deterioration of the kidneys. The third objective is to improve the quality of life of those having CKD.

The Link between Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus

The two most common causes for Chronic Kidney Disease are Chronic Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus.  In Chronic Hypertension, blood perfusion to major organs in the body including the kidneys is diminished. In time, recurrent hypo reperfusion causes damage amplified by the production of oxygen free radicals. Diabetes mellitus may result in renal damage or even renal failure due to the high levels of glucose in the blood which causes damage to the kidneys’ filtration system during glomerular filtration. The most common age group affected by chronic renal disease is 50 years old to 80 years old. The most common co-morbidity of CKD is Diabetes mellitus. Men are slightly more prone to have CKD than women.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Severe Dehydration

Severe dehydration may cause acute renal failure. However, there are some instances where in acute renal failure may be resolved but the kidneys function may be likely to continue to diminish. This leads to chronic kidney disease.

The Link between CKD, Infections, Select Prescription Medications, and Auto-Immune Diseases

Autoimmune Disease causation may include, but may not be limited to:  Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis, Amyloidosis, Myeloma and Alport’s Syndrome.

Infections, such as Proteus vulgaris and E. Coli may infest the urinary tract and move upward to the kidneys causing severe and irreparable damage to the kidneys.

Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis (SLE) leads to the abnormal reaction of the body’s immune system to cause antibodies to attack normal tissues in the body, such as the kidneys mistakenly treating them as foreign bodies or antigens. In SLE, kidney damage will show pathognomonic findings in microscopy known as the wire loop lesions. 

Select Nephrotoxic Drugs may cause chronic renal disease, such as certain pain relievers.

The Outlook

With proper management and good compliance of the treatment plan on the part of the individual with CKD, life may be prolonged, manifestations of uncomfortable symptoms may decrease and the quality of life of the individual with CKD may improve.

Treatment for End Stage Chronic Kidney Disease

Hemodialysis is a call to action for people with end staged renal disease. The frequency of Hemodialysis will depend on the patient’s GFR, acid-blood Gas and necessity. Although the easiest way to cope up with non-functioning kidneys is by kidney transplant, the majority of people with CKD prefer Hemodialysis due to the expensive cost associated with kidney transplant and the risks present in the cross-matching of the kidneys to be transplanted.

Complications of CKD may be fatal and  may lead to death.  Poor compliance of Hemodialysis may be  fatal. Acid-base balance abnormalities are likely to occur in a matter of hours with an individual’s poor compliance of Hemodialysis recommendations made by a physician.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.