CKD Management Medtweetorial

Let's dive into key treatment strategies, abbreviations, and guidelines for effective CKD care!

Introduction

CKD is classified based on the GFR and albuminuria. Based on the GFR (Figure 1), it can be divided into five stages: G1 (GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m²), G2 (GFR 60–89), G3 (subdivided into G3a with a GFR 45 to 59 and G3b with a GFR 30–44), G4 (GFR 15–29), and G5 (GFR < 15 not on renal replacement therapy).

In CKD, starting dialysis based only on a target GFR doesn't improve survival rates. Dialysis should begin before the patient's metabolic or nutritional status deteriorates.

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Figure 1
Stages of chronic kidney disease.

Patients are usually asymptomatic until significant renal function is lost (late stage G4 and stage G5). However, complications including hypertension, anemia, and mineral bone disorders (renal osteodystrophy and secondary hyperparathyroidism) often develop during stage G3 and thus should be investigated and addressed before patients become symptomatic. Let's dive into key treatment strategies, abbreviations, and guidelines for effective CKD care!

NPS-adv

Management approach

Diet in CKD

Smoking & CKD

  • Accelerates CKD progression.
  • Counseling essential for tobacco cessation.

Hypertension

Albuminuria & Proteinuria

Metabolic Acidosis

  • Alkaline buffer release ↑ bone issues.
  • Oral bicarbonate tablets (650 or 1300 mg BID or TID) to keep serum bicarbonate ≥ 22 mEq/L.

Hyperlipidemia

Diabetes

Anemia

Mineral Bone Disorders

  • CKD-bone mineral disorders ↑ with GFR < G3.
  • Aim: suppress PTH, maintain Ca & phosphate.
  • VitD repletion: use ergocalciferol 50,000-IU weekly or cholecalciferol 2000–4000 IU daily if deficient 25-OH vitD (< 30 ng/mL). Severe deficiency (< 5 ng/dL) needs 12+ weeks. Maintenance: monthly ergocalciferol 50,000 IU or daily cholecalciferol 1000–2000 IU (see "Vitamin D deficiency in adults" - edited by Dr. Maha Khalifa)
  • Phosphate binders (to control Phosphate); active vitD (calcitriol 0.25–1 μg).

Prep for Renal Replacement

  • Early counseling on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplantation.
  • Protect veins; timely referral for AV access.
  • Immunizations: Hep B vaccine recommended if eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m², pneumococcal for all CKD.

NPS-adv


References

  1. Cooper BA, Branley P, Bulfone L, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of early versus late initiation of dialysis. N Engl J Med. 2010;363:609-619.
  2. Parsa A, Kao WHL, Xie D, et al. APOL1 risk variants, race, and progression of chronic kidney disease. N Engl J Med. 2013;369(23):2183-2196.
  3. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Blood Pressure Work Group. KDIGO 2021 clinical practice guideline for the management of blood pressure in chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int. 2021;99(3S):S1-S87.
  4. Fried LF, Emanuele N, Zhang JH, et al. Combined angiotensin inhibition for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. N Engl J Med. 2013;369:1892-1903.
  5. Hultin S, Hood C, Campbell KL, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis on effects of bicarbonate therapy on kidney outcomes. Kidney Int Rep. 2020;6(3):695-705.
  6. Baigent C, Landray MJ, Reith C, et al. The effects of lowering LDL cholesterol with simvastatin plus ezetimibe in patients with chronic kidney disease (Study of Heart and Renal Protection): a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2011;377:2181-2192.