FACTS ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE

 

We have two kidneys which are bean shaped and placed in both side of our loin measuring 9-12cm in length (5 inches)  approximately & 5-6cm in width. Principal work of the kidneys is removal of urea, creatinine, extracellular potassium and maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure. Kidney also helps in maintaining hemoglobin level of the blood and strengthening our bone.

·       Kidney disease are classified into two categories:

1. Acute Kidney Injury which is reversible &

2. Chronic Kidney disease which is irreversible and is progressive in nature

The major causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are diabetes and hypertension which contributes 40-60% of all CKD. The rest causes are contributed by Chronic Glomerular Diseases, Chronic Interstitial  Diseases, Familial Diseases like ADPKD, Urinary tract abnormalities, Kidney stones, Chronic Analgesic use, and Vasculitis like SLE. 

·       Unfortunate thing is majority of CKD patients are asymptomatic and it is only known when the disease has progressed to advanced stage, where the treatment options are limited to dialysis and transplantation.

·       The symptoms of kidney disease are generalized swelling of the body, frothy urine, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, generalized weakness, reduces hemoglobin itching of the body and bone pain.

·       Diagnosis can only be made by urine examination, serum urea and creatinine, electrolyte test, hemoglobin and USG-KUB test (Ultrasound test).

·       Once it is diagnosed the treatment is mostly conservative till stage IV CKD (upto GFR 15ml/min) and Renal Replacement therapy in stage V CKD.

·       Conservative treatment options are as follows:

1. Control of Diabetes, Hypertension, protein and potassium restricted diet, fluid control if there is leg swelling, control of cholesterol, treatment of high uric acid, treatment of anemia with Iron and Erythropoietin, maintaining calcium and phosphorus balance with drugs and control of acidosis with medication.

·       Stage V CKD can only be treated with Renal Replacement therapy like Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation.