Definition and importance
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means impaired GFR (<60mL/min/1.73m^2) for 3 months or more.
- CKD has an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and in fact, it contributes to their risk due to a vicious circle that causes HTN.
- CKD can progress into end-stage renal diseasse (ESRD) where the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance, and filtration and excretion of toxins becomes impaired to the degree that the patient has to be put on dialysis or undergo renal transplantation in order to continue sustating life.
Etiology
The two main contributors to CKD are HTN and diabetes.
Other causes include chronic GN, cystic kidney disease, obstructive nephropathy, lupus nephritis.