How Should Physicians Identify the Millions of Americans Living With CKD?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that as many as 26 million Americans live with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and some 10.4 million (or 40%) don''t even know they have it. Enter the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which has become the preferred method for identifying people with CKD.

William Bennett, MD, FASN, of Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital (Portland, OR) and Editor of ASN''s Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN) recently spoke with Richard Glassock, MD, from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) about the pros and cons of this test. The conversation will be available via podcast through ASN''s website at http://asn-online.org/publications/kidneynews/podcast.aspx and available on iTunes on Tuesday, September 22 (ASN Kidney News Podcast).

Kidney Stones / Renal Stones - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
A kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals and may appear in any area of the urinary system.

eGFR is most commonly calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation ostensibly to provide a more clinically useful measure of kidney function than serum creatinine alone. The equation takes into account several factors like age, gender, and race that impact creatinine production. Analysis of blood samples for creatinine is commonly employed to evaluate kidney function and to diagnose chronic and acute diseases of the kidney. Kidney function tends to slowly decrease with normal aging after about age 30-40 years and if this normal decline is not taken into account for older persons, mainly women, the result will be that more individuals are falsely diagnosed with kidney disease.

Dr. Glassock notes that ''the introduction of the concept of eGFR by equations such as MDRD has had a dramatic increase on the awareness of CKD,'' but he also expresses concern that the equation ''has resulted in an increase in false positive diagnoses of CKD, as well as the number of possibly unnecessary referrals to nephrologists.'' The interpretation of eGFR from serum creatinine values is a common occurrence in clinical practice, and physicians need to understand the potential pitfalls and inaccuracies as well as benefits in order to achieve optimum patient care.

Dr. Glassock recommends using the test to establish the severity of existing CKD but not for initial diagnosis or for qualifying living donors. In those instances, an analysis of freshly voided urine for cells, protein, and glucose should accompany a serum creatinine measurement for diagnosis of CKD, he says.

Cysts - Dysplastic Kidneys
Ultrasound scan reveals multiple cysts and there is no function on that kidney when tested on DMSA scan. A vast majority of them resolve spontaneously.

The podcast on eGFR follows the series entitled ''Controversies in Nephrology'' that appeared in the September 2008 issue of CJASN. ASN continues to lead the fight against kidney disease by highlighting complex areas of interest and controversy such as the appropriate use of eGFR measurements.

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) does not offer medical advice. All content in ASN publications is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This content should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health care provider if you have any questions about a medical condition, or before taking any drug, changing your diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Do not ignore or delay obtaining professional medical advice because of information accessed through ASN. Call 911 or your doctor for all medical emergencies.

Dialysis - Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis and Role of Diet and Drugs
Dialysis is an artificial process for removing excess water and waste from the blood. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are the types of dialysis.

Founded in 1966, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is the world''s largest professional society devoted to the study of kidney disease. Comprised of 11,000 physicians and scientists, ASN continues to promote expert patient care, advance medical research, and educate the renal community. ASN also informs policymakers about issues of importance to kidney doctors and their patients. ASN funds research, and through its world-renowned meetings and first-class publications, disseminates information and educational tools that empower physicians.

Diet for Kidney Stones
Diet for kidney stone should comprise of calcium-rich foods, increased fluid intake. Other dietary recommendations depends on the type of kidney stone.

Source-Newswise
RAS