Welcome!

Welcome -- my name is Jane and I've created this blog as an interactive journal of my research into Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease affecting an estimated 10% of the US population.  Major contributing factors are type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis.  Cardiovascular disease and advanced age also put one at higher risk for developing CKD.  

The kidneys are naturally very adaptive, and function quite well even as parts of it die off. Because of this, CKD can cause no symptoms until one is in end-stage kidney disease, or kidney failure.  The CDC emphasizes the importance of educating and testing patients in high risk groups for kidney function.  Tests for kidney function include a urine test that looks at albumin levels, and a blood test checking for the amount of creatinine in the blood.  

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease 

from http://www.ultracare-dialysis.com/kidney-disease/chronic/ckd-stages.aspx

Patients with diabetes should check their blood glucose regularly and keep it under control.  Similarly, hypertensive patients should have their blood pressure checked regularly to ensure it does not get too high.  For both conditions, lifestyle adjustments as well as drug therapy can slow the progression of the disease and reduce the likelihood of developing kidney failure. 

It is important to note that life does not end with kidney failure.  Kidney transplant and dialysis offer those living with chronic kidney disease a new lease on life.  There are a wide variety of ways in which one can obtain dialysis— from going to a clinic 3 times a week to at home dialysis while you sleep — depending on the severity of the disease and abilities of the patient.  It is even possible to travel with your personal dialysis machine, enhancing quality of life for those living with chronic kidney failure.  

And now a word from Lori Hartwell, President of the Renal Support Network

Sources: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Chronic Kidney Disease Fact Sheet, 2014. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services.  Available at http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/kidney_factsheet.pdf. January 8 2015.

Peckham B. Dialysis from the sharp end of the needle. August 5 2013.  Available at http://www.billpeckham.com. January 7 2015.  

Levey, A., Schoolwerth A., Burros N., Williams D., Stith K., McClellan W.  Comprehensive Public Health Statagies for Preventing the Development, Progression, and Complications of CKD.  Am J Kidney Dis.  Vol 53, No 3.  March 2009. Available at http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0272-6386/PIIS0272638608017307.pdf.  January 8 2015.