Can my GFR get better? Yes. It does not always ‘progress’ (worsen) from a ‘better stage’ (e.g. CKD1-2) to a ‘bad stage’ (CKD5, kidney failure). Sometimes it gets better, and you return to normal kidney function. When looking at your eGFR results, a higher number is better. In general, an eGFR value lower than 60 ml/min […]
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My eGFR is 59 ml/min, does this mean I have CKD? How concerned should I be? It depends [“how did we know you were going to say that?” CKDEx Ed]. An eGFR of 59 ml/min puts you (just) in Stage CKD3A (see table below). This is usually a mild kidney problem. So rule number one:
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What are red flags in chronic kidney disease? There are 3 red flags for chronic kidney disease (CKD). 1. If you are unwell With symptoms or complications of advanced CKD including a danger sign: Shortness of breath – due to fluid overload causing pulmonary oedema (water in lungs) 2. Blood tests High blood potassium – persistently
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When should I worry about CKD? Stage 4 CKD (with a GFR under 30 ml/min) – is when you be worried about CKD. But it is not as simple as that (see later) [“is it ever?!” CKDEx Ed]. Let’s go through the 5 stages, and discuss more about when you should be worried. CKD Stages
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Progression of CKD and when doctors get concerned Stage 4 CKD (with a GFR under 30 ml/min) – is when doctors get concerned about CKD. But it is not as simple as that (see later) [“is it ever?!” CKDEx Ed]. Let’s go through the 5 stages, and discuss more about when they get concerned. CKD Stages
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Pig kidney transplant advance – no mention of pig viruses The first man to receive a genetically modified kidney transplant from a pig has been discharged from hospital. The 62-year-old was sent home recently, two weeks after the surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Organ transplants from genetically modified pigs have had variable success in
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Do nephrologists agree on who should be referred to them? Not surprisingly, no they do not [“great .. thanks guys”. CKDEx Ed]. These are the main guidelines currently used. KDIGO (USA) 2013 referral criteria US KDIGO guidelines (2013) recommend that adult patients with CKD be referred to a nephrologist, regardless of age (if ˃20 years),
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At what CKD stage should you see a nephrologist? CKD Stage 4. At the latest. That is the short answer. You should see a kidney specialist, called a nephrologist, when your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate the key measure of kidney function) is less than 30 mls/min. This occurs at Stage 4 CKD. The creatinine
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COVID-19 reduced UK healthy life expectancy by about a year People born recently in England and Wales can expect to spend fewer years of their life in good health than those born over a decade ago. COVID-19, healthcare delays and an increase in long-term sickness are likely factors in this decline. But recent Office of
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Early CKD healthcare – who is better (nurse practitioner, GP or nephrologist)? In a recent Canadian study by Matthew, 2023, this question was addressed. Why is this important? Early interventions in CKD have been shown to improve health outcomes; however, gaps in access to nephrology care remain common. Nurse practitioners can improve access to care;
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