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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Adults with CKD: safety of antidepressants compared In a recent Swedish/UK study by Nanbo, 2024, various antidepressants were compared in CKD patients. Why is this important? Depression is common in patients with CKD. Despite the widespread use of antidepressants in the CKD population, their safety remains unclear. What did the study show? Of 7798 people
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