When to start should dialysis This a controversial area [“not another one. Is it complicated (again) docs?!” CKDEx Ed] Yup, sure is. And doctors tend to vary with regard to recommending an earlier or later start to dialysis. The ‘earlier start’ group tend to want to avoid the risks of an emergency start (e.g. at […]
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What is the life expectancy for people with CKD5? It depends – on whether your have dialysis (or a kidney transplant) or not. At stage 5 CKD, your GFR will be under 15 ml/min (normal is 90-120 ml/min), and you will be very unwell. Stage 5 CKD is also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or
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CKD facts and myths Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means a long term impairment of kidney function, or abnormal structure (with normal GFR). There are a lot of myths and facts associated with CKD. Here goes. How common is CKD? Myth 1: Chronic kidney disease is a rare condition. Fact. You may be surprised to learn
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Sexual problems in CKD Keep track of your kidney data with PKB In this article, we will describe sexual problems in CKD. Although sexual problems can happen to anyone, you’re at higher risk if you have CKD, especially if you also receive dialysis treatment. Know that it’s not a ‘you’ problem, it’s a CKD problem.
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Acidosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause high acid levels in the blood. Doctors call this ‘acidosis’. Fortunately it usually only affects patients in the more advanced stages of CKD, i.e. CKD4-5. Up until then the acid levels do not need to be measured. After then, in many patients, acid
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Renal bone disease and CKD Keep track of your kidney data with PKB Renal bone disease (RBD), fortunately, largely affects patients in the more advanced stages of CKD, i.e. CKD4-5. Up until then it does not usually need to be monitored. After then, in many patients, it should be monitored – using blood
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Kidney blood tests – what’s normal and abnormal? Keep track of your kidney data with PKB Kidney doctors love blood tests. Full stop. Why? It is because it is impossible for them to judge the function of the kidneys solely by asking you questions (doctors call this the ‘history’) and physical examination. So, what is
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What is the NICE kidney failure risk equation (KFRE)? The Kidney Failure Risk Equation is the most accurate and efficient way of finding your risk of needing dialysis or a kidney transplant. This is the calculator. You will need 4 pieces of information: Age Gender eGFR (kidney function) ACR (estimate of protein in the urine). Other
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CKD – the basics (for health professionals) This article is largely written for health professionals. We will now go through the basics of CKD and its management. Definition An estimated or measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of <60 mL/min – that is present for at least three months with or without evidence of kidney damage;
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10 risk factors for CKD Keep track of your kidney data with PKB First of all, how common is CKD (chronic kidney disease)? CKD is common, affecting around 1 in 10 of the population. Fortunately only 1 in 100 of them (i.e. 1 in 1000 of the population) go on to need dialysis or a
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