What is CKD?
CKD is Chronic Kidney disease. It is a slow, has an insidious onset. It is progressive and once started it is irreversible. If not treated it leads to kidney failure (ESRD) and finally kidney transplant.
GFR or Glomerular filtration rate is the factor which lets a Nephrologist understand the status of functioning of the Kidney. The measurement of GFR also suggest the stage of the CKD and the extent of the disease.
The causative factors for CKD can be many however the most important factor are Hypertension and diabetes.
Risk Factors for CKD
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Age >60 years
- Family history of kidney disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Systemic infections
- Exposure to nephrotoxic drugs
- Acute Renal failure
- Reduced kidney mass (includes kidney donor & recipients)