Filtering the Facts: Chronic Kidney Disease Explained

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious condition that affects 37 million people in the United States, about 15% of adults. The kidneys are vital organs that filter blood continuously to remove the toxins within our bodies. This is the process that creates urine. The kidneys are extremely importance because they also produce erythropoietin for red blood cells development, manage our vitamin D levels, and manage blood pressure.

The two greatest causes of CKD are unmanaged diabetes and unmanaged hypertension. The kidneys have a process called glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is the filtration ability of the kidneys. Normal filtration rate is > 90 mL/min, while end stage renal disease has a filtration rate of <15 mL/min. Dialysis is a process that mimics the functionality of the kidneys to filter blood for patients. Most patients are connected to the dialysis machine three times per week for 3.5-4 hour increments. Patients can receive treatment in a center or through a home modality.

CKD patients require a regimented diet that includes limited phosphorus, calcium, daily liquids, and potassium. These nutrients build up within the blood and can cause havoc within the body such as fluid overload, calcification, and cardiac symptoms.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) are integral team members to supporting the care of patients. Lab values are provided monthly and a RDN will analyze and assess the patient needs. Nutrition counseling is provided to help make the best of the chronic conditions.

Lab values are different for patients with CKD and are listed below:

                Phosphorus: 3.5-5.5 mEq/L

                Calcium: 8.4-9.5 mg/dL

                Potassium: 3.5-5.5 mEg/dL

                            Liquid (including anything liquid are room temp): 32 oz

The RDN works along side other team members such as facility administrators, techs, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, nephrologists, and patient family members. Together, this team is integral to expanding the life expectancy and quality of life of so many patients. 

- KS

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html#:~:text=About%20Chronic%20Kidney%20Disease,-CKD%20is%20a&text=15%25%20of%20US%20adults%20are,is%20about%2037%20million%20people.

https://www.davita.com/education/kidney-disease#:~:text=The%20five%20stages%20of%20chronic%20kidney%20disease&text=Stage%201%20is%20the%20closest,not%20based%20on%20symptoms%20alone.

https://www.davita.com/education/kidney-disease/symptoms/understanding-your-lab-work