Q) When I see a patient for an annual physical or gynecologic exam (or even just to give a flu shot), I try to encourage healthy living. Are there any CKD statistics I can use to “encourage” my hypertensive or overweight patients to follow a better plan of care?
According to a recent study by McMahon et al, risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD)—including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes—may be present up to 30 years prior to diagnosis of CKD.1 Since these risk factors are modifiable, the researchers concluded that early intervention could lead to a reduction in new CKD cases.1
Using data from the Framingham Offspring Study, the researchers identified 441 patients with incident CKD and then matched them with a control group of 882 patients who did not develop CKD during the 30-year study period. Subjects who eventually developed CKD were more likely than their counterparts to have hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.76), obesity (OR, 1.71), and elevated triglyceride levels (OR, 1.43) 30 years prior to CKD diagnosis. Having diabetes nearly tripled a patient’s likelihood of developing CKD within 20 years (OR, 2.90).1
Early identification of these risk factors and treatment of affected patients is imperative to help prevent kidney disease. Regular screening of young and middle-aged adult patients, as well as early intervention when risk factors are identified, should slow not only the progression of these detrimental conditions but also the development of CKD.
Joanne Hindlet, ACNP, CNN-NP
Houston Nephrology Group
REFERENCES
1. McMahon GM, Preis SR, Hwang S-J, Fox CS. Mid-adulthood risk factor profiles for CKD. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014 Jun 26; [Epub ahead of print].
2. Byham-Gray L, Stover J, Wiesen K. A Clinical Guide to Nutrition Care in Kidney Disease. 2nd ed. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; 2013.
3. Crews DC. Chronic kidney disease and access to healthful foods. ASN Kidney News. 2014;6(5):11.
4. Moe SM. Phosphate additives in food: you are what you eat—but shouldn’t you know that? ASN Kidney News. 2014;6(5):8.
5. Narva A, Norton J. Medical nutrition therapy for CKD. ASN Kidney News. 2014;6(5):7.