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Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/kidney-disease/

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is any disease or condition that affects the function of the kidneys, which is to filter and remove wastes and water from the bloodstream. When enough of the kidney filters are damaged, the body will fill up with excess wastes and water that would normally be removed.

This can happen acutely (over days or weeks) and is called acute renal failure (Medline Plus), or gradually over months or years (known as chronic kidney disease).

Key Points:

  1. Diabetes and untreated high blood pressure are two of the commonest causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  2. If you are Maori or Pacific and have diabetes, you are at increased risk of kidney disease - see your doctor regularly
  3. Excellent blood pressure and blood sugar control reduces the complications of diabetes, such as CKD
  4. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease is important as it can prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease
  5. Chronic Kidney Disease is a silent condition (no pain or obvious symptoms) so risk factors (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) need to be checked for regularly

The range of diseases and conditions that can cause kidney disease is very long and in this section we have focused on chronic kidney disease. For information about specific kidney diseases, visit the links below from Medline Plus:

Short Cuts to Key Resources

Fact Sheets - range of topics (Kidney Health NZ)

Support: Freephone 0800 235 711

Chronic-Kidney-Disease-Mana
CKD - Clinical Guide Summary

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Overview

Important causes of CKD include glomerulonephritis, analgesic nephropathy (taking too many pain killers), diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, reflux nephropathy and untreated high blood pressure.

htmlAre you at risk? Kidney Health NZ
  
htmlWhat is chronic kidney disease? FamilyDoctor.org
  
htmlKidney diseases MedlinePlus
  
htmlPossible causes of kidney disease Kidney Health NZ
  
VideoRenal Failure Video Faultline Productions
  

Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis

Symptoms of renal failure do not usually appear until there is moderate to severe renal failure.
In the advanced stages, kidney failure can cause tiredness, poor colour, nausea, swelling of the legs and frequent or difficulty going to the toilet to pass urine. Some people do not get any symptoms until it is too late, so next time you see your doctor, ask if you have any risk factors for kidney disease and what you can do to protect them.

htmlCommon Symptoms Health Navigator NZ
  
htmlTests for Kidney Disease Health Navigator NZ
  

What can I do? - Self help measures

If you or a loved one has developed chronic kidney disease, there are many things you can do to help keep yourself as well as possible. It is very important to work with your doctor/nurse and specialist team at the hospital to make a plan of action that is right for you.
htmlAttend a self management programme Health Navigator NZ
  
htmlLiving with Symptoms Health Navigator NZ
  
htmlDiet - chronic kidney disease MedlinePlus
  
htmlKeeping your kidneys healthy National Kidney Disease Education Program (USA)
 general information we can all follow to help protect our kidneys

Treatments & Medication

The treatment you will need depends on what stage of kidney disease you have and what caused it in the first place. In brief:

  • Stages 1 to 3 (early to moderate kidney failure) - reduce blood pressure, keep diabetes well controlled and take medication to reduce further damage to your kidneys.
  • Stage 3 - glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 - also referral to a nephrologist (kidney specialist)
  • Stages 4 to 5 - dialysis, renal transplantation or supportive measures are generally needed.
    • pdfChronic Kidney Disease – Summary Guide Kidney Health NZ8 Pages
      
    htmlDialysis Treatment Kidney Health NZ
      

    Clinical Resources

    Clinical guidelines and resources of most interest to clinicians.

    pdfChronic Kidney Disease – Summary Guide Kidney Health NZ8 Pages
      
    htmlCKD staging BPAC article 2009 BPAC.co.nz Best Practice
      
    htmlMaking a difference in chronic kidney disease – BPAC July 2009 BPAC.co.nz Best Practice
     pdf options as well
    htmlShould we still be measuring urea? BPAC.co.nz Best Practice
     BPAC 2009
    htmlDrug monitoring – monitoring diuretics in primary care BPAC.co.nz Best Practice
     BPAC March 2009

    Support

    Who can you talk to?

    Renal units in New Zealand, usually located in large teaching hospitals, offer specialised help for individuals and families/whanau adjusting to kidney failure. Talk with your renal physician, the nurses, dialysis staff and social worker. They are there to assist you. There are also psychiatrists, psychologists and chaplains you can talk with.

    Most renal units also have their own patient run organisations and support groups. Ask the staff for information or visit the links below.

    html17 Patient Support Centres throughout NZ Kidney Health NZ
      
    htmlKidney Society Auckland provides support and information for people with kidney failure and their families. Kidney Society Auckland
     primarily in the greater Auckland and Northland area.

    Want to Learn More?

    Further reading and references BPAC.co.nz Best Practice
     BPAC 2009
    htmlRange of resources Kidney Health NZ
      
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