Chronic kidney disease in older people: diagnosis, pathogenesis and management

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to long-term impairment of renal function. It is predominantly a disease of older people and the true extent of this has only recently been recognized. CKD has a number of implications including increased cardiovascular risk, secondary complications such as renal anaemia and bone disease and a small but significant risk of progression to established renal failure (ERF). It is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs and, against the background of an ageing population and the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, represents a growing public health problem. Evidence that specific interventions can reduce the cardiovascular risk associated with CKD and the risk of progressive CKD, as well as improving quality of life, has highlighted the importance of early detection of this disease.