OVERVIEW ON ROLE OF PRIMARY CARE IN MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterised by the presence of kidney damage or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Patients with more advanced stage 3 or stage 4 CKD experience a higher incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality. Because chronic kidney disease is a growing health concern, family physicians must be equipped to care for this unique patient population. Practice recommendations encourage proactive care of cardiovascular risk, the side effects of metabolic bone disease, and anaemia in these individuals as well as surveillance for increasing kidney disease. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are on the front lines of identifying and treating CKD as early as possible. However, the majority of PCPs frequently miss the existence of CKD. Additionally, the majority of patients with stages 3 and 4 CKD are not co-managed by nephrologists, despite the fact that increasing nephrologists' engagement in the care of these patients has been associated with improved dialysis-free survival. Early detection and treatment of these issues can stop the onset of subsequent sequelae, thus they shouldn't wait till nephrology is involved. This patient population also need appropriate counselling and health maintenance, both of which should be provided by the family doctor overseeing the patient's care.