Kidney Protection Program

Chronic renal failure has different stages. In this article, we will address the most severe stages and what happens when patients reach this critical level.

This article, prepared by Dr. Ramón Duque, addresses chronic renal failure, a condition derived from various causes such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hereditary diseases, glomerulonephritis and urinary tract infections, as well as the use of toxic drugs for the kidneys. In the 21st century, laboratory tests have been perfected to detect this renal compromise early and apply treatments that slow down its progression.

Risk factors and early detection

Chronic renal failure is due to different factors, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hereditary diseases, glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the structures that purify the blood), urinary tract infections and toxic drugs for the kidneys.

In the 21st century, laboratory tests have been perfected that accurately detect the compromise of renal function, and in time to be able to carry out a treatment that slows the progression of renal failure and reaches dialysis therapy, such as reducing cardio/ vascular.

Kidney functions and their importance

The failure of the function of the kidneys has many ways of manifesting itself, at first the symptoms are minimal, but the damage progresses until it reaches situations that compromise life.

Tests such as urinalysis, creatinine, and albumin in urine quickly and easily allow a diagnosis to be made on time, to later request more sophisticated tests that lead to accurate diagnosis and therapy on time.

It is well known that hypertension and diabetes are common diseases, which compromise the function of many organs, including the renal system. The kidneys have more than 10 functions so that the organism functions without alteration.

The following functions that can be altered with renal failure are mentioned, but with timely management by a specialized team, final deterioration is avoided.

Purify the blood of toxins produced in metabolism.

Produce a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells (prevent anemia)

Develop physiological vitamin D that helps in the management of bone metabolism, acting on calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone.

Management of body fluids, water, to avoid dehydration or swelling.

Management of the Ph of the blood, which is in the best conditions so that the cells can enhance their work avoiding malfunctioning of the organs.

Management of blood potassium, which if it rises and falls beyond physiological ranges can compromise heart function.

They are involved in the metabolism of blood sugar.

If there is a biochemical balance in the blood, the brain, the peripheral nerves, the skin, the heart, the lungs, the different glands, the liver and the digestive and sexual systems work synchronously.

The Kidney Protection Program

Renal protection programs (Nephroprotection) are equipped by different professionals with the appropriate knowledge to act and prevent deterioration. The nephrologist who manages renal dysfunction together with the nutritionist, avoids the overloads that food and medicines produce in the kidneys. Good pharmacological, nutritional and lifestyle changes management are very effective in slowing the progression of the disease.

The nursing graduate educates the patient and the family and teaches them everything related to pathology. Psychology deals with mood disorders caused by the disease in the patient and family. Social Work interacts in the social environment and communication with insurers.

Renal failure is classified into 5 stages, each with different management from pharmacological and dietary. Most of the patients are in stage 3, where it is possible to act effectively so that they do not enter stage 4 and from there to stage 5, phase where dialysis therapy is indicated. To find out what stage a patient is in, the glomerular filtration rate is calculated at each consultation. The level of creatinine, age, weight and sex intervene in this result.

Depending on the stage of the patient, different laboratory tests are requested to assess the different functions; In addition, factors that favor the progression of renal dysfunction are managed (hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes, urinary tract infections, loss of albumin in urine, drugs that are toxic to organs (including antibiotics, radiological contrast media, and anti-inflammatory drugs). ), avoiding cigarette use and obesity.

Prevention and promotion

The prevention and promotion programs of health insurers are aware of the importance of nephroprotection, which is why their users are referred from stage 3 or in minor stages, but with risk factors (cholesterol problems, lupus, arthritis, heart disease etc.)

The success of a nephroprotection program is known by different health sectors to offer quality and patient life, as well as savings in expenses in complications and hospitalizations.

conclusions

The renal protection program, with its multidisciplinary approach, offers a preventive and effective approach to combat chronic renal failure. Early detection and proper management of risk factors are key to preserving renal function and the quality of life of patients, in addition to generating savings in medical expenses related to complications.

If you want to know more, consult our primer at the following link: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)