U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Improving the understanding, detection, and management of kidney disease.
Learn about the two recommended tests for kidney disease.
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Learn about diet and lifestyle changes to help you live a healthier and longer life.
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is best identified and treated early as part of comprehensive primary medical care. Goals of medical management are to: identify and treat, monitor, slow progression, and reduce and treat complications. Additional goals include providing patient education about CKD, diet, lifestyle, and preparation for renal replacement therapy (RRT).
Urine and blood tests are used to detect and monitor kidney disease. The key markers are abnormal urine albumin levels and a persistent reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Identification of the etiology may help guide management. Early detection and appropriate treatment may improve prognosis in all age groups.
Learn MoreManagement of CKD involves an interdisciplinary approach. Monitoring trends in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and eGFR are used to assess response to interventions. Medical interventions include control of blood pressure, use of medications that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; and glucose control in those with diabetes. Complications include cardiovascular disease, anemia, malnutrition, mineral and bone disorders, depression, and reduced functional status.
Learn MorePatients who develop kidney failure may benefit from early education about RRT. Early education gives the patient time to process the information and prepare both psychologically and physically. Treatment options include conservative management (no dialysis), hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation.
Learn MoreAppropriate care for patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative, interdisciplinary care including all the health professionals in the primary care setting. Collaborative management by primary care providers and consultants like nephrologists and registered dietitians (RDs), can help maintain continuity of care and improve outcomes.
Learn MoreThe purpose of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for CKD is to maintain good nutritional status, slow progression, and to treat complications. The key diet components to slowing progression of CKD are controlling blood pressure by reducing sodium intake, reducing protein intake, if excessive, and managing diabetes. NKDEP offers clinical reference and training tools for registered dietitians, as well as educational materials to use in MNT.
Learn MoreBecause routine urinalysis is no longer recommended as part of routine pediatric care, some children who would benefit from a urinalysis may not undergo this simple test. As a result, children with kidney disease may go undetected or not receive appropriate follow up. Urinalysis is important for pediatric patients who have one or more CKD risk factors. NKDEP offers educational materials for health professionals and parents of at-risk patients that encourage screening for CKD.
Learn MoreThis section helps educators create and implement lessons plans for counseling patients with CKD about managing their disease and preparing for RRT. It also helps them find patient education content and resources based on CKD topic. The content meets the needs of qualified providers seeking to deliver the Kidney Disease Education Services benefit, as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Learn MoreNKDEP supports addressing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the primary care setting, as managing CKD prior to referral can improve outcomes. Many CKD interventions are similar to those for diabetes (e.g., glucose control), and other key interventions (e.g., co-morbidity screening) can be handled in primary care settings. Equipping providers in those settings with resources to better detect and treat CKD is an NKDEP priority.
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Nephrology Referral Form - for use when referring to nephrologists.
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat
Page last updated: October 10, 2012
NKDEP is an initiative of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
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