PAINESVILLE, Ohio, April 20, 2009 - The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the rise.  According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million American adults have CKD, a 30 percent increase over the past decade, and millions of others are at increased risk.

To provide specialized medical services to the growing numbers of patients with chronic diseases of the kidney, Lake Health recently opened a Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic.

The clinic treats complications of kidney disease, with the goal of slowing the progression of CKD and preparing patients for renal replacement therapies such as dialysis and/or transplantation.

“CKD is a world-wide health problem. Unfortunately, it is often under-diagnosed and under-treated because of lack of public awareness, even among some physicians. Over the coming years, the rate of kidney disease in the United States is expected to rise because of high obesity rates; the link between obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure; and the aging of the Baby Boom generation,” explained Jamal Azem, M.D., a nephrologist and medical director of the Lake Health Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic.

What is CKD?

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located on the left and right sides of the spine, just below the rib cage. Their main job is to remove body waste products and extra fluids, make urine, and produce and secrete some hormones.

Early kidney disease has no symptoms. Most people don’t know they have it until their kidneys begin to fail at which time they may start experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, trouble thinking, and swelling of the feet and ankles.

“Chronic kidney disease is defined as kidney damage for three or more consecutive months as indicated by abnormalities in the composition of the blood or urine. If kidney disease worsens, wastes can build to high levels in your blood and make you feel sick. You may develop complications like high blood pressure, anemia (low blood count), bone disease, poor nutritional health and nerve damage. Also, kidney disease increases your risk of mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease,” explained Dr. Azem.

Primary risk factors for CKD include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, family history and being over age 60.

Treatment

Early detection and treatment can often keep CKD from getting worse. When kidney disease progresses it may eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life.

The only way to detect kidney disease is through simple blood and urine tests.

“It’s important to be screened if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease,” explained Dr. Azem. “Detecting CKD in the early stages is critical because treatments are much more effective if implemented early.”

Lake Health’s multidisciplinary team of nephrologists and nurse practitioners closely monitor and treat patients with CKD for complications such as anemia, bone disease and hyperlipidemia (an elevation of lipids in the bloodstream), which can speed hardening of the arteries. Dietitians who specialize in diabetes and renal disease nutrition therapy also meet with patients.

“Diet is very important,” said Dr. Azem. “The correct diet with protein restriction and the use of high biologic protein can slow the progression of the disease.”

For patients with CKD that has reached advanced stages, a kidney replacement therapy such as dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary. If so, Lake Health educates and prepares patients for these procedures.

“Patients with CKD have very specialized needs, both physically and emotionally. We’re dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive care,” said Dr. Azem.