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When should I worry about CKD? Stage 4 CKD (with a GFR under 30 ml/min) – is when you be worried about CKD. But it is not as simple as that (see later) [“is it ever?!” CKDEx Ed]. Let’s go through the 5 stages, and discuss more about when you should be worried. CKD Stages […]

What is the life expectancy with chronic kidney disease (CKD)? This is very variable. Life expectancy with CKD depends on the person’s age and the stage at which diagnosis occurs. For example, having more kidney damage at an earlier age can reduce life expectancy more than being diagnosed later in life with less kidney damage.

What are CKD sick day rules? They are rules are designed to reduce the likelihood of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and kidney failure – largely in frail elderly people on multiple medications. So, if such patients become sick and dehydrated (usually secondary to an infection, e.g. urine, chest or gastrointestinal), they are advised to withhold

Celebrities and famous people with kidney disease This CKDEx’s list of famous people with kidney disease. Each has an article written about them. Andy Cole Halle Berry Darren Daniel (our very own Tik Tok kidney warrior) Serena Gomez Sarah Hyland Lyndon B Johnson Jonah Lomu Pele Tina Turner. Serena Gomez Other famous people who had/have

Celebrities and famous people with kidney stones Peter Andre – was forced to postpone two shows at Plymouth Pavilions in 2010 because of a kidney stone. Tim Burton. In 2011, Tim Burton missed the British Independent Film Awards because he was suffering from kidney stones. His then partner Helena Bonham Carter let the crowd at

Chronic kidney disease: pathophysiology and progression This article is primarily for health professionals. Pathophysiology Unlike acute kidney injury (AKI), where the healing process is complete with complete functional kidney recovery, chronic and sustained insults from chronic and progressive nephropathies evolve to progressive kidney fibrosis and destruction of the normal architecture of the kidney. This affects

Can you drink alcohol with kidney disease? Drinking alcohol can be done safely in moderation, even if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), end stage renal failure (ESRF) – or diabetes. The recommendations for alcohol for people with chronic kidney disease are the same as for the general population: it is best not to drink

Can my GFR get better? Yes. It does not always ‘progress’ (worsen) from a ‘better stage’ (e.g. CKD1-2) to a ‘bad stage’ (CKD5, kidney failure). Sometimes it gets better, and you return to normal kidney function. When looking at your eGFR results, a higher number is better. In general, an eGFR value lower than 60 ml/min

My eGFR is 59 ml/min, does this mean I have CKD? How concerned should I be? It depends [“how did we know you were going to say that?” CKDEx Ed]. An eGFR of 59 ml/min puts you (just) in Stage CKD3A (see table below). This is usually a mild kidney problem. So rule number one:

Lithium and chronic kidney disease: to stop or not to stop? In a recent paper this question has been debated again (Velani, 2023). Two cases are discussed. Lithium is the first-line treatment as a mood stabiliser in bipolar affective disorder and can prevent suicide in mood disorder. However, lithium therapy in this patient group is