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Summary
This article provides an overview of chronic kidney disease in adults and outlines nursing management in primary and secondary care. Patient assessment, including the stages of chronic kidney disease, common causes and risk factors, are also discussed.
Introduction
Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic renal failure, leads to permanent loss of kidney function (Weller 2000) and can result from damage to the kidney tissue. Chronic kidney disease can progress to established renal failure either rapidly, over a period of months, or slowly over many years (Stein et al 2004). It cannot be cured, but there are interventions that can slow its progress and improve symptoms. Chronic kidney disease is common and associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. Established renal failure, however, is rare compared with ischaemic heart disease, diabetes and cancer (Stein et al 2004), and renal replacement therapies, such as dialysis or transplantation, are expensive. The UK Renal Registry (2005) reported that in 2004 an estimated 37,800 adult patients received renal replacement therapy, equating to a prevalence of 638 patients per million population. In the UK it is predicted that there will be an increase in demand for renal replacement therapies of 4.5 per cent to 6 per cent until 2010 (Roderick et al 2004), with demand not levelling off for at least 25 years. However, not all patients will progress to established renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy and it is expected that early treatment interventions for chronic kidney disease will delay, if not prevent, progression to established renal failure (Lameire et al 2005). Chronic kidney disease is therefore a major public health issue. Part two of The National Service Framework (NSF) for Renal Services (Department of Health (DH) 2005) recommends that chronic kidney disease is identified and managed in primary and secondary care to help delay the disease progress NURSING STANDARD
Authors
Avril Redmond is clinical education facilitator; Heather McClelland is team leader, haemodialysis unit, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast. Email: avril.redmond@bch.n-i.nhs.uk
Keywords
Chronic illness; Chronic renal failure; Kidney disease; Nursing care These keywords are based on the subject headings from the British Nursing Index. This article has been subject to double-blind review. For author and research article guidelines visit the Nursing Standard home page at www.nursing-standard.co.uk. For related articles visit our online archive and search using the keywords.
and avoid secondary complications. Chronic kidney disease was awarded 27 points in the clinical domain against a set of evidence-based indicators totalling a maximum of 655 points in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (DH 2003) from April 2006. The framework is a component of the General Medical Services contract for general practices, introduced on April 1 2004. The Quality and Outcomes Framework rewards practices for the provision of quality care, and helps to fund further improvements in the delivery of clinical care (DH 2003). Nurses and medical staff in primary and secondary care are important to the education, identification and monitoring of high-risk patients.
identifiable cause of established renal failure in Europe and the US, with the percentage of patients on renal replacement therapy who have diabetes doubling over the past 20 years (Levy et al 2001).
Time out 1
Before reading on, revise the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys using a general anatomy and physiology textbook.
Medulla
Cortex
Epidemiology
Data are limited on the extent of chronic kidney disease in the general population, but surveys have indicated that up to 11 per cent of the United States adult population could have some degree of chronic kidney disease (Coresh et al 2003). Although not all patients with chronic kidney disease will require renal replacement therapy, their renal function will require lifelong monitoring. Optimal management of cardiovascular risk factors reduces the risk of progression from early chronic kidney disease to established renal failure. Patients with established renal failure require treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive (Sehgal et al 1992). The mortality of patients with established renal failure is high relative to the general population, with 79 per cent of patients in the UK still alive at the end of their first year of renal replacement therapy 90 per cent of those are under the age of 45 years. This declines to only 48 per cent after four years of treatment (Kimmel 2001). Diabetes mellitus is now the most common NURSING STANDARD
Papilla
Most patients with stages 1 to 3 chronic kidney disease will be asymptomatic and few will require dialysis. Those at most risk of progression of kidney disease will have higher blood pressure, more proteinuria and are at increased risk of cardiovascular events and premature death.
Time out 2
Urinalysis is an important indicator of urine abnormalities. List the specific indicators for urine abnormalities on urinalysis that might suggest the patient has renal impairment. Urinalysis Urinalysis assesses the appearance, quantity and chemical characteristics of urine, as well as microscopy to identify formed elements (cells, casts, crystals and bacteria). The urine dipstick has a long-established role as a tool for diagnosing renal disease specifically when proteinuria and/or haematuria is present (Box 2). Urinary protein excretion This has traditionally been measured using 24-hour urine collection.
Diagnose and treat underlying cause, treat co-morbid conditions, slow progression by controlling blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular risk. Control blood glucose and reduce proteinuria. As for stage 1 and estimate progression
60-89
Annual
30-59
Six monthly
15-29
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This is often inconvenient for patients, frequently incomplete and therefore an underestimation of total urinary protein excretion. It is being replaced by the albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) or protein-creatinine ratio (PCR) performed on a spot urine sample. A protein-creatinine ratio greater than 45mg/mmol or albumin-creatine ratio greater than 30mg/mmol should be considered as positive tests for proteinuria (Joint Specialty Committee 2006). Both conditions are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Progression of renal failure is more common in patients with increased proteinuria. Renal imaging Ultrasound scanning is a non-invasive technique used to determine the presence, size and shape of the kidney, its position and the presence of cysts or neoplasm. It is also used to exclude any renal obstruction and guide the operator in renal biopsy procedures. All patients with chronic kidney disease stages 4 and 5 should undergo ultrasound scanning. Patients with chronic kidney disease stages 1 to 3 should have an ultrasound if they have lower urinary tract symptoms or a falling eGFR. Renal biopsy Renal biopsy is an invasive procedure where a small core of kidney tissue is removed with a special biopsy needle and sent to the laboratory for histological analysis. This may provide a definitive diagnosis to assist in patient management or indicate a prognosis for the disease process (Bradley and Smith 1999). In chronic kidney disease with significant proteinuria, biopsy may be justified to assist with decisions on immunosuppressive regimens (Tomson 2003). BOX 2 Urinalysis
Characteristic pH Protein Analysis of result
Baseline investigations and assessment for the different stages of chronic kidney disease are outlined in Table 2.
Time out 3
Wilma is a diabetic patient who has attended the GP because of lethargy and oedema. The GP has requested blood tests as he suspects that Wilma may have some degree of renal impairment. In the light of what you have read, discuss with Wilma the rationale for these tests.
Healthy urine usually has a pH of between 5 and 6. A pH of 8 may indicate renal tubular acidosis, or urinary tract infection (UTI) with ammonia-forming organisms. Protein in urine is a manifestation of renal disease and is identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Normal urine protein excretion is less than 150mg/day or less than 140mg/m2 in children. Routine urinalysis only detects albumin (macroalbuminuria). Microalbuminaria, which is not detected by usual dipstick testing, is also an indicator of renal disease.
Haematuria
The presence of blood in the urine is commonly caused by infection, glomerulonephritis or malignancy in the urinary tract (Levy et al 2006). Urinalysis enables estimation of the degree of haematuria.
Glucose Microscopy
The presence of glucose may indicate diabetes mellitus. This should be performed to confirm the presence of red blood cells. Misshapen or dysmorphic red blood cells may indicate glomerular haematuria. Red cell casts may indicate glomerulonephritis. High levels of leucocytes may indicate a UTI.
(Adapted from Johnson and Feehally 1999, Thomas 2002, Levy et al 2006)
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vascular disease, a family medical history of chronic kidney disease and recovery from acute renal failure (DH 2005). Primary care providers, GPs and practice nurses are important in the monitoring and evaluation of at-risk patients. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide (Burrows-Hudson 2005, Levy et al 2006). Chronic kidney disease is increasing in patients with diabetes because they are living longer, the complications of diabetes are better controlled and patients are now routinely accepted onto dialysis programmes from which they were previously excluded. There is great variation in the incidence of diabetes among racial and ethnic groups, with people of South Asian, African, African-Caribbean and Middle Eastern descent having a higher than average risk of type 2 diabetes (DH 2001). Research studies indicate that intensive glycaemic control reduces the rate of micro and macroalbuminuria and the manifestations of diabetic nephropathy (Gross et al 2005). Persistent hyperglycaemia results in thickening of the basement membranes and accumulation of proteins in the glomeruli (Levy et al 2006). Improvement in blood glucose control may reduce the risk of patients with diabetes developing cardiovascular disease and microvascular complications (DH 2001). Progression of renal failure in diabetic patients can be delayed, and in some cases
Random urine ACR or PCR. Blood pressure. Dipstick urinalysis for haematuria and proteinuria as baseline. Blood glucose. Cholesterol. Full blood count. Urea and electrolytes including eGFR. Parathyroid hormone level.
Exclude acute renal failure. Review previous creatinine and eGFR results. Review medication, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Assess clinically for: urinary symptoms, heart failure, hypovolaemia, sepsis, palpable bladder, oedema. Immunise against influenza, pneumococcus and hepatitis B.
ACR = albumin-creatinine ratio; eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate; PCR = protein-creatinine ratio
(Adapted from Clinical Resource Efficiency Support Team 2006, Royal College of General Practitioners 2006)
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prevented, by effective blood pressure control and the reduction of proteinuria. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can delay the onset of diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes who have microalbuminuria (DH 2001). ACE inhibitors and ARBs also provide some protection to the kidney tissue of at-risk patients. However, patients taking these medications should be monitored closely because in the first few weeks of beginning an ACE inhibitor, serum creatinine levels may rise by as much as 30 per cent (Holcomb 2005). It is widely recommended that patients with diabetes mellitus undergo a minimum of annual testing for microalbuminuria (Kissmeyer et al 1999, National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2002). Hypertension Hypertension is the most common chronic disease in the Western world. By the age of 60 years, more than 50 per cent of the population will have developed high blood pressure (Levy et al 2006). In adults aged 18 years and over, optimal blood pressure is defined as 120/80mmHg, while blood pressure greater than 140/90mmHg is defined as hypertensive (Hricik et al 1999). The Renal Association recommends blood pressure targets of 125/75mmHg for patients with progressive kidney disease and 130/80mmHg for those with stable renal function (Renal Association 2002). Cardiovascular risk Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease and established renal failure (Kundhal and Lok 2005). Prompt recognition and treatment are essential because cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, stroke and left ventricular hypertrophy generally begins in the early stages of chronic kidney disease. Risk reduction measures to prevent cardiovascular disease may also delay the onset and progression of kidney disease (McCarley and Salai 2005). Lifestyle modifications as well as appropriate medical interventions are important for the management of patients with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease (Box 3). Nurses have a pivotal role in the monitoring, education and management of this group of patients.
Diabetes Obesity Physical inactivity Cholesterol Alcohol Dietary salt Anaemia Left ventricular hypertrophy Hyperphosphataemia Hyperparathyroidism
Malnutrition
(Adapted from Renal Association 2002, UK Renal Registry 2005, Levy et al 2006)
Time out 4
Bill, who is 46, is obese and has hypertension. He is at risk of developing chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. What advice would you give Bill with regard to modification of his lifestyle, medications and diet? NURSING STANDARD
Fatigue Weight loss Loss of appetite Nausea and/or vomiting Peripheral ankle oedema Change in sleep pattern
Change in urination reduced volume/increased frequency/nocturia Headaches Pruritus Difficulties with memory or concentration
Nursing care
Part two of the NSF for Renal Services (DH 2005) recommends that the identification and management of early chronic kidney disease are the BOX 5 Nursing care for patients with chronic kidney disease
Disease stage Stage 1 Nursing plan of patient care
responsibility of primary and secondary healthcare professionals (Thomas et al 2006). Nurses in both care settings have an important role, not only in the identification and management of these patients, but also in the education of patients about chronic kidney disease and lifestyle modifications. Evidence suggests that nurses can improve chronic care by communicating effectively with patients and helping them to understand their illness and concordance with medication and treatment regimens (Bodenheimer et al 2005). Information leaflets produced by, for example, the National
Identify and treat specific causes of chronic kidney disease Assess for cardiovascular risk factors, which might cause rapid decline in eGFR Vigilant monitoring of blood pressure Good glucose control Monitor weight and instigate weight management plans Monitor cholesterol levels Annual eGFR Annual urine PCR or ACR (if dipstick protein present) Good glucose control Monitor and treat blood pressure Encourage patients with self-management strategies Encourage patients with lifestyle modifications Monitor cholesterol levels Annual eGFR Concordance with medications Good blood pressure control Six monthly eGFR Six monthly blood tests to include haemoglobin, potassium, calcium and phosphate Routine referral to nephrology services if progressive fall in eGFR, microscopic haematuria present, uncontrolled blood pressure, urinary PCR 45mg/mmol or ACR >30mg/mmol Immunise against influenza and pneumococcus Review all medications ensure correct dose Avoid nephrotoxic drugs, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Provide information to enable patients to make informed choice about renal replacement therapy and conservative management Dietary advice to prevent malnutrition Psychological support Three monthly eGFR Three monthly blood tests as stage 3, also bicarbonate and parathyroid hormone level Immunisation against hepatitis B Assist patients to prepare for renal replacement therapy or conservative management Liaise effectively between primary and secondary care Provide timely access for dialysis treatments More intensive management of cardiovascular complications and bone disease Treat symptoms associated with established renal failure, that is, altered sleep pattern, itching, fatigue and loss of appetite Refer to dietician, social worker and pharmacist Manage and treat renal anaemia and renal bone disease As in stage 4 Commence renal replacement therapy or conservative management approach Prevent malnutrition Maintain adequacy of dialysis Promote general health and wellbeing
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
ACR = albumin-creatinine ratio; eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate; PCR = protein-creatinine ratio
(Joint Specialty Committee 2006)
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Kidney Federation (2006), can help patients to better understand chronic kidney disease. Box 5 summarises the nursing strategies to be used at each stage of chronic kidney disease whether patients are being treated in primary or secondary care.
Conclusion
Chronic kidney disease is a significant public health issue and challenge to healthcare professionals (Holcomb 2005). Many patients with stages 1 to 3 of chronic kidney disease are managed effectively in the community with minimal medical and nursing intervention and will rarely reach the latter stages of chronic kidney disease. By identifying those patients at
risk of developing chronic kidney disease and having effective management strategies in place, such as good glycaemic control, blood pressure and cholesterol control, it is likely that the progress of chronic kidney disease will be delayed. Nurses in primary and secondary care can help patients to understand chronic kidney disease, lifestyle modifications and concordance with medications NS
Time out 5
Now that you have completed the article, you might like to write a practice profile. Guidelines to help you are on page 60.
References
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