Overview
Clinical Meaning
Chronic kidney disease involves progressive glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and vascular injury driven by the final common pathways of hyperfiltration, proteinu...
Chronic kidney disease involves progressive glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and vascular injury driven by the final common pathways of hyperfiltration, proteinuria, and inflammation. The RAAS plays a central role: angiotensin II increases glomerular efferent arteriolar tone, raising intraglomerular pressure and accelerating nephron damage. ACE inhibitors/ARBs reduce intraglomerular pressure and proteinuria, slowing progression. SGLT2 inhibitors provide additional nephroprotection through tubuloglomerular feedback restoration, reducing hyperfiltration. As GFR declines, secondary complications develop: anemia from reduced erythropoietin, mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) from phosphate retention and vitamin D deficiency driving secondary hyperparathyroidism, metabolic acidosis from impaired acid excretion, and cardiovascular disease (the leading cause of death in CKD). The clinician must initiate nephroprotective therapy, manage CKD-MBD, prescribe ESAs with iron optimization, plan renal replacement therapy, and coordinate transplant referral.
