Chronic Kidney Disease: Understanding the Disease and Mechanism

Chronic kidney disease is a complex condition that results from chronic damage to the kidneys, urinary tract, and other organs. The disease causes a gradual decline in the number of functioning nephrons, leading to a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Definition:

– When GFR drops below 50% of the normal level (90-100 ml/min/1.73m²), the condition is called Chronic Kidney Disease.

– The disease progresses silently, cannot be completely cured, and worsens over time.

– However, there may be periods of temporary stability before irreversible kidney failure and death.

Pathogenesis:

– Regardless of the initial site of damage (glomeruli, renal arteries, renal tubules, renal interstitium), severely damaged nephrons are eliminated from function.

– When the number of functioning nephrons drops below 75%, GFR decreases by 50% compared to normal. At this point, disturbances in water, electrolytes, circulation, respiration, digestion, and the nervous system will appear, forming the chronic kidney disease syndrome.

Main Abnormalities in Chronic Kidney Disease:

– Decreased GFR: GFR is measured by the clearance rate of endogenous creatinine. This substance is filtered through the glomeruli, is not reabsorbed and is further excreted by the renal tubules, and is minimally affected by diet.

– Normal: Average GFR is 120 ml/min or 2 ml/s.

– In Chronic Kidney Disease, GFR gradually decreases over time and does not recover. This is a direct consequence of the decrease in the number of functioning nephrons.

– The lower the GFR, the more severe the kidney disease.

Note: This article only provides general information about chronic kidney disease. For a better understanding of the disease, you should consult a specialist physician.