Treatment of CKD

The treatment of CKD essentially aims to slow down or stop the progress of CKD to stage 5. Management principally includes the control of blood pressure and treatment of the original disease, whenever feasible. Generally, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) are used, as they have been found to slow the progression of CKD to stage 5. However, patients who are on these medications will gradually lose renal function.

Replacement of erythropoietin and vitamin D3, two hormones processed by the kidney, is usually necessary in patients with CKD, as is calcium. Serum phosphate levels of patients with CKD are usually elevated so phosphate binders are needed to control the high levels of serum phosphate.

In some cases, dietary modifications have been proven to slow and even reverse further progression. Generally this includes limiting a persons intake of protein.

If CKD proceeds to stage 5, then the only option left is renal replacement therapy, either in the form of dialysis or kidney transplant.