Screening and early detection of chronic kidney disease at primary healthcare

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a global public health concern and results in poor health outcomes. While the burden of CKD is accurately well defined in developed countries, increasing evidence indicates that the CKD burden may be even greater in developing countries. Primary care has an essential role in the early identification of CKD and the prompt integrated management between primary and secondary CKD care, with participation of the patient, should be done in high quality. Systematic screening for CKD in at-risk individuals is strongly indicated for timely intervention when needed and to perceive the impact of such policies on CKD incidence. Furthermore, failure to recognize a patient in stages 1-3 of CKD may result in high incidence of CKD complications and kidney failure, often leaving the patient unsuitable for different renal replacement therapies, such as dialysis and transplantation. Therefore, primary care early referral and consultation with a nephrologist can give a better chance for different dialysis procedures and minimize the rate of hospitalization and mortality.

Keywords: Screening; chronic kidney disease; health programmes; primary healthcare centers.