Explaining CKD And Proteinuria: How They Affect Your Kidneys


Many kidney patients often find themselves confused about the differences between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), proteinuria, and uremia. Some wonder how CKD with a lot of protein in the urine differs from CKD without protein in the urine.

In this video, I, Dr. Vyasa from the Expert Cancer Clinic in Lahore, aim to briefly explain the differences between CKD and proteinuria, how they are related, and how you can better understand your kidney condition.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

  • CKD, or Chronic Kidney Disease, is when there are structural or functional changes in the kidneys.
  • These changes can occur in different parts of the kidney, such as:
    • Nephrons: The basic filtering units of the kidney.
    • Glomeruli: Small blood vessels in the nephrons that filter blood.
    • Tubules: Tiny tubes that process the filtered liquid into urine.
    • Interstitial tissue: Tissue that supports the nephrons.
    • Blood vessels: Diseases affecting blood flow can also damage the kidneys.
    • Obstructions: Blockages in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate.
    • Cystic diseases: Like Polycystic Kidney Disease, where fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys.

How is CKD Diagnosed?

  • CKD is typically diagnosed when there are significant changes in kidney function:
    • Increased creatinine levels: Greater than 1.3 mg/dL or 105 μmol/L.
    • Decreased eGFR: Below 60 mL/min/1.73 m², indicating reduced kidney function.
  • These indicators generally signify Stage 3 CKD or beyond.

CKD with Normal Kidney Function

  • Some people may have normal creatinine and eGFR levels but still have CKD.
  • For example, in Polycystic Kidney Disease, cysts can form without immediately affecting kidney function.
  • Over time, however, these cysts can grow and damage the kidneys, eventually causing CKD.

Proteinuria and Its Relationship to CKD

  • Proteinuria: The presence of excess protein in the urine, often a sign of glomerular disease.
  • It can occur even when kidney function, as measured by creatinine and eGFR, is normal.
  • Over time, proteinuria can lead to CKD as the continuous leakage of protein indicates ongoing kidney damage.

Summary

  • CKD can exist with or without proteinuria.
  • Proteinuria can be a precursor to CKD if it indicates ongoing damage.
  • Not all kidney diseases with proteinuria lead to immediate CKD.
  • Diagnosis and treatment depend on understanding the specific type and stage of kidney disease.

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