| [ Summary ] |
General practitioners (GPs) may detect chronic kidney disease (CKD) by performing urinalysis during health examinations, by investigating symptoms (urinary abnormalities, edema, etc.) reports by patients, or by asking questions about their personal histories and family histories. Creatinine levels are often normal. The risk of progression to cardiovascular disease and renal failure is known to increase as urinary findings change from microalbuminuria to overt proteinuria. Since there are no symptoms, patients with risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, gout, dysuria, past pregnancies, positive family histories, etc.) should be actively monitored to detect urinary protein or microalbuminuria so that CKD may be identified and treated early. Consultation with specialists about the management of these patients may allow them to maintain appropriate treatment while kidney function remains normal. In this situation, GPs can play important roles in supporting CKD patients by providing vital information to nephrologists. |