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What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015
Question: Hi,
I have been taking Urocit-k ER 10meq tablets one daily for several years. Recently, I have experienced elevation of my Serum Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance (@50%0 Also, my Hemoglobin has decreased from 16 to 14. I am 76 years old. I have no history of Diabetes or Hypertension. I weigh 154 lb and I am 5' 8". XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
chronic kidney disease has various causes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

although chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly caused by diabetes or hypertension, other causes may apply to certain patients. I'll make a quick list for you:
- obstruction of the urinary tract (an enlarged prostate is a common cause in men, but other conditions may also cause it)
- glomerulonephritis (there are various kinds, some of them involve blood and protein in the urine and hypertension)
- polycystic kidney disease, radiological tests would have diagnosed it.
- autoimmune diseases (like lupus and others)
- infections in the kidney (pyelonephritis)
- drugs (mostly painkillers)

You haven't mentioned your GFR (glomerular filtration rate) which is an important piece of information. If your GFR is close to 30mL/min then anemia may occur (and thus justify the hemoglobin drop). If not, then investigation for the cause of anemia should be done. I would start with a close look at the complete blood count (which may provide information to the cause of anemia), ferritin levels and perhaps other tests depending on the results.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (18 hours later)
Hello,
My recent GFR was 53. I also have had Kidney stones for several years, one of which ( 3.5 cm diameter ) was removed through the Ureter with a basket.

I was prescribed Urocit-k 10meq ER to help with passage of the stones. I want to know if this drug is contraindicated in CKD. Thank you.
XXXX

Is Urocit k contraindicated in CKD?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it depends

Detailed Answer:
CKD may cause a rise in potassium levels depending on its severity. For your GFR (53) no serious potassium disorders are expected. So for the time being, it is not contraindicated. Measurements of serum potassium are required though every so often to avoid hyperkalemia.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

Brief Answer: chronic kidney disease has various causes Detailed Answer: Hello, although chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly caused by diabetes or hypertension, other causes may apply to certain patients. I'll make a quick list for you: - obstruction of the urinary tract (an enlarged prostate is a common cause in men, but other conditions may also cause it) - glomerulonephritis (there are various kinds, some of them involve blood and protein in the urine and hypertension) - polycystic kidney disease, radiological tests would have diagnosed it. - autoimmune diseases (like lupus and others) - infections in the kidney (pyelonephritis) - drugs (mostly painkillers) You haven't mentioned your GFR (glomerular filtration rate) which is an important piece of information. If your GFR is close to 30mL/min then anemia may occur (and thus justify the hemoglobin drop). If not, then investigation for the cause of anemia should be done. I would start with a close look at the complete blood count (which may provide information to the cause of anemia), ferritin levels and perhaps other tests depending on the results. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!