Prepared by: Asst. Lecturer Zainab Ali Mohsen Al-Khafaji.<br />Introduction<br /><br />Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time. It has become one of the most prevalent global health problems due to its significant impact on quality of life and associated health complications such as cardiovascular disease, anemia, and osteoporosis.<br />Epidemiology<br />It is estimated that over 850 million people worldwide suffer from some form of kidney disease, and CKD ranks as the 10th leading cause of death globally (WHO, 2024).<br />The incidence is particularly high among:<br /> • People with diabetes<br /> • The elderly<br /> • Patients with high blood pressure<br />Causes and Risk Factors<br />The primary causes of CKD include:<br /> • Diabetes (especially type 2) – responsible for over 40% of cases<br /> • Hypertension – causes damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys<br /> • Chronic glomerulonephritis<br /> • Long-term use of painkillers (NSAIDs)<br />Diagnosis<br />Diagnosis relies on:<br /> • Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): Less than 60 mL/min/1.73m² for more than 3 months is indicative of CKD<br /> • Urinalysis: To detect protein or albumin in the urine<br /> • Ultrasound imaging: To assess kidney structure<br />Stages<br />CKD is classified into five stages:<br /> • Stage 1: Normal kidney function with signs of damage<br /> • Stage 5: End-stage renal disease (ESRD), often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation<br />Treatment and Management<br />There is currently no definitive cure for CKD, but management includes:<br /> • Blood pressure control using ACE inhibitors or ARBs<br /> • Glycemic control in diabetic patients<br /> • New medications such as:<br /> • SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., Dapagliflozin)<br /> • Finerenone (a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist)<br /> • Low-sodium and low-protein diet<br /> • Regular follow-up with a nephrologist to monitor disease progression<br />Complications of CKD<br /> • Cardiovascular disease<br /> • Anemia<br /> • Osteoporosis and calcium-phosphorus metabolism disorders<br /> • Fluid retention<br /> • End-stage renal disease (ESRD)<br />Scientific Research and Future Prospects<br />Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in protecting kidney function, even in non-diabetic individuals. Ongoing research is also exploring gene therapies and AI-based diagnostic tools to enhance early detection and personalized treatment approaches.<br />Conclusion<br />Chronic kidney disease is one of the most serious medical challenges of the modern era. It demands a unified effort in public awareness, early detection, and the advancement of targeted therapies to reduce the long-term burden of the disease and its complications.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University، The First University in Iraq