Cases in Vascular Protection: Reducing Risk Factors-Case 4: Chronic Kidney Disease

Faculty

Needs Statement

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal replacement therapy or kidney transplantation is the final consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD has emerged as an important public health concern with the recognition of the dramatic association of CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Among patients with early CKD, the risk of death (likely from CVD) is much greater than the risk of progressing to ESRD. Even among patients with stage 4 CKD, the risk of death (again, likely from CVD) is twice as high as the risk of progressing to ESRD.1 These statistics underscore the importance of prevention, early identification, and treatment of risk factors for CVD in patients with CKD. In the case study in this supplement, we will discuss the management of advanced CKD, with the goals of slowing disease progression, delaying dialysis initiation, and improving CVD outcomes. We will also discuss the initiation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy in patients with advanced CKD and review the complex relationship between CKD and CVD.

Target Audience

This program is designed to educate primary care physicians, endocrinologists,
nephrologists, and cardiologists on the management of cardiovascular
disease progression and the long-term benefits associated with
optimal treatment plans.

 

Objectives

1. Understand the progressive nature of chronic kidney disease (CKD);
2. Describe the best approach to slow the progression of CKD;
3. Define the relationship between CKD and cardiovascular disease;
4. Review the care of patients with advanced CKD, especially the role
of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with
advanced kidney disease.

Accreditation

Medicine
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Faculty Disclosure

Drs. Raij, Rodriguez, Schlueter, Schulman, and Tuazon have declared no financial affiliations with any corporate organizations.

 

Activity Sponsorship

This activity is jointly sponsored by the University of Kentucky and CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from King Pharmaceuticals.