Barriers to successful care for chronic kidney disease

• Main Authors: Metz David, Fornoni Alessia, Patel Daniel V, Mekala Durga P, Lenz Oliver, Roth David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2005-10-01
• Series: BMC Nephrology
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2369/6/11

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The National Kidney Foundation has formulated clinical practice guidelines for patients with chronic kidney disease (K/DOQI). However, little is know about how many patients actually achieve these goals in a dedicated clinic for chronic kidney disease.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 198 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 ml/min/1.73 m²and determined whether K/DOQI goals were met for calcium, phosphate, calcium-phosphate product, parathyroid hormone, albumin, bicarbonate, hemoglobin, lipids, and blood pressure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that only a small number of patients achieved K/DOQI targets. Recent referral to the nephrologist, failure to attend scheduled clinic appointments, African American ethnicity, diabetes, and advanced renal failure were significant predictors of low achievement of K/DOQI goals.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We conclude that raising awareness of chronic kidney disease and K/DOQI goals among primary care providers, early referral to a nephrologist, the exploration of socioeconomic barriers and cultural differences, and both patient and physician education are critical to improve CKD care in patients with Stage 4 and 5 CKD.</p>