SKI: Experts in Treating & Managing Kidney Disease
Serving patients since 1980, Southwest Kidney Institute (SKI) is one of the largest nephrology groups in the United States and is nationally recognized for renal care quality.
SKI provides a wide spectrum of services related to kidney disease including education, prevention, and treatment. Below is a list of some of the common conditions managed by SKI physicians:
- Acute renal failure
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
- Anemia of kidney disease
- Glomerulonephritis
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Hypertension
- Metabolic syndrome
- Pregnancy and renal disease
- Acid base disorders
- Electrolyte disorders
- Hematuria
- Proteinuria
- Kidney stones
- Kidney transplant
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual loss of kidney function that occurs over months or years and results in the buildup of waste products. It is generally caused by conditions that damage the kidneys, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders.
30 million
people in the United States suffer from CKD.
Two-thirds
of all cases of CKD are directly linked to diabetes and/or high blood pressure.
African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, seniors and individuals with a family history of kidney disease are at increased risk.
Progression of CKD can lead to renal failure and require dialysis and/or a kidney transplant. At SKI, our goal is to identify and treat CKD early to slow progression and keep it from getting worse.
What are the Symptoms of CKD?
Most patients will not have severe symptoms until CKD is advanced. Early symptoms of CKD include:
- Dry itchy skin
- Feeling more tired and having less energy
- Muscle cramping at night
- Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night
- Poor appetite
- Puffiness around the eyes, especially after waking up
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
If you are consistently experiencing one or more of these symptoms, contact your primary care provider or schedule an appointment with a SKI physician.
What are the Stages of CKD?
To determine how well your kidneys are functioning, your SKI nephrologist will calculate the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), which is derived from your blood creatinine, your age, race, gender and other factors. The GFR determines the stage of kidney function, of which there are five.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
GFR
Kidney Function
Management
Stage 1
Kidney damage with normal kidney function
> 90 mL/ min
– Regular monitoring
– Manage underlying conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes)
– Healthy lifestyle adjustments
Stage 2
Kidney damage with mild loss of kidney function
60 – 89 mL/ min
– Continue regular check-ups
– Further lifestyle changes and possible medication adjustments
Stage 3a
Mild to moderate loss of kidney function
45 – 59 mL/ min
– Manage symptoms
– Monitor for potential complications, such as elevated blood pressure
– Diet and lifestyle modifications
Stage 3b
Moderate to severe loss of kidney function
30 – 44 mL/ min
– Manage symptoms
– Close monitoring for complications, such as elevated blood pressure
– Diet and lifestyle modifications
Stage 4
Severe loss of kidney function
15 – 29 mL/ min
– Prepare for dialysis or transplant
– Close monitoring and treatment for symptoms
– Begin transplant discussions
Stage 5
Kidney failure
< 15 mL/ min
– Dialysis or kidney transplant required
– Providing full support to help maintain and enhance quality of life
How is Chronic Kidney Disease Treated?
The treatment of CKD focuses on slowing its progression, managing symptoms, and addressing any complications that arise. Treatment plans are personalized based on the stage of the disease and any other health conditions you may have.
Some common treatment strategies include:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Adopting a kidney-friendly diet, low in sodium and protein, can contribute to maintaining and supporting kidney health.
- Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight to promote overall kidney health.
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake.
- Medications:
- Blood pressure control: Keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range helps protect your kidneys.
- Medications to reduce protein in urine: These medications play a role in slowing the progression of kidney disease.
- Treatment for anemia: If CKD leads to anemia, medications may be prescribed to boost red blood cell production.
- Dialysis:
- If your kidneys can no longer filter waste effectively, dialysis may be necessary to help clean your blood. There are different types of dialysis, including in-center or at-home options.
- Kidney Transplant:
- In cases of advanced CKD (Stage 5), a kidney transplant could be a suitable treatment option to restore kidney function. Our team at SKI offers full support for the transplant process, from evaluation to post-surgery care.
Why Choose Southwest Kidney Institute for CKD Care?
At Southwest Kidney Institute, we believe in providing patient-centered care that focuses on your individual needs. Here’s why you can trust us with your kidney health:
- Experienced Specialists: Our team of nephrologists has decades of experience in diagnosing and managing CKD at all stages.
- Comprehensive Care Plans: We provide personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle advice, medication management, and advanced care options like dialysis or transplant.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest technology for early detection, monitoring, and treatment of kidney disease.
- Patient Education and Support: We empower our patients with the knowledge and tools needed to manage CKD effectively, offering guidance at every step of the way.
- Compassionate Approach: We understand that CKD can be challenging, and we are here to support not only your physical health but your emotional well-being as well.
We’re Here to Support You
At Southwest Kidney Institute, we are committed to walking with you on your kidney health journey. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed with CKD or have been managing the condition for years, we provide the compassionate care and expert guidance you need. You don’t have to face kidney disease alone—our team is here to support you every step of the way. Request an appointment with our top-rated providers today.