[Diabetes worsens the clinical manifestations and prognosis of concurrent cardiovascular and kidney disease].

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown a marked increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is currently considered equivalent to coronary artery disease in terms of prognostic risk stratification, and its high prevalence makes this clinical condition the first cause of end-stage renal disease requiring chronic hemodialysis or kidney transplant. Even if chronic kidney disease remains the ''Cinderella of the cardiovascular profile'', the presence of microalbuminuria is closely related to a high risk of development of coronary artery disease. The same risk factors that impair heart function are also harmful to the kidney, and the common pathophysiological features of the two systems are at the origin of a new subspecialty, cardionephrology. A crucial task of cardiologists and nephrologists is the early identification of high risk patients with concurrent cardiovascular and kidney disease. The utilization of simple screening methods such as assessment of microalbuminuria and glomerular filtration rate by family doctors may help in establishing prevention strategies directed towards cardiovascular risk and progression of kidney disease. In conclusion, early stratification of cardiovascular risk, coupled with primary prevention strategies aimed at the general population, is warranted to obtain a significant reduction of kidney and cardiovascular disease and of the need for chronic hemodialysis treatment. This strategy is safe and cost-effective in comparison with the costs of chronic dialysis of patients affected by chronic kidney disease.

• Authors: R Leo, M Tesauro, G B Forleo, C Razzini, F Romeo, R Lauro
• Journal: Giornale italiano di nefrologia : organo ufficiale della Societa italiana di nefrologia (G Ital Nefrol) 2009 Jul-Aug Vol. 26 Suppl 46 Pg. 71-8 ISSN: 0393-5590 [Print] Italy
• Vernacular Title: Come il diabete peggiora espressioni e prognosi della malattia cardio-vasculo-renale.
• PMID: 19644822 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Albuminuria (complications)
• Cardiovascular Diseases (complications)
• Diabetes Complications (complications)
• Humans
• Hyperglycemia (complications, drug therapy)
• Kidney Diseases (complications)
• Prognosis
• Severity of Illness Index