CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND ITS MAIN COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

This narrative literature review brought together articles published in the last ten years in the PUBMED and SciELO databases, aiming to indicate the main complications associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the selected literature. CKD is a medical condition characterized by the gradual and irreversible loss of kidney function over time. It is defined by the presence of kidney damage or a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for a period of three months or more. The main causes include diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis and hereditary kidney diseases such as polycystic kidney disease. CKD results in several systemic complications, such as hypertension, anemia, mineral and bone disorders, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. These complications occur due to the inability of the kidneys to filter metabolic waste, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and maintain acid-base homeostasis. CKD management involves strict control of underlying conditions and complications to slow disease progression and improve patients' quality of life.