Progression of Chronic Renal Disease

Chronic diseases of the kidney are characterized by progression once a certain portion of renal function is lost. End-stage kidneys, the result of progressive chronic renal disease, are characterized by sclerosis, tubulointerstitial scarring, and collapse of glomerular capillary tufts. The mechanisms and risk factors responsible for the progression of renal disease have been studied intensively in the past decade, and it now appears that multiple nonimmunologic factors are responsible. These factors include systemic hypertension, hyperlipidemia, proteinuria, excessive intake of protein, and adaptive changes in nephron function as a consequence of nephron loss. The latter adaptations, increased intraglomerular pressure, increased excretion of ammonia, "hypermetabolism," decreased afferent arteriolar tone, and renal hypertrophy, may also be responsible for the progression of renal disease. A complete understanding of the factors responsible for the progression of renal disease should permit rational development of appropriate therapeutic interventions.