During her follow-up appointment last month with Doctor Ta Phuong Dung, Head of Nephrology - Dialysis Department, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, Mrs. Na's blood creatinine levels remained stable at 0.7-0.67 mg/dL, comparable to a healthy individual (adult female creatinine levels are typically 0.5-1.0 mg/dL). Her weight and overall health also remained stable.

Mrs. Na had suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease for decades. Six years ago, experiencing persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, and frequent urination, she sought medical attention and was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. At that time, her blood creatinine was around 1.5 mg/dL, corresponding to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of approximately 30 mL/minute/1.73m², nearing stage 4 kidney failure.

Doctor Dung explained that Mrs. Na's kidney failure resulted from several prolonged factors. High blood sugar, for example, damages the glomerular capillaries, leading to protein leakage and reduced filtering function. Cardiovascular disease and hypertension also harm the blood vessels supplying the kidneys, decreasing blood flow, promoting fibrosis, and gradually impairing kidney function. Previously, in addition to prescribed medications, she regularly consumed traditional herbal medicine. These preparations can contain ingredients such as: lead, mercury, or cadmium, which, with prolonged use, can damage renal tubule cells and impair kidney function.

Mrs. Na received fluid infusions to improve kidney perfusion, along with medications to reduce edema, support cardiovascular health, control electrolytes, and lower blood pressure, thereby reducing stress on her kidneys. Doctor Dung advised her to reduce salt intake, control protein consumption, and completely stop using herbal medicine, as well as avoid unverified medications and NSAID pain relievers. She consistently attended monthly follow-up appointments for the past six years. Her kidney function gradually improved, with indicators returning to normal levels. Currently, she eats and sleeps well, enjoys good health, and can assist her grandchildren with household chores or participate in her senior citizens' club.

Mrs. Na measures her height and weight during a follow-up visit with Doctor Dung. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The Ministry of Health estimates that approximately 10 million Vietnamese people live with chronic kidney disease. Many patients are diagnosed at stage 3-5 and suffer from a range of serious complications, including: cardiovascular issues, anemia, and electrolyte imbalances.

According to Doctor Dung, with proper management, individuals with chronic kidney disease can maintain stable health for 10-20 years without needing dialysis. However, prolonged high blood sugar, high blood pressure, a high-salt diet, and the use of kidney-damaging medications can cause the disease to progress to end-stage kidney failure within 2-5 years, or even faster. At this point, patients require lifelong dialysis.

Doctor Dung noted that in its early stages, chronic kidney disease often progresses silently with no obvious symptoms. As the disease worsens, it can cause: fatigue, weakness, swollen legs and face, infrequent or frequent nighttime urination, loss of appetite, nausea, itchy skin, shortness of breath, anemia, and high blood pressure. Individuals with underlying health conditions should undergo regular check-ups to detect potential kidney damage early. Avoid prolonged self-medication with unverified drugs to prevent dangerous complications and irreversible effects on kidney function.

Dinh Lam