Ms. Huong's test results at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, revealed an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 29,54 mL/min/1,73m², indicating stage 4 chronic kidney disease.

Ms. Huong had been living with hypertension for over 10 years and diabetes for 4 years. Following a stroke in 2023, she stopped attending follow-up appointments and continued to purchase hypertension medication using an outdated prescription for nearly two years.

Dr. Ta Phuong Dung, Deputy Director of the Urology - Nephrology - Andrology Center and Head of the Nephrology - Dialysis Department, explained that diabetes and hypertension are primary causes of chronic kidney disease. As people age, organ functions naturally change. When patients rely on old prescriptions for extended periods without regular medical assessments, their blood pressure and blood sugar may become poorly controlled, accelerating kidney function decline. Moreover, certain medications can have adverse effects, rapidly diminishing kidney filtration.

Dr. Dung developed a treatment plan focused on preserving Ms. Huong's remaining kidney function, managing metabolic disorders, and closely monitoring the progression of kidney failure. The objective extends beyond improving lab results to controlling factors that could further damage the kidneys.

In addition to adjusting medications for her underlying conditions, Ms. Huong received dietary counseling to help manage her blood pressure and blood sugar, thereby reducing the strain on her kidneys. After two days of treatment, her eGFR improved to 39,07 mL/min/1,73m². She was then discharged with instructions for regular follow-up appointments.

A follow-up appointment two months later showed Ms. Huong's eGFR had risen to 57,22 mL/min/1,73m², placing her at stage 3a chronic kidney disease. This improvement suggests that kidney function can still recover if detected and managed promptly.

Ms. Huong during a follow-up appointment with Dr. Dung. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Chronic kidney disease often progresses silently, with minimal symptoms, leading many to discover it only after significant kidney function loss. Dr. Dung advises elderly patients with both diabetes and hypertension to strictly follow their treatment plans, maintaining stable blood pressure and blood sugar levels as directed by their doctors. Patients must avoid arbitrarily stopping medication, reducing dosages, or reusing old prescriptions without a medical review. Furthermore, caution is urged regarding over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or unverified products, as they can cause kidney damage.

Individuals with chronic kidney disease should undergo regular health check-ups, including blood and urine tests, at least one or two times annually. Early detection of any abnormalities enables timely medical intervention, helping to preserve kidney function and prevent serious complications.

Dinh Lam

*Patient's name has been changed