Intermountain Health Experts Say Knowing Risk Gives Opportunity to Keep Kidneys Health

Sometimes considered a “silent disease” since there are few to no symptoms in its early stages, kidney disease affects more than one in seven adults in the US, and yet nine out of ten of them are not aware of it.

“Although you can’t always eliminate your chances of kidney failure, knowing your risk and acting on potential problems can lower your chances or delay on-set of chronic kidney disease,” said Kristen Lile, DO, a board-certified nephrologist at Intermountain Health Kidney Services at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden.

Dr. Lile suggests individuals participate in a free self-screening tool available online at www.minuteforyourkidneys.org from the National Kidney Foundation or talking with your doctor.

“A conversation with your doctor can help you understand if you are at risk,” said Dr. Lile. “There are many things that can cause kidney damage, such as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure, which your doctor can help you address.”

Risk factors for chronic kidney disease include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Autoimmune disease
• Anatomical defects
• Genetic diseases
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Family history of kidney disease

“Many risks are genetic in nature, but that doesn’t mean you and your doctor can’t address them,” said Dr. Lile. “Others, such as smoking, are highly impactful and you can act immediately.”

Dr. Lile said it is so important that individuals know their risk, Intermountain Health is taking steps to evaluate every patient through their doctor. “It is not like providers have been neglecting their patients, but we are making it easier for them and their patients to evaluate their risk.”

Kidney Risk Score (KRS) is a simple blood and urine test that any physician or advanced practice provider can easily order. The test can be combined with the standard labs ordered by a primary care provider and will estimate the person’s risk for kidney failure over the next five years. KRS can be ordered for anyone, but it is highly recommended for those with risk factors, particularly diabetes and hypertension. For patients with high risk for kidney disease, it is recommended that KRS is checked annually.

“It is also important to note the Kidney Risk Score does not come at an additional expense to patients beyond the usual costs of the individual blood and urine tests,” said Dr. Lile.

Dr. Lile said persons with any risk for chronic kidney disease should discuss ways to keep their kidneys healthy with their primary care provider. However, those with a Kidney Risk Score higher than 5% should be referred to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) for individualized kidney health recommendations.

Kidney patients being cared for by Intermountain Health nephrologists can also receive additional help from Kidney Nurse Navigators.

“It can be very daunting to learn you have a chronic condition,” said Jennifer Christensen, Intermountain Health Kidney Care Navigator. “We work with patients and their doctors to help them understand their condition, follow care plans, and answer any questions patient have along their kidney journey.”

Christensen explains that nurse navigators are registered nurses who have additional education and training in kidney health. They provide health education specific to the kidney patient and help them understand their treatment plan. Nurse navigators also provide patients with reminders for follow-up care and referrals for additional services and can help identify resources that may be able to help with obtaining medications or financial assistance.

“It is important patients follow their treatment plan to help slow down the progression of kidney disease, and we are here to help,” said Christensen.

The kidneys are fist-sized organs located in the middle of a person’s back with the primary function of filtering waste and fluid from the body’s blood. Kidneys also control and adjust electrolyte levels in the blood as well as make hormones that help your body make red blood cells and keep your bones healthy.

For more information on kidney health, Intermountain Health suggests http://www.Intermountain.com/kidney, www.minuteforyourkidneys.org, or talking to your doctor.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.