Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease: Therapeutic Approaches and What Can Be Done to Halt Disease Progression?

Singapore is one of the most rapidly ageing societies in the world. Currently, Singapore ranks first in the world for the incidence of diabetes-induced end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and seventh for the incidence of kidney failures per million population. It is estimated that nearly one-quarter of Singapore’s population will have chronic kidney disease (CKD) by 2035. Disease management of CKD has been identified as a critical issue due to the rapid increase in cases among the elderly in recent years. Chronic kidney disease is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, and metabolic complications such as anaemia, cardiovascular events, and CKD-associated metabolic bone diseases present treatment management complexities to healthcare professionals. Early detection and management of CKD can avert complications before symptoms occur and prevent the progressive loss of kidney function over time. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are recommended for hypertension and proteinuria management in CKD patients with and without diabetes. However, neither of these agents alone reduces the risk of all-cause mortality; furthermore, combinational therapy of ACEI plus ARB is associated with renal dysfunction, stroke, and/or hyperkalaemia. Recently, the use of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) has been shown to provide favourable effects on the kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Studies have shown that early initiation of SGLT2i may slow or halt the progression of CKD in patients with the risk of CKD and ESRD. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying the progression of CKD, its associated risk factors and summarises the management strategies as per Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative clinical practice guideline recommendations. This article also summarises the evidence regarding the use of SGLT2i in slowing the progression of CKD and improvement of health-related quality of life.