It’s all Relative: When Kidney Disease Runs in the Family

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The For Kidneys Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS)

Is Kidney Disease Hiding in the Family?

Could a patient’s kidney disease have a genetic cause and what clues might we be missing? 

Genetic kidney conditions are more common than many clinicians realise, and spotting the signs early can change not only one patient’s care, but potentially the care of an entire family.

In this episode, Andrew and Jeremy are joined by renal genetics expert Dr Mel Chan to unpack the key genetic kidney conditions clinicians need on their radar. From polycystic kidney disease and Alport syndrome to congenital abnormalities and inherited kidney stones, they explore the red flags that should make you think genetics and why asking the right questions, making an early referral and securing a diagnosis can have a lasting impact on treatment, prognosis and family screening.

Key Takeaways:

1. Think family. Kidney disease, haematuria, stones, dialysis, transplantation or early deaths in relatives could be an important clue.
2. Spot the red flags. Young age, unexplained CKD, early hypertension, hearing loss, recurrent stones or congenital abnormalities should make you think genetic.
3. Suspect it? Refer it. You don’t need to be a genetics expert, recognising when specialist assessment is needed is what matters.
4. A diagnosis can change the story. Genetic testing can sharpen prognosis, guide treatment and help identify relatives who may also be at risk.
5. Keep patients on the radar. Childhood kidney problems don’t necessarily stay in childhood. Long-term follow-up can help prevent patients from returning years later with advanced CKD.

Resource Links:
NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE

Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk)

The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication.

The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement.

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