Long-term physical and psychological consequences of chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Due to improved treatment options, patients with chronic kidney disease can survive significantly longer than even 10 years ago. However, survival is always associated with a loss of quality of life for those affected. This article provides a brief overview of the physical and psychological disease consequences, concomitant diseases, and therapy side effects. Reference is made to previously known effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, it will be shown how long-term treatment should be further developed in order to improve patient quality of life. Functional impairment of the kidney has severe effects on the entire organism due to contamination of the blood with urophanic substances (uremia). In addition, patients are affected by side effects that can occur in connection with drug therapy, dialysis, or kidney transplantation. Patients and their relatives are exposed to great psychological stress. Also, infections with SARS-CoV‑2 can impair kidney function and worsen the prognosis of a pre-existing disease. The holistic care of patients with chronic kidney disease must consider not only medical care but also psychological and psychosocial aspects. Nephrology and psychonephrology must be further developed hand-in-hand to improve the medical care and quality of life of affected patients.