The management of CKD: A look into the future

Abstract

The increasing global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease with the associated spiraling cost has profound public health and economic implications. This has made slowing the progression of CKD, a major health-care priority. CKD is invariably characterized by progressive kidney fibrosis and at present, treatment aiming to slow the progression of CKD is limited to aggressive blood pressure control, with few therapies targeting the fibrotic process itself. In this review, we explore the potential of experimental therapeutic strategies, based on preventing or reversing the pathophysiologic steps of kidney remodeling that lead to fibrosis. © 2007 International Society of Nephrology.