Understanding the New Nomenclature for Kidney Function and Disease
The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) consensus conference has brought forward crucial changes in the nomenclature used to describe kidney function and disease. This initiative aims to standardize terminology, making it more patient-centered and precise. As practitioners, understanding and implementing these changes can significantly improve communication with patients and across the medical community.
Key Recommendations from the KDIGO Consensus Conference
The KDIGO conference outlined several recommendations that are essential for practitioners to consider:
- Use "kidney" instead of "renal" or "nephro" when referring to kidney disease and function.
- Replace "end-stage kidney disease" with "kidney failure" and provide descriptions of symptoms, signs, and treatment.
- Adopt the KDIGO definitions and classifications for acute kidney diseases and disorders (AKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI).
- Use specific kidney measures like albuminuria or decreased glomerular filtration rate instead of vague terms like "abnormal kidney function."
Why This Matters for Practitioners
Adopting these nomenclature changes is not just about semantics. It is about enhancing clarity and precision in communication, which is crucial for effective patient care and research. By using standardized terms, practitioners can ensure that their communication is clear and understandable, reducing confusion for patients and improving the quality of care.
Implementing the Changes in Practice
Practitioners can begin implementing these changes by:
- Reviewing and updating patient education materials to reflect the new terminology.
- Ensuring that all medical records and documentation use the standardized terms.
- Educating staff and colleagues about the importance of using the new nomenclature.
Encouraging Further Research
While the KDIGO conference has laid a strong foundation, there is still much to explore. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research to continue refining and improving the terminology used in nephrology. This ongoing effort will help in advancing precision medicine and improving patient outcomes.
For those interested in delving deeper into the KDIGO recommendations and their implications, the original research paper provides a comprehensive overview. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Nomenclature for kidney function and disease—executive summary and glossary from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) consensus conference.
