What are the recommended monitoring parameters for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in primary care?

The recommended monitoring parameters for patients with chronic kidney disease in primary care are:

• Serum estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to assess kidney function, with the frequency guided by CKD stage and risk factors, typically ranging from 1 to 4 checks per year depending on severity ¹,²,³.
• Urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) to detect and monitor proteinuria, with testing recommended at least annually, and more frequently if indicated by disease progression or severity ¹,²,³.
• Full blood count (FBC) to exclude renal anaemia, especially in CKD stages G3-G5, with frequency depending on clinical judgment ¹,²,³.
• Serum bicarbonate concentration, particularly in advanced CKD (G4-G5), where a level below 20 mmol/l may indicate metabolic acidosis ²,³.
• Blood pressure monitoring, aiming for target levels based on ACR and CKD stage, with more intensive control in higher risk categories ¹,²,³.
• Assessment for other risk factors and comorbidities, including cardiovascular risk, hypertension, and lifestyle factors, with management tailored accordingly ¹,²,³.