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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between AKD and CKD?

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The main difference between acute kidney disease (AKD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) lies in the duration of the disease. AKD refers to abnormalities in kidney structure or function that last for less than 3 months, while CKD refers to abnormalities that last for 3 months or more. By definition, AKD precedes CKD, but it may also be superimposed on preexisting CKD due to another disease or an exacerbation of the same disease.

Key differences between AKD and CKD include:

  • Duration: AKD lasts for less than 3 months, while CKD lasts for 3 months or more.
  • Causes: AKD and CKD can have different causes, with AKD often caused by an event that leads to kidney malfunction. CKD, on the other hand, is usually caused by a long-term disease or condition.
  • Symptoms: AKI, a subset of AKD, tends to cause sudden, severe symptoms that are easily recognized, while CKD symptoms develop slowly and are easily mistaken for other health issues.
  • Progression: AKD may be reversible, while CKD is often more long-lasting and may lead to end-stage renal disease.
  • Recovery: Patients with CKD who develop AKI often recover incompletely and experience worsened subsequent outcomes.

In some cases, AKD without AKI can be observed in a substantial portion of the population, with an increased risk for mortality compared to people with normal kidney function.

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  • What is the Difference Between AKD and CKD?
  • Comparative Table: AKD vs CKD

    • Comparative Table: AKD vs CKD

    Acute Kidney Disease (AKD) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are both conditions that affect kidney function and structure, but they differ in their duration and underlying causes. Here is a table comparing the two:

    Feature Acute Kidney Disease (AKD) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
    Duration <3 months ≥3 months
    AKI Subgroup AKI is a subgroup of AKD, defined by abnormalities in kidney function over 6 h–1 week AKI is not a direct subgroup of CKD, but patients with AKI may develop CKD following an episode of AKI
    Causes Generally the same as for AKI, but without or before sufficient GFR decline to fulfill the criteria for AKI Mainly caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions
    Treatment Often curable, with patients placed on a special diet, fluid restrictions, and temporarily dialysis until their kidneys heal Generally not reversible, with patients often requiring long-term dialysis or transplantation

    By definition, AKD precedes CKD, but AKD may also be superimposed on preexisting CKD, either due to another disease or due to an exacerbation of the same disease. Patients without AKI, AKD, or CKD are classified as having no known kidney disease (NKD).

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.