Saudi Consensus Report on Chronic Kidney Disease Management: Integrating the Latest Evidence and Clinical Practice Guidelines

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) poses a significant healthcare challenge in Saudi Arabia, necessitating a structured approach to management and treatment. Recent consensus guidelines in Saudi Arabia emphasize a comprehensive strategy for CKD management, tailored to local needs and healthcare resources. The guidelines advocate for early detection and stratified care to mitigate the progression of CKD and improve patient outcomes. Key recommendations include the routine assessment of albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for accurate diagnosis and staging of CKD. The consensus underscores the importance of utilizing updated tools like the CKD-EPI 2021 equation for eGFR calculation and incorporating cystatin C measurements for enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Management strategies focus on controlling underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which are prevalent risk factors in the Saudi population. Personalized treatment plans are recommended, incorporating lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions including SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP 1 RA, and regular monitoring to manage CKD complications effectively. The guidelines also highlight the need for specialized care and referral pathways for advanced CKD stages, including the role of nephrologists in the comprehensive management of CKD patients. In addition, the consensus addresses the need for improving public awareness and education about CKD, emphasizing early screening and preventive measures, particularly in high-risk groups. The implementation of these guidelines aims to optimize CKD management across Saudi Arabia, reduce the burden of kidney disease, and enhance overall patient care in the region.