Identifying patients with chronic kidney disease from general practice computer records

Simon de Lusignan, Tom Chan, Paul Stevens, Donal O'Donoghue, Nigel Hague, Billy Dzregah, Jeremy Van Vlymen, Mel Walker, Sean Hilton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important predictor of end-stage renal disease, as well as a marker of increased mortality. The New Opportunities for Early Renal Intervention by Computerised Assessment (NEOERICA) project aimed to assess whether people with undiagnosed CKD who might benefit from early intervention could be identified from GP computer records. Methods. The simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and determine stage of CKD in patients from 12 practices in Surrey, Kent and Greater Manchester with SCr recorded in their notes. Further data were extracted on associated co-morbidities and potentially modifiable risk factors. Results. One quarter (25.7%; 28 862/112 215) had an SCr recorded and one in five (18.9%) of them had a GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (equivalent to Stage 3-5 CKD), representing 4.9% of the population. Only 3.6% of these were recorded as having renal disease. Three-quarters (74.6%; 4075/5449) of those with Stage 3-5 CKD had one or more circulatory diseases; 346 were prescribed potentially nephrotoxic drugs and over 4000 prescriptions were issued for drugs recommended to be used with caution in renal impairment. Conclusions. Patients with CKD can be identified by searching GP computer databases; along with associated co-morbidities and treatment. Results revealed a similar rate of Stage 3-5 CKD to that found previously in the USA. The very low rate of recording of renal disease in patients found to have CKD indicates scope for improving detection and early intervention.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)234-241
Number of pages8
JournalFamily Practice
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2005

Keywords

  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Computerised medical record
  • General practice
  • Glomerular filtration rate
  • Serum creatinine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Identifying patients with chronic kidney disease from general practice computer records'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this