Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is defined as an alteration in kidney structure and/or function lasting longer than 3 months and having a negative impact on the patient's health. The naturally progressive course of chronic kidney disease can be slowed or halted by timely diagnosis and adequate treatment.
When the treatment is insufficient or chronic kidney disease remains undiagnosed, the condition progresses to a stage when kidney replacement therapy has to be initiated. This review provides general practitioners with the basic information about chronic kidney disease, options concerning its early detection and slowing of its further course.