For Kidneys Sake

North West London Kidney Care

For Kidneys' Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS)This podcast series aims to provide healthcare professionals, particularly primary care professionals, with accessible insights into kidney health.  Each episode offers bite-sized discussions on key topics such as chronic kidney disease management and heart failure and practical updates for improving patient care. With episodes just 15 minutes long, you can listen on your commute, during a break, or while out for a walk. Join us as we explore the latest advancements and strategies in integrated kidney care to empower clinicians and patients alike.

  1. 4 天前

    Is obesity a cardio-renal burden we can slim down?

    Send us a text The For Kidneys Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS). In this episode of For Kidneys'Sake, Dr Andrew Frankel and Prof Jeremy Levy are joined by Dr Khuldir Johal, a GP and clinical lead for the Harrow CRM Hub, to discuss the relationship between obesity and Cardio-Renal Metabolic (CRM) disease. Together, they examine how excess adipose tissue, particularly around the abdomen, can create a pro-inflammatory state that contributes to vascular and organ damage, influencing the development of heart, kidney, and metabolic disorders. The episode emphasises the need to move beyond managing diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease as separate conditions, and instead adopt a joined-up, clinically integrated approach. Dr Johal outlines how the Harrow CRM Hub identifies at-risk patients early, using indicators such as raised BMI and type 2 diabetes, then supports them through a longer consultation model, tailored advice, and multidisciplinary care. The focus is on empowering patients to understand and manage their own health through regular monitoring and education, rather than relying solely on medication. The episode concludes with a call for clinicians to recognise the interrelated nature of CRM conditions and intervene as early as possible to reduce the long-term burden on patients and the health system. Resource Links: NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk) Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association | Circulation The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement. Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub

    21 分鐘
  2. 9月16日

    Cardio-Renal What? Time to Speak the Same Language

    Send us a text The For Kidneys Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS). In this special introductory episode of For Kidneys’ Sake, nephrologists Prof Jeremy Levy and Dr Andrew Frankel open a new series on Cardio-Renal Metabolic (CRM) disease, a complex syndrome where kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction intertwine. With obesity, diabetes, and hypertension on the rise, CRM is becoming a leading cause of kidney disease and an urgent challenge for integrated care delivery. The conversation touches on how albuminuria and declining GFR are early signs of vascular damage, even in asymptomatic patients, and why abdominal fat is now viewed as metabolically active tissue that contributes to systemic inflammation. Jeremy and Andrew call for a shift from specialist-led care to a patient-focused model that unifies treatment strategies across kidney, heart, and metabolic health. This episode sets the stage for an enlightening series aimed at primary care clinicians and healthcare teams working with complex, multimorbid patients. Key Takeaways:  1. Cardio-Renal Metabolic (CRM) disease represents a unified condition, not just overlapping risk factors.  2. Obesity-driven inflammation is a major contributor to both CKD and cardiovascular damage.  3. Albuminuria and mild GFR decline often signal early systemic disease — even without symptoms.  4. Healthcare must shift from fragmented, specialty-based care to integrated, patient-centric pathways. 5. Early intervention, education, and service redesign are key to managing CRM effectively. Resource Links: NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk) The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement. Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub

    14 分鐘
  3. 9月2日

    For Gout’s Sake! Managing Gout in CKD

    Send us a text The For Kidneys Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS). In this episode of For Kidneys Sake, consultant nephrologists Prof Jeremy Levy and Dr Andrew Frankel discuss the relationship between gout and chronic kidney disease (CKD). They explore how CKD increases the risk of developing gout due to impaired uric acid excretion and sometimes the effects of commonly prescribed medications such as diuretics. The conversation demystifies the clinical presentation of gout in CKD patients and clarifies that the diagnosis remains unchanged; it’s typically a clinical judgement, supported by elevated uric acid levels. Most importantly, the episode offers a detailed and practical discussion on managing acute gout attacks in CKD patients, covering the nuanced use of NSAIDs, colchicine, and steroids depending on the severity of kidney impairment. The hosts also stress the importance of lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and exercise, as well as when and how to initiate preventative treatments like allopurinol or febuxostat. With a tone that balances clinical depth and approachability, Jeremy and Andrew provide valuable guidance for GPs, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals managing these intersecting conditions. Key Takeaways:  1. Gout is more common in people with CKD due to reduced uric acid excretion and side effects of common medications.  2. Diagnosis of gout in CKD patients remains clinical and mirrors that in the general population.  3. NSAIDs can be used cautiously in early CKD (GFR >45) for short durations, but not repeatedly; colchicine and steroids are alternatives, and for more advanced stages of CKD.  4. Lifestyle changes – especially diet and exercise – play a vital role in reducing gout attacks.  5. Allopurinol should be started at 100mg in CKD and titrated based on uric acid levels, with febuxostat as a second-line option. Resource Links: NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk) The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement. Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub

    17 分鐘
  4. 8月19日

    eGFR 60–90: When to Watch, When to Worry

    Send us a text The For Kidneys Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS). In this podcast, consultant nephrologists Jeremy Levy and Andrew Frankel are joined by Dr. Mohammad Haidar, a GP and clinical lead for cardiovascular and renal medicine in North West London. They discuss how to interpret eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) results, particularly when values fall between 60 and 90, a range often misunderstood in primary care. The conversation highlights that while this range can indicate early chronic kidney disease (CKD) when combined with other abnormalities (e.g., proteinuria or abnormal ultrasound findings), an isolated eGFR of 60–90—especially in older adults, may simply reflect normal age-related decline in kidney function rather than a pathological condition. The discussion emphasises the importance of context when interpreting eGFR results and advising repeating tests to account for natural fluctuations, assessing urinary abnormalities, blood pressure, and family history, and avoiding unnecessary labelling of patients with CKD when no other risk factors are present. They also address the practical challenges for primary care teams, such as patient anxiety over flagged “abnormal” lab results, and the need for clear communication and appropriate follow-up. Three main takeaways: 1.      An eGFR of 60–90 does not necessarily indicate CKD—context, age, and additional markers like proteinuria are crucial in determining risk. 2.      Repeat testing and urine analysis are key steps in distinguishing between true kidney issues and normal variations or age-related decline. 3.      Patient reassurance and appropriate monitoring (e.g., annual or biannual reviews) are essential, while avoiding unnecessary investigations or alarming terminology when kidney function is stable and otherwise healthy. Resource Links: NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk) The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement. Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub

    17 分鐘
  5. 8月5日

    Decoding Albuminuria: What Low-Level Protein in Urine Really Means

    Send us a text In this episode of For Kidney’s Sake, consultant nephrologists Jeremy Levy and Andrew Frankel discuss albuminuria, focusing on the interpretation and management of low-level abnormal results. They explore how to distinguish between harmless fluctuations and early signs of kidney damage, clarify the coding system (A1, A2, A3), and explain why urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is such a valuable tool for early detection of kidney issues. The conversation provides practical guidance for primary care teams, including when to repeat tests, when to refer, and how to reassure patients who are worried about ‘abnormal’ flagged results. They also emphasise the importance of annual kidney health checks for those at risk, especially patients with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or a family history of kidney disease. 3 Key Takeaways: Know the ACR thresholds:  A1: 30 mg/mmol (severely increased, needs action). Severe proteinuria (>300 mg/mmol) requires urgent management.Repeat and confirm abnormal results: Low-level abnormal ACRs (e.g., 5–20 mg/mmol) should be repeated to rule out temporary factors like exercise or fever. Persistent abnormal ACR—even with a normal eGFR—signals early kidney or vascular damage.Manage risks early: Abnormal ACR requires blood pressure control (130/80), consideration of ACE inhibitors/ARBs and SGLT2 inhibitors (especially in diabetes), and annual kidney health checks. Early optimisation can reverse or reduce albuminuria.Resource Links: NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk) The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement. Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub

    21 分鐘
  6. You want a baby? CKD, fertility and pregnancy: don't fail to plan

    7月22日

    You want a baby? CKD, fertility and pregnancy: don't fail to plan

    Send us a text The For Kidneys Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS). In this discussion, consultant nephrologists Prof Jeremy Levy and Dr Andrew Frankel are joined by Dr Phil Webster to examine fertility and pregnancy in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD). They highlight that while many CKD patients are older, a significant number of younger individuals, especially those with inherited or congenital kidney conditions, will face issues related to fertility and pregnancy. CKD affects approximately 3% of pregnancies, and the severity of kidney disease directly influences fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The conversation is structured into three key areas: fertility in men and women with CKD, pre-pregnancy counselling for women with CKD, and management during pregnancy. They emphasise that fertility is usually preserved in mild CKD but may decline with worsening kidney function. All women with CKD considering pregnancy should receive pre-pregnancy counselling to review medications, optimise blood pressure, and understand potential risks such as pre-eclampsia and accelerated kidney function decline. During pregnancy, specialist monitoring is essential. Women with CKD should ideally be managed through multidisciplinary maternal medicine networks, and contraceptive advice should be part of routine nephrology care. Key Takeaways: Fertility is generally unaffected in early CKD but declines as kidney function worsens; both men and women with advanced CKD may require specialist input.Women with CKD should receive pre-pregnancy counselling to adjust medications, optimise kidney and blood pressure control, and assess risks, particularly of pre-eclampsia and kidney function loss.Pregnancy in CKD requires enhanced monitoring through specialist clinics, with coordinated care across nephrology and obstetrics to ensure maternal and fetal health.Resource Links: NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk) The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement. Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub

    21 分鐘
  7. 7月8日

    Red urine, yellow urine, red urine, yellow urine: Managing Haematuria

    Send us a text The For Kidneys Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS). In this episode, consultants Prof Jeremy Levy and Dr Andrew Frankel, both nephrologists at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, discuss the significance and management of microscopic (non-visible) haematuria in primary care. They provide practical guidance for general practitioners on how to interpret urine dipstick findings, the appropriate steps for investigation, and when specialist referral is warranted. The conversation emphasises the importance of not overlooking persistent haematuria, while also acknowledging the challenges in balancing appropriate concern with unnecessary anxiety or over-referral. The clinicians explore differential diagnoses, such as glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, and hereditary conditions like thin basement membrane disorder or Alport syndrome. They stress the role of imaging, the presence of proteinuria, and age-based referral pathways in forming a management plan. A key theme is the long-term follow-up of patients with isolated haematuria, even when kidney function is normal, to monitor for progression via regular kidney health checks in primary care. The discussion is informative and grounded in real-world experience, aiming to clarify an area that is often perceived as ambiguous in general practice. Three Main Takeaways: Persistent microscopic haematuria warrants investigation and should not be dismissed, particularly when confirmed on repeat testing and associated with other findings such as proteinuria.All patients with confirmed haematuria should undergo a renal ultrasound, and referral decisions should be guided by age and associated symptoms or findings. Generally, referrals are made to urology if the patient is over 50, and to nephrology if the patient is under 50 or if proteinuria is present.Even when no serious underlying condition is identified, patients with isolated haematuria require annual monitoring, including blood pressure, kidney function (GFR), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, ideally recorded in primary care records to ensure lifelong follow-up.Resource Links: NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk) The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement. Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub

    17 分鐘
  8. Managing Kidney Health in Older Adults – Age vs Frailty

    6月24日

    Managing Kidney Health in Older Adults – Age vs Frailty

    Send us a text The For Kidneys Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS). In this episode of For Kidneys Sake, consultants Prof Jeremy Levy and Dr Andrew Frankel are joined by Dr Melanie Dani, a geriatrician, to discuss the complexities of managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in older adults. They highlight the importance of distinguishing between chronological age and frailty, two overlapping but distinct concepts that significantly influence clinical decision-making. The conversation explores how kidney function naturally declines with age, and raises the critical question of when this becomes a pathological concern requiring medical intervention. Dr Dani stresses the value of personalised care, reminding listeners that older adults are not a homogenous group. Whether someone is a fit 85-year-old playing tennis or a frail resident in a care home, their values, priorities and tolerance for medical treatment will differ. The episode encourages shared decision-making, consideration of overall health context, and careful use of medications like ACE inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors based on likely benefits and side effects, rather than age alone. Three Key Takeaways Ageing vs Frailty: Frailty is a better predictor of health outcomes than age alone. It’s essential to assess a patient’s overall vulnerability and resilience when managing CKD.Reduced GFR in Older Adults: A declining GFR may reflect normal ageing rather than disease, but it still carries risks, particularly cardiovascular. Management should be tailored to the individual, not solely guided by guidelines.Personalised, Contextualised Care: Decisions about referral, investigation and treatment must consider the whole person—their wishes, comorbidities, and quality of life—rather than focusing only on kidney function metrics.Resource Links: NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk) The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement. Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub

    21 分鐘

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For Kidneys' Sake podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS)This podcast series aims to provide healthcare professionals, particularly primary care professionals, with accessible insights into kidney health.  Each episode offers bite-sized discussions on key topics such as chronic kidney disease management and heart failure and practical updates for improving patient care. With episodes just 15 minutes long, you can listen on your commute, during a break, or while out for a walk. Join us as we explore the latest advancements and strategies in integrated kidney care to empower clinicians and patients alike.

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