Chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension: what's in a name?

Chronic kidney disease, as defined by albuminuria or decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), affects 11.6% of the adult population in the United States. CKD frequently occurs in association with diabetes and hypertension, suggesting that vascular disease is a likely cause in many people. We provide data on the frequency of diabetes, hypertension, or both, according to albumin-to-creatinine ratio and eGFR, and review the rationale for retaining the current name. Kidney International (2010) 78, 19-22; doi: 10.1038/ki.2010.115; published online 28 April 2010