The role of finerenone in the management of CKD in T2D –Practical considerations for primary care

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide. Diabetic kidney disease is a chronic condition characterized by a gradual increase in urinary albumin excretion, blood pressure, cardiovascular risk, and a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that can progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Individuals with diabetes should be screened for CKD annually. Screening should include both measurement of albuminuria and estimation of GFR (eGFR). The structural changes in diabetic kidney disease in individuals with type 1 diabetes are rather uniform, but the histological picture in those with type 2 diabetes and CKD is on the contrary a mix of changes ranging from minor abnormalities to severe glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and arteriolohyalinosis. Scarring of the kidneys is closely related to the kidney function. Individuals with diabetes often require multiple therapies to prevent progression of CKD and its associated comorbidities and mortality. Management of cardiorenal risk factors, including lifestyle modification, control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipids, use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers, use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and the non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone in individuals with T2D are the cornerstones of therapy. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in identifying individuals with CKD, managing early stages of CKD, and referring those with moderate to severe CKD or rapidly declining kidney function to a nephrologist. Referral to a nephrologist should be considered when certain thresholds for eGFR, albuminuria, proteinuria, hematuria, or hypertension are exceeded. This review summarizes current guidelines for the management of CKD and its complications and highlights the role of PCPs in the care of individuals with CKD.