Q: I am a 30 years old woman having a creatinine level of 1.7 mg/dl and urea is 48.8. I am also suffering from high blood pressure for the last year and taking Lodoz 2.5 daily for the same. My weight is 52 kg and height is 5.3 feet. I have a family history of kidney failures too. What should I do to prevent kidney failure? Please advise.

A:If your creatinine value remains at 1.6-1.8 mg/dl for over 3 months, it signifies chronic kidney disease (CKD). Next step should include complete evaluation by a Nephrologist in your city. It would include urinalysis looking for traces of increased protein leakage, kidney ultrasound to study the size and morphology of kidneys, series of blood tests to ascertain the cause of kidney disease and some of the complications of CKD including anaemia and bone disease while making sure that you are screened for diabetes and elevated cholesterol level (diabetes is especially known to have bad effect on the progressive worsening of CKD over years). Focus should remain on strict blood pressure control (goal or target BP <130/80 mmHg), while avoiding potential kidney toxic medications like daily intake of common pain medications like Brufen and Nimulid.