The Endocrine Giants of Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is increasingly being
recognized as an endo-metabolic disorder in which a
cascade of hormonal and electrolyte imbalances impacts
the morbidity and mortality. We propose six “endocrine
giants” of CKD- anaemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism,
hypovitaminosis D, hypogonadism, hyperkalaemia, and
hyponatraemia- each exerting a detrimental effect on
cardiovascular, skeletal, metabolic, and neurological health.
Their early recognition and prompt management can
attenuate downstream cardiometabolic sequelae. This
“endocrine giants” framework provides an integrative
approach to managing CKD as a multisystem endocrine
disorder and offers practical direction for holistic
nephrology care.
Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Anaemia, Secondary
hyperparathyroidism, Hypovitaminosis D, Hyperkalaemia,
Hyponatraemia, Hypogonadism