An inpatient educational program for chronic kidney disease

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health problem in Japan, and prevention programs to slow disease progression are necessary. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a 1-week inpatient education program, delivered during the predialysis stage of CKD, in slowing the deterioration in renal function over the subsequent 2 years, and identified factors influencing the program’s effectiveness. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 105 consecutive patients who completed the program, at the following time points: 6 months prior to program initiation, at program initiation and, at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the program. To identify factors predictive of program effectiveness, we classified patients into a Responder and Non-responder group. Results In comparison with the rate of deterioration in renal function (mL/min/1.73 m 2 /year) before admission, the rate slowed at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after discharge (all p < 0.01). A urinary protein (UP) level