Summary of “More Frequent Checkups might potentially be Needed”
This article highlights the need for a revised approach to treating glomerular diseases (IgAN, FSGS, and MCD) in adolescents and young adults. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* Faster Disease Progression: Glomerular diseases can progress more rapidly in teens and young adults compared to younger children and older adults, with higher relapse rates and faster kidney function decline.
* Unique Challenges: This age group faces challenges like competing priorities (school, work, social life), transitions in healthcare (pediatric to adult care), and perhaps underestimating the seriousness of their condition. These factors contribute to missed appointments and delayed treatment.
* Individualized Care is Crucial: clinicians should move away from relying on age-based cutoffs and instead tailor monitoring and treatment plans to each patient’s individual level of independence and ability to manage their condition.
* Increased Risk of Decline: Research shows a notable percentage (around 25%) of those with adolescent-onset glomerular disease experience a substantial decline in kidney function within five years.
* Growing Need for Age-Specific Models: With the increasing incidence of glomerular disease globally,there’s a growing need for healthcare models specifically designed for this demographic.
* Proactive Strategies: Clinicians like Dr. Vissing are implementing strategies like shorter follow-up intervals and involving nurses/social workers to improve adherence and access to care.
In essence, the article argues that adolescents and young adults with glomerular disease require more frequent and personalized attention due to their unique circumstances and the potential for rapid disease progression.
