Smoking Cessation Reduces Cardiovascular Risks In Patients With CKD

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Smoking / Quit Smoking;  Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 07 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Nearly 47.5 million Americans currently smoke, and the habit is one that increases the risk and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with CKD also develop cardiovascular issues as the disease worsens, and researchers are calling for more studies that will help reduce cardiovascular mortality in this patient group.

Smoking cessation may decrease cardiovascular disease as well as slow the progression of CKD. In the July-August 2008 issue of Nephrology Nursing Journal, Harold J. Manley and Nicole M. Stack describe smoking cessation therapies for the CKD population, an area in which little guidance exists.

Because nicotine use is an addiction, Manley and Stack say it requires pharmacologic as well as behavioral interventions. They review a variety of drug therapies, including nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), which supplement the need for nicotine; buproprion, a non-nicotine-containing medication which reduces a patient's craving; and varenicline, which targets tobacco dependence by reducing cravings and blocking the pleasurable sensations of nicotine. The authors say clinicians should use reduced doses of bupropion and varenicline and recommended doses of NRT.

Manley and Stack report only three studies to date have investigated how quitting smoking preserves kidney function and say more research in this area is needed. They advise making concerted efforts to encourage CKD patients to stop smoking.

"Smoking Cessation Therapy Considerations for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease."
Harold J. Manley, FASN, FCCP, BCPS; Nicole M. Stack, PharmD
Nephrology Nursing Journal; July-August 2008; http://www.annanurse.org/journal

Nephrology Nursing Journal is a refereed clinical and scientific resource that provides current information on a wide variety of subjects to facilitate the practice of professional nephrology nursing. Its purpose is to disseminate information on the latest advances in research, practice, and education to nephrology nurses to positively influence the quality of care they provide.

Nephrology Nursing Journal