[The incidence of chronic kidney disease continuously increases worldwide. Studies suggest that kidney disease is an as powerful cardiovascular risk factor as diabetes mellitus. Because of the high prevalence of lipid disorders, it is likely that dyslipidaemia plays a major role in the high cardiovascular risk of these patients. Evidence supports treating dyslipidaemia in patients with mild or moderate kidney disease, but the results of statin trials in dialysed patients are inconclusive. A practical treatment algorithm is proposed considering the special aspects, the effectiveness and safety of the drugs in the whole spectrum of kidney disease.]

[Sevelamer HCl is a non-metal and non-calcium based phosphate binder, ion exchange resin, which not selectively binds the phosphate ions in the gastrointestinal tract. In Hungary since 2005, on the basis of strict professional guidelines, sevelamer is available therapy for chronic kidney disease patients with severe hyperphosphatemia on dialysis. On the basis of 17 prospective and retrospective studies, sevelamer HCl is an at least as effective phosphate binder as other calcium based binders, in reducing the serum phosphate level. The advantage of sevelamer compared to the other widely used calcium based phosphate binders is the significantly lower serum calcium level and less hypercalcemic episodes. Sevelamer therapy in chronic kidney disease patients reduces the progression of cardiovascular calcification and it has also a positive effect on cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. The side effects of sevelamer therapy may be acidosis, and gastrointestinal complaints. This year the improved form, sevelamer carbonate, becomes available in Hungary. Sevelamer carbonate has similar phosphate and cholesterol binding capacity as that of sevelamer HCl, but it has several advantages: it has a positive effect on acid-base parameters, and may be administered in powder form, which is beneficial for children and for patients with swallowing disorders. The primary analysis of the DCOR study has not revealed any significant difference in the survival and cardiovascular mortality between patient groups treated with calcium based binder or sevelamer. The RIND trial data showed improved survival of new dialysis patients, who were initially treated with sevelamer. Further clinical studies are needed to kaverify the benefits of sevelamer therapy (mortality, cardiovascular calcification) in chronic kidney disease patients. The management of hyperphosphatemia in chronic renal failure is a major challenge even in the first decade of the 21th century. This is the fact, despite that recently three different groups of phosphate binders are available in the clinical practice: the calcium based binders (calcium carbonate, calcium acetate), sevelamer and lanthanum. Which is the best binder? A calcium based or a non-calcium based one? Over the past decade, these issues are in the mainstream of clinical research of nephrology.]

[The primary aim of cardiovascular prevention is to reach adequate blood pressure control. To prevent the development of target organ lesion it is essential to use long-acting, well tolerable drugs without significant side effects. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are popular and excellent preparations but their side effects reduce life long patient compliance. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are effective drugs having unique tolerability and a capability to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality to the same extent as the ACE inhibitors. Especially high risk patients benefit from their combination with thiazide diuretics or with calcium channel blockers. Clinical trials proved that telmisartan can be safely given and well tolerable alone or in combination to high risk cardiovascular patients, in heart and renal, peripheral vascular and cerebrovascular diseases combined or not with diabetes.]

[In this article a practice-oriented narrative review of the depressive disorders in chronic kidney disease is provided. Depressive disorders affect approximately one fourth of the chronic kidney disease population. These mental disorders interfere with physical, cognitive and social functioning and are associated with poor prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease. Bio-psycho-social factors, including immuno-inflammatory processes, disturbance in glucose- insulin homeostasis, sleep disorders, chronic pain, sexual difficulties, changes in social roles, losses in multiple areas of life and low social support increase the risk for the development of depression. Routine, regular screening of depression in the chronic kidney disease population seems to be warranted. Only limited published evidence is available on the therapeutic possibilities of depression in chronic kidney disease. Preliminary evidence indicates that short, structured psychotherapy may be effective for acute treatment and prevention of psychological distress. Some antidepressants can be applied without the need for dose adjustments. On the other hand, some of the psychotropic medications require dose reduction or should be avoided.]

[In the ÉRV Programme of the Hungarian Society of Hypertension hypertensive patients were screened for the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Ankle/brachial index (ABI) and major cardiovascular risk factors were recorded before the five years long prospective phase of the program. A total of 21 892 hypertensive men and women (9162 males; mean age: 61.45 years) who were attended at 55 hypertension outpatient clinics in Hungary during a 17 month period, were included in the study. The prevalence of PAD defined by low ABI (≤0.9) was 14.0%. In the two blood pressure target groups (140/90 mmHg and 130/80 mmHg) the ratio of patients with controlled blood pressure was 45% and 33%, respectively. The prevalence of PAD (ABI≤0.9) was 10.9% in the controlled and 16.1% in the uncontrolled group (p<0.0001). During the control visits a significant decrease of blood pressure was observed. ÉRV Registry was initiated for ABI screening in subjects at risk for PAD in the general practice. The prevalence of PAD was 18.3%. The prevalence of PAD (low ABI value) is high in hypertensive patients. Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of PAD. The results indicate, that ABI screening is a simple and cost-effective method for the diagnosis of preclinical atherosclerosis, which may improve cardiovascular risk prediction.]