Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant global health risk, impacting an estimated 10–15% of adults worldwide. A recent study from Karolinska Institutet has revealed a method for early detection that could potentially change how healthcare professionals approach this condition. The findings, published in Kidney International, underscore the importance of identifying subtle abnormalities in kidney function, even within what is traditionally considered a normal range.
The research team developed a web-based tool that allows healthcare professionals to assess patients’ kidney function against established population norms. This tool aims to facilitate early identification and prevention of CKD, which is projected to become one of the top five leading causes of years of life lost by 2040.
Significant Findings from a Large Study
The study analyzed data from over 1.1 million adults in the Stockholm region, representing roughly 80% of the population aged between 40 and 100 years. Researchers utilized nearly seven million eGFR tests collected from 2006 to 2021 to create age- and sex-specific distributions for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the most common measure of kidney function.
Findings revealed that deviations from the median eGFR for age and sex were linked to adverse health outcomes. Individuals with eGFR values below the 25th percentile faced a significantly higher risk of requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Furthermore, the study identified a U-shaped relationship between eGFR percentiles and mortality; both low and high extremes were associated with an increased risk of death.
Addressing Gaps in Awareness
Researchers noted a concerning trend in healthcare awareness regarding kidney function. Among patients with an eGFR above 60 ml/min/1.73 m2—deemed normal—only 25% had undergone additional testing for urinary albumin. This testing is crucial for detecting early signs of kidney damage.
Yuanhang Yang, the study’s first author and a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Clinical Science and Education at Södersjukhuset, explained the inspiration behind the research. “We were inspired by the growth and weight charts used in pediatrics, which intuitively help clinicians identify children at risk of obesity or undergrowth,” Yang stated.
For example, a 55-year-old woman with an eGFR of 80 may not raise any alarms among most clinicians. However, the research indicates this value corresponds to the 10th percentile for women of that age, signifying a three-fold increase in her risk of needing dialysis in the future.
The researchers hope that their web-based calculator, developed by Ph.D. student Antoine Creon, will enable clinicians to better assess patient risk and take proactive measures. By making eGFR distribution charts openly available, the study aims to enhance awareness and foster early intervention in chronic kidney disease management.
The insights from this research highlight the potential for early identification and primary prevention in tackling CKD, an issue that continues to escalate globally. As healthcare systems adapt to these findings, the hope is to reduce the incidence of late-stage kidney disease and improve patient outcomes significantly.
