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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition that is often referred to as an invisible threat because it can develop for years without obvious symptoms. The disease is a growing global health challenge, ranking as the ninth leading cause of death today. An estimated 9 out of 10 people with CKD don't know they have it, with many receiving a diagnosis only after their kidneys have been severely damaged and dialysis or a transplant becomes necessary.
Researchers believe many cases could be diagnosed sooner through routine screening, allowing treatment to begin before irreversible damage occurs. Because symptoms often don't appear until up to 90% of kidney function has been lost, annual kidney health checks are recommended for people at increased risk, including those living with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Simple, low-cost screening tests can identify chronic kidney disease in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. A combination of blood and urine tests, together with blood pressure monitoring, can detect kidney damage before symptoms develop. In particular, a routine urine test can detect elevated protein levels, which are often among the first signs of declining kidney function.
Too few cases of chronic kidney disease are being detected early, causing many people to miss the opportunity to slow or even prevent progression to kidney failure. Once the disease reaches its later stages, dialysis or a kidney transplant may become necessary. A delayed diagnosis can have life-altering consequences, limiting a person's ability to work, care for their family, and maintain their quality of life while also shortening life expectancy.
Early detection of CKD depends largely on regular screening for people at increased risk. Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure are encouraged to have an annual kidney health check, while obesity, smoking, a family history of kidney or heart disease, and previous kidney injury can also raise the risk of developing CKD.
Given the global burden of chronic kidney disease, broader implementation of routine screening could substantially improve early detection and treatment. In addition to slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes, earlier intervention may reduce demand for dialysis, transplantation, and other resource-intensive healthcare services.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Advances in the diagnosis and detection of chronic kidney disease
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