Non-invasive test can identify kidney disease
A team of researchers used a urine test to identify patients at risk of kidney disease. A protein in urine called the epidermal growth factor is used to measure whether the patient is risk of end-stage kidney disease, wherein kidneys can no longer remove waste.
The research, published in Science Translational Medicine, linked decreased epidermal growth factor levels in urine to worsening kidney disease. In fact, patients with low urinary epidermal growth factor were four times more likely to worsen than those who retained epidermal growth factor function in their kidneys.
Together with the European Renal cDNA Bank and the Joint Institute for Translational and Clinical Research (a collaboration between Peking University Health Sciences Center and U-M), the University of Michigan team found a simple, new test to identify one of the nation’s fastest growing chronic illnesses.
“Urinary epidermal growth factor can help patients in two very important ways,” says lead researcher Matthias Kretzler, M.D., “First, in clinical practice, it could be used to prioritize care to those patients most at risk of losing their kidney function.”
“Second and more immediately, using urinary epidermal growth factor levels will improve and speed up clinical trials,” he adds. “Enrolling only those likely to develop specific disease endpoints can reduce the number of people needing study and ensure the trial achieves an optimal mix of patients.”
The researchers note urinary epidermal growth factor has the potential to reduce trial costs by as much as 75 percent, as well as shorten the time until a medicine is widely available to all patients.
People with early-stage chronic kidney disease tend to not notice any symptoms. Once detected, chronic kidney disease can be treated with medicines and lifestyle changes, including healthier food and beverage choices. These treatments usually decrease the rate at which chronic kidney disease worsens, but cannot prevent progression.
“Understanding which patients are at risk for severe chronic kidney disease can lead to earlier and more effective treatments, thus preserving kidney function and helping patients lead longer and healthier lives,” Kretzler says.
Category: Features, Technology & Devices
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