New research presented at the Euro-Chapter of the International Union of Angiology has identified the potential for screening early risk factors of chronic kidney disease1 (CKD). There are an estimated 45,000 premature deaths annually associated with the disease2.
The research, a collaboration between Imperial College London and Life Line Screening, collected data from nearly 3,000 Irish and British individuals who had self-selected for cardiovascular check-ups. Blood testing for Creatinine and eGFR (makers for Kidney function) was conducted alongside atherosclerotic carotid arterial disease using ultrasound techniques.
The mean age of the study group was 63.3. Although all considered themselves healthy, 10.5% of the females and 7.1% of the males were diagnosed with eGFR levels < 60, a predictable measure of CKD.
When blood marker readings were compared with a simple ultrasound examination of the carotid artery a clear correlation was established - individuals showing symptoms of carotid artery disease were at 200% greater risk of kidney disease than those with no sign of carotid artery disease.
"Preliminary results of our on-going research establishes the correlation between the presence of plaques in the arteries and the risk of chronic kidney disease," said Dr John Coltart, Medical Director of Life Line Screening.
"CKD leads to thousands of premature deaths each year, diminishes quality of life for many people and represents a significant financial burden for the NHS. A relatively straight-forward blood test could detect risk of chronic kidney disease, a silent, and sadly under-diagnosed killer. It makes the case for the development of relatively simple new strategies for early detection of individuals at higher risk, such as those with carotid artery disease and disease management" said Dr Mohsen Chabok, Clinical Manager for Life Line Screening. If identified early, patients with Mild or Moderate CKD could be monitored by their GPs without ever visiting a hospital. Patients could also take preventive actions by controlling their blood pressure and other risk factors such as Carotid artery disease. CKD leads to a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys become less effective at filtering waste products from blood; water, waste and toxic substances therefore accumulate in the body. A minority of people with CKD suffer complete kidney failure, and require renal replacement therapy (RRT): dialysis or transplant. CKD also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, bone disease and other conditions.
More than 1.8 million people in England have diagnosed chronic kidney disease (CKD), and a further million are estimated to be undiagnosed2.
The NHS in England spent an estimated £1.45 billion on CKD in 2009 - 10, equivalent to £1 in every £77 of NHS expenditure2.