Private MD News

New test predicts worsening of condition in kidney disease patients

Category: Kidney Diseases

Individuals who have received unhealthy kidney test results are at risk for a number of complications, including kidney failure, heart disease and death. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Colorado has developed a blood test that may predict the odds that a person with impaired renal function will develop these complications.

"This discovery allows us to predict at-risk patients before they require dialysis," said lead investigator Michel Chonchol, MD. "That's critical because approximately 23 percent of patients on dialysis die in the first year."

In the study, researchers found that patients with kidney disease who had higher levels of the hormone fibroblast growth factor were more likely to experience a rapid deterioration of kidney function. This predicted their risk of requiring dialysis, developing heart disease or dying.

The measure may give doctors more advanced warning compared to current testing procedures. This could enable doctors to make lifestyle recommendations to the patient that might allow them to avoid a worsening of their condition.

Chonchol added that diet and exercise are the best ways for individuals with early-stage kidney disease to stay off dialysis.