Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about 37 million people in the United States and approximately 90% do not even know they have it (National Kidney Foundation). Despite its global relevance, we still have no cure for it and its treatment usually consists of managing the symptoms to slow down the progress of the disease. However, a new discovery may have changed these odds. Scientists from The University of Manchester and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust have made a big discovery that could change how we treat CKD. They have found new ways to predict how the disease will get worse, which could lead to a simple blood or urine test for patients. In a recent study published in the American Journal of Nephrology, researchers found that a special marker called Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) can predict a patient's risk of both kidney failure and death. This is the first time these two factors have been measured together, giving doctors a much better understanding of a patient's overall risk. What Is Chronic Kidney Disease? Your kidneys are vital organs that do many important jobs to keep your body healthy. They act like a filter, removing waste and extra water. They also help control your blood pressure, keep your bones healthy, and help your body make red blood cells. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when your kidneys are damaged over a long period (at least three months) and can't do these important jobs well. Because it develops slowly, CKD also raises your risk of other health problems, like heart disease and stroke. Doctors divide CKD into five stages to help guide treatment.What Makes This Discovery So Important? Right now, doctors find it hard to predict how CKD will progress because it can be very different for each person. One patient's condition might stay stable for years, while another's might suddenly get worse. The standard tests used today don’t give a full picture, often missing important clues like inflammation. This means patients with the same disease stage often get the same treatment, even if their risk levels are completely different. This new research helps doctors see the "hidden drivers" of the diseasey—the actual biological changes happening inside the body. Dr. Thomas McDonnell, the lead researcher, said that these findings could lead to a more personalized approach to care.How This Could Help Patients With this new information, doctors would be able to: Help high-risk patients sooner Doctors could identify patients who are most likely to get worse and start more aggressive treatments earlier, which could make a big difference in their health. Avoid unnecessary treatments For patients at a low risk, doctors could prevent them from getting over-treated, which means fewer medical appointments and less stress. Living with CKD can be tough, but this new discovery offers hope for better, more targeted care. By giving doctors a clearer look at each patient's individual risk, it could help people with chronic kidney disease live more active and fulfilling lives.What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of CKD? Many people with CKD don't notice any symptoms until the disease is in its later stages. When symptoms do appear, they can include: Foamy urine, or urinating more or less often than usualItchy, dry skinFeeling very tiredNausea or loss of appetiteWeight loss without tryingIn more advanced stages of CKD, you might also experience: Trouble thinking clearlySwelling or numbness in your arms, legs, or feetAchy muscles or crampsShortness of breathVomitingTrouble sleepingBreath that smells like ammonia (or a "fishy" smell)
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