Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 15: A simple blood or urine test could soon help doctors better predict how chronic kidney disease (CKD) will progress, thanks to a new study by researchers at The University of Manchester. The findings, published in the American Journal of Nephrology on Friday, identified key biological signals linked to the severity and outcome of the disease.

The team found that higher levels of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) — a specific marker of kidney damage — in blood and urine were strongly associated with increased risks of mortality and kidney failure. In their analysis, KIM-1 was measured in 2,581 patients with non-dialysis CKD across 16 nephrology centres in the UK.

Last month, the researchers examined 21 other biological markers in 2,884 patients, focusing on kidney damage, fibrosis, inflammation, and heart disease. Unlike routine kidney tests, these indicators reveal the underlying biological changes driving CKD, paving the way for more targeted treatments.

“The progression of chronic kidney disease is highly variable between people, so it’s difficult to predict who will deteriorate rapidly,” said lead author Dr Thomas McDonnell. “Our work raises the prospect of developing simple blood or urine tests that provide doctors and patients with invaluable risk assessments.”

Researchers believe the new models, which align closely with biological processes in CKD, could enable personalised treatment plans. High-risk patients could receive earlier interventions and specialist care, while low-risk patients could be spared unnecessary treatments.

By revealing these hidden drivers of CKD, the discovery offers fresh hope for earlier diagnosis, better risk prediction, and potentially, more effective treatment strategies.