Moving Towards Precision Care for Chronic Kidney Disease
26 Dec 2025
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, affects millions of people around the world. Some people with CKD lose kidney function quickly. Others stay stable for many years with simple treatment.
Doctors often find it hard to predict how fast CKD will worsen. Early diagnosis does not always show who is at high risk. This makes treatment decisions more difficult.
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health have made an important discovery. They found a protein in urine that may help predict CKD progression earlier and more accurately.
Why Kidney Damage Often Follows the Same Path
CKD can be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or immune diseases like lupus. Once kidney damage reaches a certain level, it often follows a similar path of decline. Finding this point early is key to better care.
Researchers studied kidney samples from people with CKD in different countries. They looked at how genes worked in relation to kidney function. This helped them identify important markers of disease progression.
The Role of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
One key protein stood out. It is called epidermal growth factor, or EGF. EGF is made in kidney tubules and helps repair kidney tissue after injury.
A Simple Urine Test
Researchers found that EGF levels in urine reflect kidney health. People with low EGF levels were more likely to have worsening kidney function. This makes EGF a promising early warning sign.
In the future, a simple urine test may help doctors identify people who need closer care. It could also help start treatment earlier and slow kidney damage.
Looking Ahead
More research is needed in larger groups, including people with diabetes. Even so, these findings are encouraging. They show how personalised care can improve outcomes for people with chronic kidney disease.
