This study analyzed CKD screening practices in a primary care population in Girona Sud, Catalonia, using eGFR and UACR data from electronic health records. The study found a high prevalence of early-stage CKD, especially among patients with diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. While 3% had more advanced CKD, 37% had mildly decreased eGFR. Screening rates were higher in patients with cardiometabolic conditions. Despite available renal-protective medications, their prescription was more common in early CKD, indicating potential underutilization in advanced stages. The findings highlight the need to improve CKD detection and management in primary care settings.

Highlights

* Study assessed CKD screening in Girona Sud primary care using eGFR and UACR.
* 3% had advanced CKD, 37% mild eGFR decrease; albuminuria was mostly normal.
* Screening was higher in diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia patients.
* Renal protective drugs underutilized in advanced CKD, highlighting intervention gaps.

Silent Threat: Unveiling the Hidden Reality of Chronic Kidney Disease

A Call to Action for Primary Care

Imagine a silent disease, creeping through your community, often unnoticed until it’s too late. That’s the reality of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a major global health concern that lurks in the shadows, frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. The numbers are staggering, and the potential consequences are devastating.

We all deserve a future where our kidneys are cared for, where CKD is detected early, and where lives are extended and improved. Let’s delve into a recent study that sheds light on the prevalence and management of CKD within a primary care setting.

The Girona Sud Study: A Snapshot of CKD Screening

Researchers in Girona Sud, Catalonia, recently conducted a crucial study to assess CKD screening practices. Using anonymized electronic health records from primary care centers, they analyzed data from a large population (N=230,922) of active patients aged 15 and over. The study focused on two key indicators of kidney health:

• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
• Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR): This detects protein in your urine, an early sign of kidney damage.

CKD was defined as an eGFR below 60 ml/min/1.73 m² and/or a UACR of 30 mg/g or higher.

The Alarming Reality: Early Stage CKD is Widespread

The study’s findings paint a concerning picture:

• Prevalence: A staggering 37% of the population had mildly decreased eGFR (60–89 ml/min/1.73 m²), indicating early-stage CKD.
• Advanced CKD: 3% were already in more advanced stages of CKD (G3b-G5), facing a significantly higher risk of complications.
• Albuminuria: While most showed normal levels (A1, 89%), 9.4% presented moderate (A2) and 1.8% severe (A3) levels of albuminuria.
• Risk Factors: Screening was more frequent in individuals with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, indicating these conditions are well-recognized risk factors for CKD.

Missed Opportunities: Underutilization of Renal Protective Treatments

The study also highlighted a critical gap in CKD management. Although effective renal protective drugs like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and SGLT2 inhibitors are available, they were mainly prescribed in the early stages of CKD. This suggests:

"There are missed opportunities for timely and optimal intervention in patients with advanced CKD who could benefit significantly from these treatments"

The Urgent Need for Action

These findings underscore the urgent need to optimize CKD detection and management in primary care settings. Early detection is crucial for:

• Slowing Progression: Implementing lifestyle changes and medication can help slow the progression of CKD and prevent further kidney damage.
• Preventing Complications: Early intervention can reduce the risk of serious complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
• Improving Quality of Life: Managing CKD effectively can help patients maintain their quality of life and independence.

Take Control of Your Kidney Health Today!

Don’t let CKD remain a silent threat. Be proactive about your kidney health:

• Talk to your doctor: Discuss your risk factors for CKD and ask about getting screened.
• Know your numbers: Understand your eGFR and UACR results and what they mean for your health.
• Spread the word: Share this information with your loved ones and encourage them to take action.

Let’s work together to raise awareness, improve screening practices, and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need to protect their kidney health.

FAQ

Okay, here are 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on the provided text, designed to cover key aspects of the study:

1. What is the main purpose of this study?

• Answer: The study aims to assess the current practices of screening for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) using eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) and UACR (Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio) in a primary care setting in Girona Sud, Catalonia.

2. Why is this study important?

• Answer: CKD is a significant global health problem, and it’s often underdiagnosed, especially in primary care. This study helps understand the current screening practices and identify areas for improvement in early detection and management of CKD.

3. Who was included in this study?

• Answer: The study included active patients aged 15 years and older with a recorded medical history in primary care centers in Girona Sud.

4. How was CKD defined in this study?

• Answer: CKD was defined as an eGFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m² and/or a UACR of 30 mg/g or greater.

5. What were the main findings of the study regarding the prevalence of CKD?

• Answer: The study found that a significant portion of the population had mildly decreased eGFR (37%), while 3% had more advanced CKD. Most of the population had normal albuminuria (89% A1), but moderate and severe cases were also observed.

6. In which patient groups was CKD screening more common?

• Answer: Screening was more frequent in patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia.

7. What is the significance of eGFR and UACR in CKD?

• Answer: eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood, and UACR (Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio) measures the amount of albumin (a protein) in the urine. Both are key indicators of kidney function and damage, and are used to diagnose and monitor CKD.

8. What did the study find regarding the use of renal protective drugs?

• Answer: Renal protective drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and SGLT2 inhibitors, were mainly prescribed in the early stages of CKD. The study highlights that they are underutilized in advanced stages of CKD.

9. What are ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and SGLT2 inhibitors?

• Answer: ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors), ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers), and SGLT2 inhibitors (Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 inhibitors) are classes of medications that can protect the kidneys from damage and slow the progression of CKD.

10. What are the key implications of the study’s conclusions?

• Answer: The study emphasizes the need to optimize CKD detection and management in primary care settings. The underutilization of renal protective treatments in advanced CKD highlights a missed opportunity to improve patient outcomes through timely intervention.