Levels of a certain protein may help predict kidney disease: Research

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Wednesday 21 Oct 2015 - 12:48 Makkah mean time-8-1-1437 (Image from Shutterstock) Rochester, (IINA) - A new research revealed that levels of a certain protein in the blood, which is used to look for heart damage, may also be a useful as an early indicator of kidney disease, UPI reported citing Mayo Clinic. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that about a third of adults in the US have hypertension, stating that hypertension and high blood pressure are considered a major risk factor for kidney disease. The research says that a biomarker indicating the potential for developing a kidney disease means that people could be diagnosed and treated earlier. According to Nephrology and Hypertension physician LaTonya Hickson, "Early intervention and treatment can be key to stopping kidney disease progression and, potentially, preventable death events". He added: "This study demonstrates for physicians everywhere that we are getting closer to accurately predicting future disease and death by examining this one marker. This is important, because, as with many diseases, accurate, early detection means we can more quickly recognize and efficiently treat the disease before it fully manifests, potentially improving a patient's quality and quantity of life". Researchers followed 3,050 people from 1996 to 2010, measuring the rate of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in their blood as an indicator for end-stage renal failure. An average of 10 years after their first exam, participants with a higher concentration of cTnT had a higher incidence of death with 47 percent while those with normal cTnT levels were at 7.3 percent. About 27 percent of participants with a higher level of cTnT had end-stage kidney failure, compared to 1.3 percent of people with normal levels. Researchers stated that further research is needed to confirm the accuracy of using cTnT levels as a standard measure for end-stage renal disease, as well as whether all patients with hypertension should be screened. AG/IINA