The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and the US National Kidney Foundation (NKF) have expressed concern that the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Final Research Agenda for chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening “continues to focus on screening only of asymptomatic, low-risk individuals” in a press release.
“By examining this issue from such a broad purview”, it states, “the USPSTF risks overlooking or diluting the significant evidence that supports screening for at-risk populations.”
The organisations also say they are concerned that the USPSTF overstates current clinical practice guidelines for screening in hypertensive populations, which list albuminuria testing as optional. They add that only approximately 40% of adults with diabetes receive albuminuria screening each year, illustrating the “urgent need” to evaluate benefits of screening among adults with diabetes, for whom annual albuminuria testing is recommended by clinical practice guidelines.
“Far too many high-risk individuals, many from historically disadvantaged and marginalised groups with burdensome social determinants of health and limited or inconsistent access to quality health care, have undiagnosed CKD and therefore are untreated for their elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and death,” the release adds.
“While we are confident that the evidence will ultimately demonstrate the value of CKD screening, we urge USPSTF to expand its approach so that we can have a greater impact on increasing diagnosis of those with, or at most at risk for CKD.”
