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Abstract: FR-PO1141

Implementation of an Albuminuria Screening Program for Early Detection of CKD

Session Information

Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)

  • 2301 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Authors

  • Cordero, Lucia, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de la Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain
  • Garcia-Puente Suarez, Laura, Hospital Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Community of Madrid, Spain
  • Sanchez Hernandez, Rosa, Hospital General de Villalba, Collado Villalba, MD, Spain
  • García, Alicia, Hospital Universitario Infanta Elena, Valdemoro, Community of Madrid, Spain
  • Melo, Albina, Hospital Universitario Infanta Elena, Valdemoro, Community of Madrid, Spain
  • Rodriguez Osorio Jimenez, Laura, Hospital General de Villalba, Collado Villalba, MD, Spain
  • Jiménez Moreno, Beatriz, Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
  • Ortiz, Alberto, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de la Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain

Group or Team Name

  • PREVERENAL.
Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is projected to become the 3rd leading cause of death in Western Europe by 2050. Due to its asymptomatic progression, CKD often remains undiagnosed until advanced stages. The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) is a validated early marker of CKD and a modifiable risk factor for progression. Despite clinical guideline recommendations, uACR is underutilized in routine screening of at-risk populations.

Methods

We implemented a pilot uACR screening program in 4 hospitals. The target population included individuals aged 50–69 years without known CKD. Participants provided a spot urine sample, initially analyzed using a semi-quantitative uACR method. Positive results were confirmed by quantitative testing. Samples with contamination or intermediate albuminuria (30–300 mg/g, A2) were repeated. Confirmed A2 and A3 (>300 mg/g) cases were referred to nephrology for in-person or telehealth evaluation.

Results

In 6 months, 54,807 individuals met inclusion criteria, 8,698 consented to participate, and 3,257 submitted valid urine samples. Of these, 97% had a negative or A1 result (uACR <30 mg/g). 13 individuals tested positive: 7 with confirmed A2 and 6 with A3 albuminuria. Sample repetition was required in 99 cases (69 due to contamination, 31 for A2 confirmation). The cost per semi-quantitative test was €0.20 and €0.36 for the quantitative test. The total program cost was €682.24, with a cost per CKD case identified of €52.48.

Conclusion

uACR screening is a feasible, cost-effective, and non-invasive approach for early detection of CKD. The program did not significantly increase nephrology referrals due to the low positivity rate, but identified patients may benefit from earlier intervention. Increasing public awareness and long-term follow-up will be essential to evaluate the full impact of the program on CKD progression and outcomes.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)