Brazil study warns of chronic kidney disease underdiagnosis

A study conducted by the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR) warns of significant underdiagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Brazil. While the Brazilian Society of Nephrology estimates that CKD affects over 20 million people—approximately 10% of the population—researchers suggest the actual number may be much higher due to failures in early detection.

Analyzing data from more than 14,000 individuals, the study found that the combination of two essential screening tests—blood creatinine and urine albuminuria—is rarely requested in clinical practice. Specifically, less than 5% of patients who underwent creatinine testing also had an albuminuria test ordered. Even following national awareness campaigns, the rate of complete screening remained below 7%.

This lack of comprehensive testing prevents the identification of kidney function loss in its early, asymptomatic stages, which is critical for interventions that can delay or prevent the need for dialysis. The World Health Organization projects that CKD will become the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2040. High-risk groups identified for intensified monitoring include individuals with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and a family history of renal or cardiovascular issues.