Italy discusses chronic kidney disease screening and nutrition

At a press conference held at the Italian Chamber of Deputies, institutional representatives, scientific societies, and patient associations met to discuss chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the sustainability of the National Health Service.

Deputy Erik Umberto Pretto introduced a parliamentary resolution aimed at implementing a national screening program within two years. The proposal seeks to involve general practitioners and citizens to identify at-risk individuals through glomerular filtration and microalbuminuria tests, aiming to prevent the progression of the disease to dialysis.

Medical experts, including Luca De Nicola, president of the Italian Society of Nephrology, emphasized the importance of nutritional management. Discussions focused on the use of low-protein diets combined with ketoanalogues to maintain nutritional status while reducing nitrogen load as kidney function declines. Giuseppe Vanacore, president of ANED, also highlighted the critical role of primary care physicians in early diagnosis and nutritional intervention.