The global burden of CKD remains a major public health problem as the worldwide prevalence is currently estimated at 7.2% to 13.4%. Although it is well established that proper management and treatment of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes are effective in slowing CKD progression and associated CVD risks, adverse outcomes for patients with CKD remain high.

Given the importance of integrated coordinated care for CKD patients, this KDIGO conference gathered a global panel of multidisciplinary clinical and scientific expertise to identify key issues relevant to the optimal detection and management of early CKD in order to slow or delay its progression and complications. The goal of this KDIGO conference was to identify best practices and areas of uncertainties, review key relevant literature, address ongoing controversial issues, and outline a research agenda to bolster the evidence base to develop and support effective strategies for early detection and intervention of CKD as a means to reduce the population burden of this disease.

Drs. Michael G. Shlipak (Kidney Health Research Collaborative, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, USA) and Sophia Zoungas (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia) co-chaired this conference.

KDIGO and the ISN have also collaborated on a series of tools for CKD early identification and intervention aimed at kidney health professionals, primary care physicians and nurses working in primary care settings. Discover and access these tools here.

For additional information on the importance of diagnosing CKD early, visit www.diagnose-ckd.com.