ASN, NKF express concern about US Preventive Services Task Force research agenda for CKD
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Key takeaways:
- ASN and NKF suggest screenings should include patients at risk and symptomatic for CKD.
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force plan may overstate clinical practice guidelines for hypertension screening.
In a joint statement, the American Society of Nephrology and National Kidney Foundation expressed concern about the United States Preventive Services Task Force final research plan for chronic kidney disease.
ASN and NKF said the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) final research agenda for CKD “continues to focus on screening only of asymptomatic, low-risk individuals.” The organizations wrote that by “examining this issue from such a broad purview, the USPSTF risks overlooking or diluting” potentially supportive evidence that may supply targeted screening approaches for at-risk populations among those with kidney disease.
In May 2022, the USPSTF added screening for CKD to its list of preventive services under active consideration. The NKF and the Coalition for Kidney Health have advocated for the approval of CKD screening since the last time the USPSTF considered it in 2012. In 2020, the two groups nominated CKD for another evaluation, referencing new medications and evidence.
In the statement, the ASN and NKF also expressed concern that the USPSTF may overstate current clinical practice guidelines for screening in hypertensive populations, listing albuminuria testing as optional. According to the joint ASN an NKF statement, approximately 40% of adults with diabetes receive that screening each year.
“Simply put, far too many high-risk individuals, many from historically disadvantaged and marginalized 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 ASN and NKF wrote. “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.”
Reference:
- Joint statement of the American Society of Nephrology and National Kidney Foundation on the USPSTF final research plan for CKD. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/joint-statement-of-the-american-society-of-nephrology-and-national-kidney-foundation-on-the-uspstf-final-research-plan-for-ckd-301880322.html. Published July 19, 2023. Accessed July 19, 2023.
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