Care Processes and Clinical Responses to Newly Detected Albuminuria: The Stockholm Creatinine Measurements (SCREAM) Project

Early signs of kidney damage, such as albuminuria (protein in the urine) may not always lead to the appropriate clinical follow-up that is recommended in clinical practice guidelines. This study characterized how patients with albuminuria were managed in Stockholm's health care environment. Between 2010 and 2021, 215,035 adults had elevated albuminuria detected for the first time, but many did not receive the recommended follow-up care, including a confirmation test, referral to a nephrologist when indicated, or initiation of kidney-protective medications. This study highlights the need for better strategies to improve care for individuals with albuminuria, ensuring earlier intervention that may prevent more severe health consequences of early indications of kidney damage.