Kidney Screening with Albuminuria Measurement in First-Degree Relatives of Patients with ESRD: Timely Detection to Prevent Chronic Kidney Damage

Background: Albuminuria is an early marker of kidney damage and plays a key role in preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD). First-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have up to twice the risk of developing kidney dysfunction compared to those without a family history. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study, aimed to evaluate the prevalence of albuminuria as a renal risk marker in FDR of patients in Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT). Study conducted at the Hospital Universitario “Dr. José Eleuterio González”, Mty., Mexico. Participants were adults with confirmed FD kinship. Clinical screening included anthropometric measurements, vital signs, and POC device, plus urine collection for quantitative microalbuminuria assessment using the Getein 1100 immunofluorescence analyzer. Albuminuria was defined as ≥20 mg/g. Data were analyzed using Python (v3.13). Results: Among 45 FD relatives of patients in RRT, albuminuria was identified in 10 individuals who were unaware of having markers of kidney damage, representing 22.2% of this population. 15.6% (7) were male and clinical and laboratory parameters are shown in Table 1. Other findings include the prevalence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes was 28.9% (13). Additionally, 20% (9) reported peripheral circulatory disease and 22.2% (10) had a history of proteinuria or hematuria. No significant differences were found between participants with or without elevated albuminuria regarding age, eGFR, blood pressure, creatinine, weight, or other clinical factors (all p > 0.1). The dipstick test showed an overall accuracy of 82%, with a sensitivity of 91% for negative results and 50% for positive results. Conclusion: It is highly relevant to establish the association between FDR and risk factors, as well as to promote screening strategies that help predict the risk of CKD, such as the detection of albuminuria. Funding: Clinical Revenue Support