Trends in nephrology: cardiovascular kidney-metabolic syndrome

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic disease research

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and obesity often coexist, sharing mechanisms and leading to poor outcomes.
• The cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome integrates cardiorenal and metabolic syndromes to address these interconnected conditions.
• CKM syndrome staging (0-4) aids disease progression tracking and risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and define the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome as a unified concept.
• To emphasize the importance of life-course screening for early detection of metabolic and kidney abnormalities.
• To highlight the potential of early intervention in slowing CKD progression and reducing long-term complications.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing knowledge on the interplay between cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases.
• Proposal of a staging system (0-4) for CKM syndrome.
• Emphasis on early identification of albuminuria and reduced kidney function.

Main Results:

• CKM syndrome provides a framework for understanding and managing interconnected chronic diseases.
• Early detection of abnormalities, even in youth, can significantly impact CKD progression.
• Development of risk prediction tools is crucial for guiding therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

• CKM syndrome offers a new paradigm for interdisciplinary care, involving nephrologists and other specialists.
• Dedicated CKM coordinators can enhance collaboration and improve patient outcomes.
• Implementing a CKM care model can reduce the global burden of these interconnected diseases.