Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 20, 2026

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats
05:34

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats

Published on: April 4, 2025

1.8K

Genetic testing in chronic kidney disease of uneXplained cause (CKDx): clinical insights and evolving diagnostic

Jan Halbritter1, Matias Simons2

  • 1Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care Charitéplatz 1 10117 Berlin Germany.

Medizinische Genetik : Mitteilungsblatt Des Berufsverbandes Medizinische Genetik E.V
|February 19, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Chronic kidney disease of unexplained cause (CKDx) is a newly proposed diagnosis for patients lacking a clear etiology. Genetic testing is a key diagnostic tool for CKDx, with rapidly advancing methodologies.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Genetics
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health challenge with varied causes.
  • A subset of CKD patients lack a defined etiology despite thorough investigation.
  • Chronic kidney disease of unexplained cause (CKDx) is a recently proposed term for this subgroup.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and define the concept of CKDx.
  • To highlight the importance of genetic testing in diagnosing CKDx.
  • To acknowledge advancements in genetic testing methodologies.

Main Methods:

  • Extensive diagnostic evaluation for CKD patients.
  • Identification of patients without a clear underlying cause.
  • Focus on genetic testing as a primary diagnostic approach for CKDx.

Main Results:

  • A specific patient subgroup with unexplained CKD has been identified.
  • The term CKDx has been proposed for this subgroup.
  • Genetic testing is recognized as a crucial component in the workup of CKDx.

Conclusions:

  • CKDx represents a distinct clinical entity within chronic kidney disease.
  • Advances in genetic testing are pivotal for diagnosing CKDx.
  • Further research into the genetic underpinnings of CKDx is warranted.

More Related Videos

Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring07:35

Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring

Published on: June 23, 2015

12.0K
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice10:31

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice

Published on: May 2, 2025

746

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
495
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
808
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
730
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
359
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of...
427
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document...
263