Project R-15541

Transforming cardiorenal care: albuminuria screening for early disease detection and personalized treatment optimization (Research)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are major global health challenges that frequently coexist as part of the cardiorenal syndrome. The presence of albumin in the urine (i.e. albuminuria), a key biomarker of cardiorenal disease, predicts both CKD progression and adverse CVD events. Despite strong evidence supporting its role in diagnosis and risk stratification, albuminuria screening remains underutilized, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Moreover, the presence of albuminuria has therapeutic implications with the availability of novel cardiorenal protective therapies, yet they are insufficiently used because of ignorance or clinical inertia. This project aims to address these gaps by investigating the role of albuminuria in personalized risk stratification and by exploring population-based strategies for treatment optimization. Through retrospective analyses, prospective studies, and a randomized trial, we will evaluate the impact of systematic albuminuria testing in high-risk patients and the general population. Furthermore, we will assess novel strategies to enhance the uptake of reno- and cardioprotective interventions, including remote treatment optimization and patient education. By integrating albuminuria into routine screening and treatment protocols, this research aims to shift the paradigm from late-stage intervention to early disease prevention, ultimately reducing the burden of cardiorenal disease.

01 October 2024 - 30 September 2028