Software predicts kidney disease risk

A study of the Qkidney risk algorithm has shown that it is highly accurate in identifying patients most under threat. The Qkidney risk calculator will allow doctors to decide which patients need testing for the disease or could benefit from assessment, closer monitoring or intervention to reduce their risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant cause of disease and mortality. It is associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, as well as from End Stage Kidney Failure, which can require dialysis or transplantation.

While the prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease is a key component of the Department of Health NHS Health Checks programme, previously there have been no tools able to identify systematically patients at high risk of moderate or severe Chronic Kidney Disease.

Julia Hippisley-Cox, professor of Clinical Epidemiology, and Carol Coupland, associate professor in medical statistics at Nottingham University, in collaboration with Clinrisk, developed the software to help predict which patients need more detailed assessment, closer monitoring or interventions.