ISN Journal summaries on anemia in CKD and urine dipstick testing
Kidney International®
The KDIGO 2026 guideline updates the management of anemia in CKD in light of new evidence and emerging therapies since the 2012 update.
It provides evidence-based recommendations on diagnosis and treatment, including iron therapy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, hypoxia-inducible factor–prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors, and transfusion practices.
Developed using systematic reviews and the GRADE approach, the guideline highlights evidence gaps and remaining controversies, offering a globally relevant framework to support informed, consistent, and patient-centered anemia care in CKD.
Kidney International Reports®
CKD affects nearly 850 million people worldwide, and early detection is crucial to prevent progression and reduce healthcare costs.
Urine dipstick testing offers a low-cost, rapid, point-of-care screening method, but sensitivity is limited for early disease, and results can be affected by urine factors and test interpretation.
Innovations such as machine learning and AI-enhanced smartphone systems improve accuracy and could expand early CKD detection, particularly in low-resource settings where timely treatment can save lives.
