Persistent hematuria associated with strong risks of chronic kidney disease

Data recently published in the American Journal of Kidney Disease (AJKD) from a large South Korean cohort show a five-fold increased risk of incident CKD for adults with persistent hematuria compared to those with no hematuria, but associations were significantly stronger in men than women.

Hematuria, which refers to the presence of blood in the urine, has been reported to be associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship between hematuria that persists over time and kidney function is not clear.

In this large study consisting of relatively young and healthy Korean adults, researchers investigated the association between episodes of microscopic hematuria and the development of CKD. They found that microscopic hematuria, especially when persistent, was associated with worse kidney function. These associations were stronger in men than women, but were readily apparent in both sex groups.

The study suggests that individuals with prolonged hematuria should be monitored, and that they may be candidates for early preventive strategies to decrease the risk of subsequent CKD.