Lower Bilirubin Levels Linked to Faster Kidney Function Decline: New Study

What is it about?

The study evaluated the association between bilirubin levels and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The researchers analyzed data from a well-controlled clinical trial and a large dataset of primary care electronic health records, both from racially diverse populations. They examined the impact of bilirubin levels on CKD progression in patients with varying risks of developing the condition.

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Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The study found that lower bilirubin levels were associated with faster kidney function decline independent of hemoglobin levels and other confounding factors. This suggests that bilirubin levels may be a useful indicator for monitoring kidney health in patients, particularly those with diabetes. The findings could have significant implications for identifying CKD patients early and selecting appropriate treatments to slow or prevent disease progression.