In healthcare, what we measure shapes how we predict outcomes and intervene. For kidney health, traditional tools like estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) provide only a partial picture. Relying solely on eGFR is like judging heart health with a resting heart rate -it misses how the organ responds under stress.
Cardiologists use dynamic stress tests to reveal hidden risks and guide treatment. Similarly, kidneys face physiological stress during surgery, severe illness, or even after a large meal. Without a way to measure this adaptability, early signs of trouble can go unnoticed, allowing damage to progress until a patient lands in the emergency room.
This is where the concept of renal function reserve (RFR) becomes critical. RFR is a measure of the kidney’s "hidden strength" - its ability to increase performance when the body demands it most. In healthy individuals, this reserve ensures the body remains balanced during periods of stress. However, in vulnerable patients, such as those with diabetes or hypertension, a depleted reserve can lead to severe complications, including volume overload, longer hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs.
In 2022 alone, over 131,000 Americans were diagnosed with kidney failure, with many of these cases preceded by hospitalizations. Earlier detection of a depleted RFR could have changed these outcomes.
The future of kidney care lies in dynamic monitoring, education, and innovation. By measuring and supporting the kidneys' full reserve, we can shift the focus of kidney care from crisis management to prevention, recovery, and resilience.
About the Author: John Erbey, CEO of Roivios®, has over 25 years of leadership in kidney health innovation. His research and vision have driven advancements in kidney care, focusing on solutions that sustain and enhance kidney function.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
For more information contact:
Kelly Krueger
E: kelly@kpr-health.com
W: www.roivios.com
