Researchers from Niigata University have shown that engaging in regular medical examinations can slow or prevent the progression to end stage chronic kidney disease. The study, which appears in the journal Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, underscores how timely health assessments may alter the trajectory of kidney health for many people.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) describes a gradual decline in kidney function over an extended period. In its advanced stages, kidney damage becomes largely irreversible, and the patient may eventually rely on organ transplantation for survival. The new findings highlight that routine health checks can play a meaningful role in reducing the occurrence of the most severe CKD forms by catching issues early and guiding appropriate care.
In carrying out the study, the researchers analyzed five sources of nationwide open health data from Japan. Their analysis revealed that consistent participation in preventive health examinations was associated with a noticeable decrease in the prevalence of end stage CKD among the general population. This improvement aligns with a broader trend of more nephrologists specializing in advanced kidney disease, which helps ensure that patients with CKD receive timely, expert management at every stage.
Further corroborating these insights, another line of research has found that men who did not attend medical appointments or fail to undergo kidney function testing—such as urine dipstick tests or hospital-based measurements of blood creatinine—tended to have higher serum creatinine levels. Elevated creatinine is a marker of reduced filtration capacity in the kidneys and corresponds to a higher risk of progressing to end stage CKD. The consistency across studies strengthens the case for routine screening as a critical component of kidney health maintenance.
These findings emphasize a practical public health message: regular health checks can be a proactive step in preserving kidney function. They also reflect the evolving healthcare landscape, where primary care teams, nephrologists, and laboratory services work more closely together to identify risk factors early and tailor interventions to individuals. Since early detection often leads to more effective management, patients who participate in periodic screening may benefit from lifestyle advice, medication adjustments, and targeted monitoring to slow disease progression. Credit: Niigata University and Clinical and Experimental Nephrology.