Groundbreaking Chronic Kidney Disease Review Published in New England Journal of Medicine

Sheba Medical Center’s Prof. Asaf Vivante Advises Physicians on Contribution of Genetic Diseases to Chronic Kidney Disease to Advance Diagnostics and Treatment 

Ramat Gan, Israel – August 19, 2024 – Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest medical center and a Newsweek ranked world’s best hospital for the last six years, announced today the publication of a new review article exploring the genetic basis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The review, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, and authored by Prof. Asaf Vivante, Head of the Department of Pediatrics B and the Genetic Kidney Disease Research Laboratory at Sheba Medical Center, provides physicians with a foundational understanding of the contribution of genetic diseases to CKD among children and adults. The review explores the latest advances in CKD genetic diagnosis and management and the contribution of variants that confer a substantial risk of progressive CKD. 

Chronic kidney disease affects more than 800 million people worldwide, yet many of the causes of CKD are difficult to identify through traditional clinical diagnostics. Furthermore, it is estimated that 30-50% of CKD cases among children and 10-20% among adults can be explained through monogenic disorders. As a result, it is recommended that patients with CKD should be referred for genetic consultation and testing when indicated. 

“Research into chronic kidney disease genetics has significantly advanced over the last few decades. Today physicians can provide a genetic-molecular diagnosis, establishing a precise cause for the disease and allowing personalized monitoring and treatment accompanied by genetic counselling,” said Prof. Asaf Vivante. “My hope is that physicians will use this review article to learn more about the current state of chronic kidney disease research and enable patients to access the latest advances in genetic-based diagnosis and treatment.”

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