Research shows Gendius’ models can identify high risk patients
Newly published research shows that Gendius’ models can identify which people with diabetes are at high risk of renal impairment
Research published in the Future of Healthcare Journal shows that models developed by UK healthtech startup Gendius can determine which patients with type 2 diabetes are at a high risk of renal impairment, allowing healthcare systems to prioritise the highest risk patients. The results of the study show that it is possible to reduce Chronic Kidney Disease screening by 46.3%, whilst still detecting over 80% of those with abnormal kidney function using Gendius’ models.
People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and it is recommended that they undergo annual screening. Gendius’ predictive models could help to highlight those patients at the highest risk of having an abnormal CKD screening result, so that they can be prioritised for screening. This is particularly important in healthcare systems where screening resources are limited, especially with rapidly rising numbers of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes worldwide.
Dr Camilla Sammut-Powell, Senior Data Scientist at Gendius, said, “We worked closely with clinical experts to determine the model inputs and considered what might be available to a clinician when applying the model. We developed two versions of the model for each marker of kidney function: a minimum-resource model containing only information available at a face-to-face encounter and a second version, encompassing additional information from laboratory test results available from the health record.
“For one of the markers, the minimum-resource model showed a 86.3% improvement, meaning that we could reduce the testing population by 46.3% whilst still detecting over 80% of those with abnormal kidney function. This is extremely promising for lower-to-middle income countries where laboratory test information may be lacking.”
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure both in the UK and across the world and is responsible for about a third of people needing dialysis or a pre-emptive kidney transplant[1]. Early diagnosis and identifying risk factors is key; if CKD is recognised early, its progression can be effectively slowed down[2]. However, CKD is usually asymptomatic until it has progressed, making early intervention difficult without regular screening.
Rory Cameron, Gendius CEO, commented, “Our models can be used in two ways as part of a screening programme: where resources are limited, it can be used to reduce the screening population; or, if there is enough resource to screen everyone, it can be used to make sure those at a higher risk are screened first. Prioritising patients could result in earlier identification of CKD, enabling clinicians to intervene early to preserve kidney function.”
Gendius will be presenting further details on its chronic kidney disease pre-screening models at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference in September 2022.
[1] https://www.kidneycareuk.org/about-kidney-health/conditions/diabetes/
[2] https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/resources/shared-practice/kidney-care
Gendius presents at European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference
Gendius presents validation of Chronic Kidney Disease pre-screening models at European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference
UK diabetes technology start-up Gendius has presented the latest research on its pre-screening models for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) risk at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference in Stockholm. The research focuses on Gendius’ validation of models Gendius has developed to predict which people with type 2 diabetes are likely to be experiencing abnormal kidney function.
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure both in the UK and across the world, and is responsible for about a third of people needing dialysis or a pre-emptive kidney transplant[1]. Early diagnosis and identifying risk factors is key; if CKD is recognised early, its progression can be effectively slowed down[2]. Regular screening is recommended within diabetic populations to identify and manage undiagnosed CKD, but many patients do not attend the recommended number of screenings or regular testing may not be accessible.
Gendius has already combined UK general practice data with clinical and statistical expertise to predict which people with type 2 diabetes are likely to be experiencing abnormal kidney function[3]. The models have also been validated in a 3-year observational DISCOVER data study (covering 37 countries in 6 regions globally) and the AstraZeneca TakeCaReofMe programme data (5 countries). The models were shown to be applicable and relevant within global populations, demonstrating that it is possible to provide targeted screening when resources or care access are limited, as observed during the pandemic.
Gendius CEO, Rory Cameron, commented, “It is exciting to be able to share these promising results at a leading European diabetes conference. Our hope is that our models could be used to better target chronic kidney disease screening within people living with type-2 diabetes, especially in low- and middle-income countries where screening resources are more limited. Gendius is really leading the way in a personalised risk prediction approach to managing diabetes, and we see this as the future of chronic disease management.”
Susana Goncalves, CVRM Medical Director, AstraZeneca International, said, “We are very happy to have been able to establish the innovation partnership with Gendius to work towards increasing early diagnosis for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), one of our key priority areas. The findings presented at the EASD conference suggest that Gendius’ cutting-edge affordable and sustainable technology could enable a far more targeted and cost efficient approach to screening people with diabetes for CKD.”
She continued., “Validating the algorithm through AstraZeneca’s global DISCOVER registry, which was created to collect real-world clinical data on T2D patient characteristics, disease management, healthcare utilisation, quality of care and outcomes, gives this algorithm an incredibly strong evidence base, and we look forward to being part of its future development.”
Gendius will be presenting further details on its chronic kidney disease pre-screening models at the American Society of Nephrology’s (ASN) Kidney Week conference in November 2022.
[1] https://www.kidneycareuk.org/about-kidney-health/conditions/diabetes/
[2] https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/resources/shared-practice/kidney-care
[3] https://www.rcpjournals.org/content/futurehosp/early/2022/08/25/fhj.2022-0020
