Onsite Multiplex Device for Early Prediction of Kidney Damage
Kadamb Patel,
Program Manager,
Temasek Polytechnic
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex, increasingly common syndrome, the diagnostics and treatments for which have remained essentially unchanged for decades. AKI previously known as acute renal failure is characterized by a sudden decline in glomerular filtration rate associated with the retention of nitrogenous waste products and disturbances in fluid, electrolyte, and acid– base balance. AKI accounts for at least 3%–4% of all hospitalizations and may be a contributing factor in more than one third of all admissions, at a cost of about $10 billion annually.
Two serum biomarkers, serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are commonly used to detect kidney toxicity in preclinical and clinical studies as well as in routine clinical care lacks sensitivity and specificity to diagnose AKI promptly. Recently several alternatives to SCr and BUN have been proposed in response to the urgent need for biomarkers that predict human nephrotoxicity in preclinical studies to allow more timely diagnosis of AKI in humans and ideally localize the injury to a specific nephron site.
We have developed simple, point of care paper based multiplex device for early prediction of kidney damage. We selected biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity, which can be used for early prediction of AKI Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). These are noninvasive markers usually found in urine. Urinary Kim-1 is the first injury biomarker of kidney toxicity qualified by the FDA and EMEA.
We anticipate that our device will ultimately simplify and reduce the cost of detection and monitoring progression of kidney disorders and help to detect kidney damage early. It will have major impact on healthcare management. Clinicians can have instant results within their premises and can make inform decisions to tailor the drug therapy required It also helps patients to save valuable time and money. It can also be used as home testing for li
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