CKM Syndrome Stage Linked to CKD Odds, But Primary Care Hurdles Remain
New research indicates a strong correlation between advanced cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome stages and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. While clinicians see potential in the CKM framework for early detection, they remain concerned about practical implementation and workflow constraints.
Why it matters
This research could reshape how primary care providers screen for kidney disease, potentially improving early intervention outcomes for patients with metabolic risk factors.
Adults with more advanced cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome had progressively higher odds of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a national US analysis set to be presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2026 in Denver, Colorado. A separate qualitative study at the meeting found that primary care clinicians see promise in the CKM framework for catching CKD earlier but question whether it holds up against current evidence and real-world workflow constraints.1,2
The CKM concept, which was laid out in a 2023 American Heart Association (AHA) presidential advisory, describes the interplay among metabolic risk factors, CKD, and the cardiovascular system and proposes a staging system to promote prevention. Since then, the AHA, American College of Cardiology, American Diabetes Association, and ASN have released an inaugural joint guideline on CKM syndrome, and ASN has issued kidney-specific guidance calling for routine assessment of cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and kidney function.3,4
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