AI Insight
This Lancet Series paper examines biological sex differences in kidney structure and function that lead to variations in how chronic kidney disease presents, progresses, and responds to treatment between males and females. The authors highlight that despite documented sex-based heterogeneity in disease outcomes and therapeutic responses, current clinical treatment guidelines do not account for these differences. The paper provides a comprehensive review spanning biological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, treatment approaches, and recommendations for improving evidence generation and reporting in kidney disease research.
Why it matters
Recognition of sex-specific differences in kidney disease could lead to more personalized treatment approaches and improved patient outcomes. Incorporating sex as a biological variable in clinical guidelines and research design may help address disparities in care and optimize therapeutic strategies for both male and female patients with chronic kidney disease.
Biological differences exist between males and females in kidney structure and function, leading to sex heterogeneity in the presentation and outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and response to novel therapeutics. However, treatment guidelines ignore sex-specific differences. This Series paper provides an integrated discussion of the complexity of sex differences in the context of kidney health and disease, from biology through clinical characteristics, treatment, evidence generation, and reporting.
Source: [Series] Advances in understanding the impact of sex on kidney health and disease