AI Insight
This Lancet Series paper examines biological sex differences in kidney structure and function that contribute to variations in how chronic kidney disease presents, progresses, and responds to treatment between males and females. 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 characteristics, treatment approaches, and recommendations for sex-specific evidence generation and reporting in kidney disease research.
Why it matters
Recognition of sex differences in kidney disease could lead to more personalized treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes if guidelines incorporated sex-specific recommendations. This work highlights a significant gap between scientific understanding and clinical practice that affects how chronic kidney disease is managed in approximately 10% of the global population.
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