Early diagnosis tool for childhood kidney disease: New technique can detect damage to children's kidneys earlier than current tests

Early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is key to managing progression of the disease. A new technique analyzing urine extracellular vesicles (uEVs) -- cell-derived nanoscale spherical structures involved in multiple biological functions -- in urine samples identifies changes in the kidneys earlier than conventional methods and can also predict renal function decline.