Cardiology insights into the role of urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) in risk stratification

Description

Kidney disease remains underdiagnosed, despite its strong association with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Clinicians frequently encounter gaps in recognizing early CKD, interpreting proteinuria and uACR values, and applying guideline directed therapies that slow progression and reduce cardiovascular risk. There is a demonstrated educational need for improved competency in identifying CKD using both eGFR and albuminuria, understanding the prognostic significance of proteinuria, and implementing evidence based interventions.

This webinar addresses current CKD definitions, clarifying the clinical interpretation of uACR thresholds, and outlining the four pillars of CKD management within the context of cardiovascular risk reduction. Participants will gain practical, up to date strategies to enhance early detection, optimize treatment, and improve long term patient outcomes.

Target audience

This activity is designed for physicians, lab supervisors, lab directors (and/or assistant directors), lab managers (supervisory and/or non-supervisory), medical technologists, point-of-care coordinators, primary health care (internal medicine and family practice), nephrologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, physicians, diabetes educators, and other laboratory professionals overseeing/conducting within this topic.

Learning objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the clinical intersection and burden of cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes, CKD, and heart failure.
• Explain the biological and clinical role of natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponins in assessing cardiovascular and heart failure risk, with a focus on patients with diabetes.
• Discuss real-world evidence and guideline perspectives on incorporating biomarker testing into clinical workflows, with an emphasis on risk assessment and follow-up strategies in patients with diabetes.

Faculty

James L. Januzzi, MD
Chief Scientific Officer
Baim Institute for Clinical Research
Boston, Massachusetts

Disclosures and statement of independence

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine is dedicated to ensuring balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. All participating planning committee members and faculty are required to disclose to the program audience any financial relationships related to the subject matter of this program. Disclosure information is reviewed in advance in order to manage and resolve any possible conflicts of interest. The intent of this disclosure is to provide participants with information on which they can make their own judgments.

The following faculty reported no financial relationships:

• James L. Januzzi, MD

Content validity

All recommendations involving clinical medicine are based on evidence accepted within the profession of medicine as adequate justification for their indications and contraindications in the care of patients; AND/OR all scientific research referred to or reported in support or justification of a patient care recommendation conforms to generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Accreditation statement

This activity will be submitted for 1.0 ACCENT continuing education credits.

Successful completion statement

Verification of Participation certificates are provided to registered participants based on completion of the activity, in its entirety, and the activity evaluation. For questions regarding continuing education, please email [email protected].