Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)/Diabetic kidney disease (DKD is identified as one of the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) for patients with diabetes. FIB4 index, a noninvasive liver fibrosis score is used to predict CKD in patients without diabetes. According to a recent study published in ‘Diabetes Nature’, the FIB4 index can predict CKD in people with type 2 diabetes as well.

    In a retrospective cohort study, researchers assessed the prognostic impact of the FIB4 index on the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study included patients with an eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and without dipstick positive proteinuria (≥ 1 +) at their first visit. Participants were divided into two groups based on the FIB4 index at their first visit: FIB4 index > 1.3 and FIB4 index ≤ 1.3. The analysis showed that the risks of developing DKD, eGFR < 60 and proteinuria were all higher in patients with FIB4 index > 1.3 than patients with FIB4 ≤ 1.3. Further, the statistical analysis of the data revealed that a FIB4 index > 1.3 was a significant predictor for the onset of DKD and proteinuria, but not for an eGFR < 60.

According to the authors, the study demonstrates the prognostic impact of FIB4 index > 1.3, on the development of CKD/DKD and proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes and signifies the usefulness of FIB4 index monitoring to evaluate their renal function.