Smart-CKD: a novel diagnostic tool based on conventional ultrasound

Smart-CKD: a novel diagnostic tool based on conventional ultrasound for fibrosis assessment in chronic kidney disease

While the adverse impact of renal fibrosis on the clinical prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is well-established, the precise identification of individuals predisposed to advanced renal fibrosis remains a clinical hurdle. Our project objective is to formulate a computer-aided diagnostic tool, utilizing ultrasound (US) data, to discern CKD patients with an elevated likelihood of progressing towards moderate-severe renal fibrosis. This endeavor is geared towards refining therapeutic approaches and post-treatment monitoring strategies.

The proposed diagnostic tool, designated as Smart-CKD (S-CKD), integrates three pivotal clinical parameters: age, ultrasonic renal length, and end-diastolic flow velocity of the interlobar renal artery. This tool demonstrates the capacity to differentiate between mild and moderate-severe renal fibrosis within CKD patients, thus yielding favorable clinical benefits. S-CKD is accessible through both an online web-based platform and an offline document-based format, serving as a user-friendly auxiliary instrument. Its implementation has the potential to assist healthcare practitioners in tailoring medical judgments and optimizing post-treatment protocols for CKD patients.

Principal Investigator

Prof. YING Tin Cheung, Michael
Associate Head (HTI) & Professor,
Department of Health Technology and Informatics

Ziman Chen, MD
Department of Health Technology and Informatics

Technology Features

Non-invasive and cost-effective: This tool uses non-invasive medical imaging results and basic demographic data, and offers a cost-effective solution for guiding patient management, thereby contributing to notable clinical advantages.
Ease of data acquisition: The input variables essential for S-CKD are readily obtainable directly from medical records and routine imaging assessments, facilitating straightforward integration into the diagnostic process.
Enhanced clinical management: This diagnostic approach engenders benefits for both clinicians and patients within the realm of clinical management and counseling. It enriches the decision-making procedure concerning treatment regimens and optimizes the scheduling of follow-up sessions.