Digital health startup provides chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening and identification of individuals with impaired kidney function to improve large-scale population health
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Carna Health, a digital health company revolutionizing kidney care, released findings from a pilot program aimed at slowing progression of CKD in Cameroon. Launched during World Kidney Week in April alongside renowned nephrologist Dr. Ronald Gobina, the program achieved remarkable success, surpassing its screening goal within three days with more than 550 participants.
“Countries like Cameroon have a high prevalence of CKD due to an increase in risk factors such as hypertension and heat exposure. If we can identify and screen people early enough, then measures can be taken through early diagnosis to potentially prevent the progression of CKD into the end stage,” said principal study investigator Dr. Gobina. “Integrating inexpensive and accessible digital health technologies can significantly improve CKD outcomes, especially in middle to lower-income countries with limited resources.”
Promising Screening Results
CKD affects about one in ten adults in the general population in Cameroon. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and human immunodeficiency virus bear the greatest burden of CKD in Camerooni. The success of the pilot study, “Assessing the burden of chronic kidney disease using a point-of-care testing model supported by digital health tools,” demonstrates the transformative potential of technology in healthcare, particularly for CKD management. Nineteen percent of participants had both significant proteinuria and eGFRcr suggestive of placement in CKD stages 3 to 5. Over 50% had an eGFR requiring further follow-up. With the 20-30 years age group representing over half of the study population, the tilt in the burden of CKD towards younger patients is once again highlighted.
“The findings from our pilot study in Cameroon reveal a significant prevalence of undiagnosed cases that necessitate urgent attention for prevention and early management of CKD,” stated Dr. Shika Pappoe, MD, MPH, MBA, CMO and COO of Carna Health. “As we engage with global public health organizations, we look forward to expanding our screening initiatives to new regions. These efforts will further demonstrate how Carna Health’s model can revolutionize kidney care worldwide.”
“The immediacy to prioritize preventive healthcare is clear – it’s a logical step toward improving patient quality of life, enhancing public health, and optimizing healthcare economics,” said Chief Executive Officer, Salvatore Viscomi, MD. “Carna Health’s mission is straightforward yet transformative: to offer affordable and accessible screening to prevent more individuals from progressing to dialysis or needing kidney transplants, both of which are not only burdensome for patients but also costly for healthcare systems. Our approach aims to bridge global disparities in kidney disease treatment by providing a solution adaptable to any healthcare setting worldwide.”
The expected next phase of the program in Cameroon will including a wider population health screening program for up to 50,000 people. Carna Health also has plans to expand global CKD screening over the next 12-24 months in additional African markets, the Philippines, the Caribbean region, and the U.S. market.
About Carna Health
Carna Health is a digital health company transforming kidney care. Founded in 2021, Carna Health’s mission is to slow the global progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Carna Health provides integrated point-of-care testing solutions and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven software to improve CKD screening, monitoring, and care management. For more information, visit the company’s website www.carna.health.
iAseneh, Jerry Brown, et al. “Chronic Kidney Disease in Cameroon: A Scoping Review.” BMC Nephrology, vol. 21, no. 1, 23 Sept. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-020-02072-5. Accessed 8 Oct. 2020.
Contacts
Angela Christoforos
Greenough Communications
508-801-2391
achristoforos@greenoughagency.com
