Vanderbilt Health-Led Statement Highlights Opportunities for Women’s Kidney Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects around one in 10 women worldwide, but many women continue to face delays in diagnosis and unequal access to essential kidney treatments, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA).

The statement, “Women’s Kidney Care Health in Focus,” was recently published in the AHA’s flagship journal Circulation. It examines opportunities to improve kidney care for women by addressing biological, medical and social factors that can influence how kidney disease develops, is diagnosed and treated.

Research Must Better Reflect Women’s Biology

The scientific statement was led by Eman Gohar, PhD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Gohar chaired an international writing group that included kidney specialists and scientists from Canada and Europe, along with experts in kidney transplantation and endocrinology.

The group called for greater attention to sex-specific differences in kidney health research. This includes designing studies that examine how kidney function and CKD medications may affect women differently.

According to Gohar, conventional testing and research methods may not always account for women’s biology and different stages of life, potentially contributing to missed or delayed diagnoses.

Biological Differences Can Shape Kidney Health

Women and men can experience differences in Women’s Kidney Care because of factors including genetics, sex chromosomes, hormones and immune-system responses. Differences in how medications are processed and how the body responds to treatments can also influence care.

Researchers say these factors should be considered when developing diagnostic tools, treatments and clinical guidelines for CKD. More sex-specific research could help physicians identify kidney disease earlier and determine treatments that are better suited to individual patients.

Life Stages and Social Factors Matter

The statement also highlights health factors that are specific to Women’s Kidney Care, including menstrual health, pregnancy, changes following childbirth and menopause. These life stages can affect kidney function and may require additional monitoring or adjustments in treatment.

Social and economic circumstances can create further challenges. Financial barriers, access to healthcare and cultural expectations may influence whether women seek care, receive timely diagnoses or obtain treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplantation.

The statement emphasizes that improving women’s kidney health will require more inclusive research and personalized approaches to care. Recognizing biological and social differences could help reduce disparities and ensure women receive earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment throughout their lives.

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