NKF Workshop Highlights Critical Gaps in Gout-CKD Treatment — National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

Event summary

NKF convened a February 2026 workshop with experts and patients to address gout management in CKD, identifying significant diagnostic and treatment gaps.
Approximately 9 million Americans live with gout, with CKD patients facing higher risk due to impaired uric acid removal.
Workshop emphasized the need for earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and dispelling misconceptions about gout's causes.
NKF plans to publish a comprehensive report later in 2026 outlining findings and research priorities.

The big picture

The workshop underscores the complex bidirectional relationship between gout and CKD, highlighting an underserved patient population. With 35 million Americans affected by kidney disease and many unaware of their condition, addressing these gaps represents a significant opportunity to improve outcomes in chronic disease management. The findings could influence treatment protocols and research funding priorities across nephrology and rheumatology.

What we're watching

Diagnostic Improvements: How NKF's awareness campaigns will affect early gout detection rates in CKD patients.
Treatment Innovation: Whether personalized treatment strategies can reduce gout flare recurrence in CKD populations.
Research Priorities: The pace at which NKF's findings will translate into actionable clinical guidelines and new therapies.