Figure 1.

Graphical depiction of a model of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and the current needs and opportunities for improvement in patient management. In the lower panel, the progression of kidney disease is depicted and the specific context of biomarker use is indicated. Healthy nephrons (green) experience an impact that results in initial reversible damage (indicated in yellow). Without appropriate intervention, damage is expected to become irreversible (indicated in red), leading to destruction and replacement by fibrotic tissue (black). The upper panel indicates the potential benefits of applying molecular biomarkers. Ideally, these biomarkers should enable early detection and targeted intervention before irreversible organ damage occurs. Abbreviations: eGFR: estimated glomerular filtration rate.