Season 6 Episode 4: Tackling One of Nephrology’s Biggest Mysteries: chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu)

This ISN i3C podcast brings together leading ISN experts to unpack a new paper tackling one of nephrology’s biggest mysteries: chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu). The discussion explores why identifying the causes of CKDu has been so challenging—highlighting gaps in terminology, study design, and data collection—while questioning whether current research approaches are asking the right questions. Through expert insights and debate, the podcast emphasizes the need for standardized methods, stronger global collaboration, and a shift toward translating research into prevention, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The podcast closes by looking ahead to priority research areas and how the global community can get involved in advancing solutions. Listeners will come away with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of CKDu.Participants: Ben Caplin (UK), ISN i3C Working Group ChairMagdalena Madero (Mexico), ISN i3C Working Group Deputy ChairEranga Wijewickrama (Sri Lanka)Shuchi Anand (United States)