Urinary VDBP Biomarker for Contrast Induced Nephropathy Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods lack predictive biomarkers for life-threatening complications and mortality caused by contrast media-induced nephropathy, a significant concern in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or diabetes undergoing coronary angiography.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the assessment of urinary vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) levels and the VDBP to creatinine ratio in urine samples from patients exposed to contrast media, which serves as a predictor for renal failure and major adverse renal events, utilizing techniques like lateral flow immunochromatography or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methods are used for contrast media-induced nephropathy, then general monitoring is available, but predictive capability for life-threatening complications and mortality is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring urinary VDBP levels before contrast media administration to predict future renal failure risk. This allows early identification of high-risk patients before the actual injury occurs, enabling preventive interventions. The method performs the diagnostic action in advance of the pathological event, transforming post-event diagnosis into pre-event prediction.
2Measurement precision
If urinary VDBP measurement is implemented, then predictive accuracy for renal failure improves, but diagnostic method complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses urinary VDBP as an intermediary biomarker that mediates between contrast media exposure and renal failure outcome. Instead of directly monitoring complex physiological changes in the kidney, the method measures VDBP levels in urine, which serves as a surrogate indicator of tubular injury. This intermediary approach simplifies the diagnostic process while maintaining high predictive accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/physiological monitoring systems with a biochemical assay approach. Instead of using sophisticated imaging or functional testing equipment to assess kidney injury, the method substitutes these with a relatively simple urinary protein measurement technique, making the diagnostic process more accessible and less complex.
3Reliability
If early detection of at-risk patients is achieved, then preventive therapy can be initiated, but requires highly specific biomarker identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts VDBP as a specific biomarker from the complex mixture of urinary proteins that are released during kidney injury. By focusing on this single extracted marker rather than analyzing the entire proteome, the method achieves reliable early detection while avoiding the technical complexity of comprehensive biomarker discovery. The extraction principle allows selective measurement of the most predictive marker.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively identifies patients at risk of renal failure and need for dialysis, predicting major adverse renal events and mortality, demonstrating urinary VDBP as a powerful biomarker for early detection and potential renoprotective therapy indication.
Implementation Method 1
assessing the level of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in the urine sample obtained in step (i)... utilizing techniques like lateral flow immunochromatography or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of diagnosis and prognosis of contrast media induced nephropathy (CIN) comprising the steps of i) taking a urine sample from a patient exposed to the application of contrast media, notably patients subjected to coronary angiography; ii) assessing the level of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in the urine sample obtained in step (i); iii) relating the urinary vitamin D binding protein level determined in step (ii) to a pre-selected threshold level, wherein a urinary vitamin D binding level higher than said pre-selected threshold level indicates that the patient is at risk of renal failure and in need of a dialysis treatment.