Method for Detecting the Existence of Renal Calculi And/or Inflammation of the Excretory Urinary Tracts

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This patent describes a non-invasive method for detecting the presence of kidney stones (renal calculi) and/or inflammation in the excretory urinary tracts by measuring the levels of specific peptides called Trefoil Factor Family (TFF) peptides—especially TFF2—in urine samples. Techniques such as ELISA, Western blot, strip tests, RIA, or IRMA are used to identify the presence or concentration of these peptides, providing early indication of disease without the need for invasive procedures.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Routine screening for urinary tract inflammation and/or kidney stones in primary care or outpatient clinics.
• Monitoring patients after treatment for kidney stones (for example, after shock wave lithotripsy) to detect ongoing or new inflammation.
• Rapid triage in emergency settings for patients presenting with unexplained blood in urine (microhaematuria).
• Follow-up tool for patients with recurrent urinary tract infections to detect early inflammation.
• Reducing the need for more expensive and invasive diagnostic procedures like ultrasound or cystoscopy in initial assessment.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Non-invasive: Uses urine samples, avoiding the discomfort and risk of blood draws or biopsies.
• Rapid and cost-effective: Potential for quick results using established laboratory techniques, useful for early disease detection and broad population screening.
• Differential diagnosis: Helps distinguish between urinary tract infection-induced inflammation and kidney stones with a single test.
• Reduced need for invasive or expensive diagnostic tests, decreasing patient burden and healthcare costs.
• Enables frequent monitoring, such as post-treatment for kidney stones to track healing or identify complications.
• Early detection supports timely intervention, potentially improving outcomes and preventing disease progression.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to methods for detecting diseases of the excretory urinary tracts. The aim of the invention is to provide a method for detecting the existence of diseases of the excretory urinary tracts, which can be carried out non-invasively, thus allowing first indications of disease, e.g. in relation to the existence of renal calculi and/or inflammation (e.g. after urinary tract infections) of the excretory urinary tracts, to be rapidly and cost-effectively detected, in order to resolve e.g. microhaematuria caused by inflammation rapidly and cost-effectively. To achieve this, the presence or concentration of TFF-peptides is determined in the urine.