A new study finds that solar-powered hemodialysis can reduce power costs by up to 76.5% and generate effectively free energy. The researchers advocate for implementing water conservation and waste management systems in dialysis programs to further reduce environmental impact.
A study found that treating anemia in kidney transplant recipients slows the progression of kidney failure and improves survival of transplanted kidneys. Completely correcting anemia resulted in fewer patients developing kidney failure and more functional transplanted kidneys.
Researchers analyzed data from a large study to find that certain protein markers in the blood, such as cystatin C and beta trace protein, are better predictors of an individual's prognosis than creatinine. These markers may indicate not only kidney health but also other aspects of well-being.
A study found that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among military personnel with burns and wounds sustained during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also revealed a significant increase in mortality rates among patients with AKI, with death rates ranging from 0.2% to 65.1%. By preventing or modifying kidney injury, research...
Research finds that ACE inhibitors and ARBs have different effects on heart health in dialysis patients, with some benefiting from one over the other. The findings emphasize the need for tailored treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of long-term clinical trials.
Patients with persistent kidney injuries often remain at increased risk of developing kidney disease in the future. Despite this, most patients do not receive specialized care from a kidney specialist within a year after their injury.
Researchers found that high levels of inflammation significantly shorten white dialysis patients' lives, but African Americans with similar inflammation levels survive similarly. A new study aims to understand and possibly mitigate this survival difference.
Two studies presented at the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Kidney Week highlight concerns about dialysis clinic closures and their impact on patients' quality of life. The new initiative hopes to reduce new cases of chronic kidney disease and its progression, complications, disability, death, and economic costs.
A long-term study found that early, intensive glucose-lowering therapy in type 1 diabetes patients prevented impaired glomerular filtration rates and reduced the risk of end-stage kidney disease. Participants who received intensive therapy showed a 50% lower risk of developing impaired GFR over a median follow-up period of 22 years.
A new study by the American Society of Nephrology found that sitagliptin is safer and just as effective as glipizide in managing type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Patients taking sitagliptin also tend to lose weight, while those on glipizide often gain weight.
Researchers found that intensive diabetes therapy can preserve kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes, preventing impaired kidney function and kidney failure. The study's results demonstrate the importance of maintaining good glucose control early in the course of type 1 diabetes to prevent long-term kidney complications.
Two studies found that pomegranate juice can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the need for blood pressure medications in kidney disease patients. Meanwhile, over 15% of kidney disease patients take potentially harmful herbs or dietary supplements.
A mid-pregnancy test can predict preeclampsia, a late-pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. Women with high blood pressure during pregnancy are at increased risk of experiencing high blood pressure, kidney problems, and stroke later in life.
Children of minority races are less likely to get kidney transplants before they need dialysis, and blacks with no health insurance face a higher risk of death while waiting for a transplant. Certain racial groups have lower rates of preemptive transplantation and are more likely to die than others
Two studies agree that diabetics with kidney failure shouldn't lower their blood glucose levels as much as those without kidney failure, suggesting a different optimal range. Hemoglobin A1C levels between 7% and 8% were found to be associated with the lowest risk of death for these patients.
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that hospitalized diabetic patients who experience acute kidney injury are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The research followed 4,082 patients with diabetes over 10 years, revealing that multiple episodes of acute kidney injury inc...
A new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that individuals over 70 years old can safely donate a kidney without compromising their health. The organs from these elderly donors last as long as those from younger deceased donors, but not as long as those from younger living donors.
A promising new drug to protect the kidneys has failed to benefit diabetes patients with kidney disease. The study, which enrolled 1,248 patients, found that sulodexide did not prevent kidney failure or reduce urinary protein excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.
A study found that Pyridorin, a vitamin B6 derivative, helps patients with mild diabetic kidney disease, but does not benefit those with more advanced kidney disease. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is expected to double by 2030, making new therapies like Pyridorin crucial in preventing kidney failure and saving lives.
Researchers found that patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis have elevated levels of the protein Flt1, which hinders blood vessel repair. This impairment contributes to disease progression and increases the risk of kidney failure in these patients. Inhibiting Flt1 may help improve blood vessel repair and reduce this risk.
The current classification system for lupus nephritis is too detailed and may make it harder for clinicians to treat kidney problems in patients with lupus. A new study analyzing data from 86 patients found no significant difference in health outcomes between segmental and global forms of class IV lupus nephritis.
A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that taking blood pressure-lowering medications at bedtime improves blood pressure control and reduces the risk of heart problems. Patients who took their medications before bed had better outcomes than those who took them in the morning.
Researchers identified additional gene mutations that worsen polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and contribute to early and severe symptoms in affected children. Genetic testing may help identify children at risk for this condition, enabling early intervention and therapy development.
A new Medicare payment system may unfairly penalize dialysis clinics that provide care to patients with complex medical and social issues. The study found that patient characteristics, particularly adherence to prescribed treatments, significantly impact a facility's achievement of the pay-for-performance measure.
Researchers found that small vesicles called exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) are involved in transporting signals through urine and interacting with primary cilia in the kidneys. This discovery may help understand how gene mutations cause autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a condition that often leads to kidney failure.
New research reveals that APOL1 gene variants are a major risk factor for two forms of kidney disease, with African Americans having a significantly higher risk due to genetic predisposition. Early screening and treatment could potentially safeguard against kidney failure and early death for millions of individuals.
A recent study found that public reporting of transplant centers' success rates has not improved care for patients, with wide gaps remaining between the best and worst clinics. The new method revealed that gaps persisted after public reporting was introduced in 2001, missing potential improvements in patient outcomes.
A new study found that transplant patients can safely minimize calcineurin inhibitors, reducing toxicity while preventing organ rejection in the short-to-medium period after transplantation. The strategy improves kidney function without causing rejection, offering a safer alternative for some patients.
A new study suggests that equations estimating kidney function can work as well as direct measurements, allowing patients with chronic kidney disease to avoid painful and invasive procedures. The study found that kidney function estimates linked as tightly to complications as direct measurements, refuting the conventional view that dir...
A blood test measuring fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels can identify kidney disease patients who are at high risk of developing heart problems, needing dialysis, and dying prematurely. FGF-23 levels are strongly associated with key outcomes in CKD patients.
High levels of fibroblast growth factor-23, a hormone regulating phosphorous levels, can predict premature death in kidney patients. The discovery allows for earlier interventions with drugs to lower phosphorous and reduce hormone levels.
A new study found that African Americans are more likely to develop kidney failure due to high levels of protein in the urine. The study analyzed data from 27,911 individuals and found that African Americans were four times more likely to develop kidney failure than whites.
People with metabolic syndrome have a 55% increased risk of developing kidney problems, especially lower kidney function. Preventing and managing metabolic syndrome through healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss may help prevent kidney disease.
A new study found that a combination of minocycline and EDTA can prevent bacterial infections in dialysis patients using catheters, improving patient outcomes. The treatment reduced the risk of infection by half compared to traditional heparin use.
Chronic kidney disease patients with high blood phosphate levels may be at risk of progressing to kidney failure faster. Lowering phosphate levels could help optimize the effectiveness of important kidney medications like ramipril.
A study of 586 children with mildly to moderately impaired kidneys found that they often experienced poor growth, delayed puberty, metabolic problems, and high blood pressure. These conditions can be slowed by more aggressive interventions to improve blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities.
Two studies found that three protein measurements can identify high-risk patients for kidney injury after heart surgery. These biomarkers may transform the diagnosis of kidney disease, enabling early interventions and improving patient outcomes.
A new study found that a combination of two immunosuppressive drugs, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, led to less organ rejection and better kidney function in patients after kidney transplant. The results suggest that this regimen is the safest and most effective option for long-term success.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that low blood pressure during dialysis significantly increases the risk of blood clotting at vascular access points. Researchers discovered that patients who experienced frequent episodes of low blood pressure were twice as likely to develop a clotted ...
Researchers have discovered a breakthrough therapy for patients with kidney disease by reprogramming their own kidney cells. The process involves collecting cells from urine and coaxed them into becoming progenitor cells that can form healthy kidney tissue.
David J. Friedman, MD, a clinician and researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has received a three-year Clinical Scientist Development Award from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The award will support his research into the genetic factors that lead to kidney disease in African Americans.
A study found that 16% of dialysis patients have limited health literacy, with those having lower educational levels and certain racial/ethnic groups more affected. This limitation can impact patient adherence to treatment and overall kidney health outcomes.
The US medical workforce is facing a kidney brain drain as fewer students adopt nephrology as a career. Despite the growing health problem of kidney disease, many students believe nephrologists are overworked and underpaid. However, experts propose strategies to improve interest in nephrology, including providing stimulating experience...
A new study by the American Society of Nephrology found that ramipril lowers the risk of kidney disease progression in all weight groups, but shows a significant reduction in obese patients. Obese patients with kidney disease progress more quickly towards renal failure compared to non-obese patients.
A study found that flu vaccination in transplant patients lowers risk of organ loss and death. Vaccination is safe and effective, contradicting earlier concerns about its impact on transplanted organs.
Chronic kidney disease is common among the elderly and linked to cardiovascular disease. The study found that different formulas for estimating kidney function yield varying prevalence rates, emphasizing the need for a gold standard.
Researchers found that an appropriate dose of pirfenidone halted decline and improved kidney function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The study suggests that the drug may be useful in treating other types of fibrotic diseases, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
A population-based retrospective study found that taking statins before major elective surgery reduces potentially serious kidney complications and premature death. Statin use was associated with lower incidence of acute kidney injury, dialysis need, and mortality.
A study found that daily home hemodialysis significantly improved restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms and sleep disturbances in dialysis patients. The treatment reduced RLS-related symptoms by over 12 months, leading to lasting improvements.
A study found that depression is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease and rapid decline in kidney function. Depression was also linked to increased hospitalizations due to acute kidney injury, even after adjusting for other medical factors.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that kidney transplant recipients who engage in little physical activity face increased risks of dying prematurely. The research suggests that patients need to exercise to fend off an early death and maintain heart health, which is crucial for these indi...
A study found racial disparities in kidney transplantation rates, with non-Hispanic whites and Asians receiving transplants at higher rates. Barriers to transplantation vary among racial and ethnic groups, including socioeconomic factors and regional organ availability.
Despite significant advances in kidney care, type 1 diabetes patients with kidney dysfunction continue to face increased risks of kidney failure and heart-related death. New therapies are needed to retard progression to end-stage renal disease.
A study found that dialysis patients receive high doses of radiation, increasing their cancer risk. The researchers recommend tracking radiation exposure to develop alternative strategies and justify CT scans.
A recent study found significant disparities between the race of kidney disease patients and physicians who care for them. Increasing diversity among kidney specialists could improve patient trust and care. Recruiting more African Americans into nephrology training programs may alleviate health disparities in ESRD patients.
Researchers found mammograms show calcifications in the blood vessels of nearly two-thirds of women with end-stage renal disease, potentially contributing to heart disease risk. The study suggests mammograms may be a useful tool for studying cardiovascular disease progression in kidney patients.
Mutations in INF2 gene are a major cause of autosomal dominant FSGS, leading to kidney failure. Screening for INF2 mutations may be warranted in patients with an autosomal dominant familial history.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that home-based peritoneal dialysis can be just as effective as hemodialysis for patients returning to dialysis after a kidney transplant failure. The research showed similar mortality rates for both types of dialysis, providing hope for patients who may have previously been...
A recent heart attack study found that patients with lower kidney function have poor medication adherence, with only 50-60% of prescribed medications taken over three years. This highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve medication adherence in this high-risk population.
A study found that patients with lower kidney function had lower long-term adherence rates for three major heart medications, increasing the risk of hospitalization and death. Medication non-adherence was significantly lower for patients who had lower levels of kidney function at the beginning of the study.