A study analyzing 2,575 Dutch transplant candidates found that kidneys from donors after cardiac death provided a 56% higher chance of survival for patients. While the initial failure rate was higher, long-term benefits outweighed the risks, suggesting an expansion of available organs.
Despite high rates of sexual dysfunction among CKD patients, little is known about effective treatments. The review found that drug treatment was helpful for male patients with erectile dysfunction but few studies evaluated safety and side effects in CKD patients.
A study found that sirolimus halts cyst growth and increases healthy kidney structures in ADPKD patients. The treatment may provide a promising long-term option for patients with the genetic kidney disease.
A study finds that cancer risk in kidney transplant recipients is similar across different immunosuppressive medications, suggesting no single medication is to blame. Patient characteristics such as age and eye color are associated with increased cancer risk.
Patients with hypertension who excrete slightly increased amounts of protein in the urine, known as microalbuminuria, have an elevated risk of developing heart and kidney problems. Microalbuminuria is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular complications in non-diabetic patients with hypertension.
A randomized clinical trial found that Octreotide slowed the growth of cyst-filled livers in patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD) caused by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The treatment also improved kidney function and health perception in these patients.
Patients with acute kidney injury admitted on weekends have a higher risk of dying compared to those admitted on weekdays. The disparity was most evident in smaller hospitals, where the risk of death was even greater.
A study found that up to 42% of people with undiagnosed diabetes and nearly 18% of those with prediabetes have chronic kidney disease. This suggests a significant number of individuals may be at risk for worsening kidney disease, emphasizing the need for earlier screening and timely medical care.
The study found that 58.9% of kidney transplant candidates would accept a kidney from a donor at increased risk of viral infection under some conditions, while 17.7% always accepted them. Patients on dialysis and older patients more commonly accepted such kidneys.
A study found that most kidney donors (86%) and recipients (80%) want to share personal health information that may influence transplant success. However, healthcare professionals are more conservative, with only 61% in favor of sharing donor info in incompatible exchanges.
A recent study highlights the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on younger minority adults receiving medical care in healthcare safety net settings. The study found that poor, minority adults with moderate to severe CKD are two to four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic whites.
A review by the American Society of Nephrology suggests that ion exchange resins used to treat hyperkalemia may not be effective and could be harmful. The authors recommend further studies on these products and urge doctors to explore alternative treatments first.
A study found that 79% of dialysis patients were vitamin D deficient, with black race, female sex, and winter season being strong predictors. Low blood albumin levels may lead to protein loss in the urine, affecting vitamin D transport.
A study found that dialysis patients with high fatigue scores are more than twice as likely to have cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack or stroke. Fatigue was the strongest predictor of cardiovascular risk, even in patients without known risk factors.
Avosentan significantly reduces urinary protein loss in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, but also causes serious side effects such as pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Lower doses of avosentan may have a more favorable risk/benefit ratio for patients.
An international group of experts has developed a uniform classification system for diabetic nephropathy, categorizing the condition into four progressive classes to guide clinicians and researchers. The new system aims to standardize definitions of different classes and improve reporting of cases among medical centers.
A study found that kidney transplant recipients with high levels of T-regulatory cells and low Natural Killer cells are at a higher risk for skin cancer, which can occur after ten years of immunosuppressive drugs.
Patients with type 2 diabetes who experience subtle brain damage may be at risk of progressive kidney disease and kidney failure, according to a new study. Diabetic patients with silent cerebral infarction were nearly five times more likely to develop serious kidney disease than those without.
A study of nearly 2000 healthy adults found that kidney abnormalities occur in at least 25% of the population. Most abnormalities were mild and not causing discomfort, but future research is needed to determine their impact on long-term health.
A study found that end-of-life care falls short for kidney disease patients, with many lacking adequate support and education. Patients expressed a desire for help planning for the future, pain management, and psychosocial support, but these services were not routinely integrated into their care.
A study of 1,243 male US veterans with moderate-to-advanced chronic kidney disease found that both high and low blood calcium levels increased the risk of dying prematurely. High calcium levels were linked to a 31% increased risk, while low levels resulted in a 21% higher mortality rate.
A study found that patients with kidney disease experienced disrupted sleep when using a widely used blood pressure monitor, leading to inaccurate results. The ambulatory blood pressure monitoring test, which measures blood pressure during sleep, can interfere with sleep patterns, causing an increase in nighttime blood pressure.
A study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who did not require dialysis had a significantly higher risk of death over two years compared to those without AKI. The risk was even higher for patients with more severe AKI and returned to normal after discharge.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that carotid endarterectomy surgery significantly reduces the risk of future strokes in patients with chronic kidney disease. The procedure was shown to be safe and effective, without increasing the risk of death from surgical complications.
A new clinical tool helps determine if kidney disease patients on dialysis are likely to die within the next few months. The model considers a doctor's estimate of prognosis, nutritional status, age, and additional illnesses or conditions.
A new study reveals that sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke in kidney transplant patients. The condition was found to be present in one in four individuals and more than doubled the risk of cardiovascular complications.
A study found that one-third of children with CKD have masked hypertension, which increases the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy and heart disease. Children with masked hypertension are four times more likely to develop LVH, highlighting the need for regular blood pressure monitoring outside the clinic.
Declining kidney function increases the risk of heart failure and premature death. Treatments that slow kidney function decline may safeguard heart health by stabilizing it in the normal range before kidney disease develops.
A study found that small increases in phosphorus are associated with higher coronary artery calcification and an increased risk of heart disease. Participants with lower kidney function were also more likely to have progressive CAC.
A new study found that switching to a newer type of immunosuppressant drug, sirolimus, reduced the rate of skin cancer in kidney transplant patients by 25%. Nearly half of patients stopped treatment due to side effects. The researchers believe this could offer a new option for reducing skin cancer risk in transplant recipients.
Women with chronic kidney disease are more likely than men to be undiagnosed, according to a new study. The study found that primary care physicians need more education on diagnosing CKD, which could lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savings.
Researchers found that dialysis patients with very low body fat are at a higher risk of death compared to those with average or high body fat percentage. The study suggests that body fat may be protective for dialysis patients and contradicts the 'obesity paradox' theory.
A study models a 100 patient dialysis center and a program with 7,500 hemodialysis patients, finding that improved survival increases costs by $5 million over 10 years and $400 million over the same period. Research into less costly treatments could help address these concerns.
Researchers found that oral activated charcoal lessens atherosclerotic lesions in experimental mice with kidney damage. This effect appears to be related to reduced inflammation in the blood vessels, regardless of treatment timing or changes in blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
A new study presents evidence that high sodium intake and artificial sweetener consumption are associated with a faster rate of decline in kidney function. The research, conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital, analyzed data from over 3,000 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study.
A new study published by the American Society of Nephrology suggests that having a history of lupus does not significantly increase the risk of developing lupus nephritis in recipients of a kidney transplant. The study found that lupus nephritis occurred in just 2.44% of patients, and was associated with only a 7% risk of organ loss.
A study found that dialysis patients who travel on vacation risk infections, anemia, and other complications. Travelers are advised to take extra precautions to minimize these risks.
A recent study published in the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition found that kidney transplant survival rates vary by donor race, with non-black recipients experiencing lower survival rates when transplanted with black donors.
Group education of patients' relatives and friends can improve their willingness to consider kidney donation. The study found that group discussions increased the number of potential donors among participants.
Recent medical school graduates are more likely to refer CKD patients for preemptive kidney transplantation, which can improve patient outcomes. The study suggests that educating veteran physicians about the benefits of preemptive transplantation may increase early referrals.
Researchers found that patients with higher kidney function at the time of transplant did not have a significant advantage in terms of long-term health. However, they did require less dialysis and were less likely to experience kidney rejection after transplantation.
A new study suggests that the proposed bundled payment system for dialysis could have a significant impact on dialysis units nationwide. The research found that facilities in certain regions, particularly the south and east, are likely to face adverse financial consequences under the new plan.
A study found that kidney transplant consent forms are written at a 12th-grade reading level, but should be prepared at a 5th-8th grade reading level to ensure all patients can provide informed consent. This disparity may lead to unequal access to treatment and health outcomes among different patient populations.
A diet high in fructose increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. Studies found that consuming more than 74 grams per day of fructose led to a higher risk of hypertension, with significant associations seen across various blood pressure levels.
A nationwide study of 13,000 Americans found that nearly 60% of the elevated risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in African Americans may be attributed to low vitamin D levels. Researchers also discovered that vitamin D deficiency contributes significantly to the increased risk of ESRD among African Americans compared to whites.
Long-term steroid abuse in bodybuilders led to severe kidney damage, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The condition causes scarring within the kidneys, similar to that seen in morbidly obese patients but with more severe effects.
A study has found that coronary angiography does not harm kidney function in advanced chronic kidney disease patients, enabling better transplant decisions. The test detected coronary artery disease in some patients, making them unsuitable for transplantation until their heart complications were addressed.
Researchers have tested various cell-based therapies in mice with Alport syndrome, a genetic kidney disease. Stem cell treatments may repair kidney defects associated with the disease, offering promise for patients.
For kidney disease patients, regular physical activity may prolong life and reduce mortality risk. A recent study found that active patients were 56% less likely to die than inactive counterparts.
A study found that male diabetics with higher eosinophil counts in their blood have a stronger link to diabetic nephropathy and increased risk of heart disease. Anti-inflammatory treatments used for allergies may also benefit male patients with diabetes.
A cohort study of 120 women who gave birth after receiving a kidney transplant found no differences in kidney function or patient survival compared to those who did not have children. The study's findings provide good news for kidney transplant women who fear getting pregnant due to concerns about their health and lifespan.
A study found that childhood minimal change nephrotic syndrome can lead to lasting health effects, including osteoporosis and hypertension in adults. The condition may also cause reproductive problems, such as low sperm count and defective sperm.
A new study found that extending preventive treatment for CMV infection post-kidney transplant reduces the risk of disease by nearly two-thirds. This approach also proves cost-effective, offsetting increased costs with reduced cases of CMV disease.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that weight loss through diet and exercise can reduce proteinuria and slow down kidney function decline in obese patients with kidney disease. Surgical interventions also show promise in normalizing kidney filtration rates.
A study found that warfarin may increase the risk of stroke in dialysis patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Patients on dialysis who take warfarin are at a higher risk of stroke, particularly those whose blood is not monitored for warfarin levels after treatment.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has published a policy on managing conflicts of interest to ensure responsible partnerships with industry and promote patient care. The policy provides guidelines for medical societies and industry to advance research and education.
A new study finds that single kidneys from very young deceased donors can maintain the health of an adult with kidney failure. The research suggests that this practice is safe and effective, offering an alternative to traditional organ allocation methods.
Researchers have developed a Wearable Artificial Kidney that provides continuous dialysis 24/7, reducing hospitalization rates and improving quality of life. The device is powered by two nine-volt batteries and weighs about 10 pounds.
A DASH-style diet high in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and low in sodium, was found to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. Participants with higher scores on this dietary approach were between 40-45% less likely to develop kidney stones than those with lower scores.
A study found that chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, particularly women, diabetics, and those with heart problems. The study suggests that medical care for CKD patients should include strategies to lessen the negative impact of CKD on quality of life.