A study found that preventing anemia in kidney disease patients is crucial for their physical and mental health. The researchers recommend that treatment should be initiated at lower hemoglobin levels to improve quality of life, contrary to current FDA statements.
A recent study found that rural women are at increased risk of pre-eclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension, associated with maternal poverty and social deprivation. The researchers identified novel risk factors, including living in a rural area and having some college education, which were independent of other risk factors.
The Declaration of Istanbul sets forth recommendations to prevent organ trafficking, including programs to prevent organ failure and maximize deceased donation. Organ trafficking has been linked to increased post-transplant complications and a higher incidence of acute rejection and severe infections.
A recent study published at the American Society of Nephrology's annual meeting found that low potassium levels are strongly linked to high blood pressure in African Americans. The research suggests that consuming more potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, may help lower blood pressure.
A study led by Ercan Ok found that overnight hemodialysis reduced mortality rates by 78% and improved blood pressure control, appetite, weight gain, and cognitive functioning among patients. The results suggest longer dialysis regimens as a promising alternative to addressing high risk of death among dialysis patients.
A clinical trial found that cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly improves depressive symptoms and quality-of-life scores in patients with kidney disease on dialysis. After three months of weekly sessions, patients showed a substantial reduction in depression and improved cognitive function.
Researchers at the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Meeting found that stent placement does not improve kidney function or blood pressure in patients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease. The ASTRAL trial, involving over 800 patients, showed no clinically worthwhile benefits from revascularization.
Individuals with kidney stones are at a 60% greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a new study. Researchers recommend careful monitoring of stone formers and appropriate treatment when needed.
A newly developed equation estimates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) more accurately than the widely used Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation, especially at higher GFR levels. The CKD-EPI equation was validated using data from over 8,000 patients and shows lower bias compared to the MDRD equation.
The recently passed Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 will significantly impact nephrology practice and patient care. Key provisions include funding for CKD education sessions, bundled payment systems, and quality measures to improve efficiency and outcomes.
Chronic kidney disease exacts a significant toll on women's sexuality and gynecologic health, with hormonal changes affecting body functions. Experts will explore the impact of CKD on women's sexual life cycle, fertility, and pregnancy from adolescence through menopause.
A study of 2025 women who donated kidneys found that female kidney donors do not face increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth or gestational diabetes. While post-donation pregnancies had higher rates of certain health conditions, these were comparable to those in the general population.
A study of over 5,300 live kidney donors found that obesity was common among donors, particularly those from African- and Hispanic-American backgrounds. Obese donors were more likely to develop hypertension prior to and after donation, but did not experience worse kidney function compared to non-obese donors.
A study compared the survival of dialysis patients undergoing heart bypass surgery or stent placement, finding that stents offer best one-year survival but bypass surgery is superior for long-term results. The study's findings suggest that treatment choices depend on individual patient goals and risk tolerance.
Researchers found improved cognitive function in transplant patients, particularly in verbal learning and memory. In contrast, dialysis patients showed declining test scores over time. The study suggests that kidney transplantation may have a beneficial effect on patients' mental function.
Research presented at the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Meeting found African Americans with CKD caused by high blood pressure have a higher risk of progression to ESRD. The study followed 691 patients for 11 years and found they were at higher risk of progressing to ESRD than experiencing cardiovascular events.
Kidney transplant wait times vary widely across the US, with some patients waiting just one year and others up to 10 years. Experts will discuss issues and possible solutions for these inequities in organ allocation policies.
The Halpin Foundation has awarded a research grant to Dr. Elena Torban, focusing on podocytes and their role in preventing proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome. This funding will support her investigation into the cell and molecular basis of this kidney disease.
Recent studies suggest common gene variations, including MYH9, contribute to the elevated risk of kidney disease in African Americans. Variations in the MYH9 gene are found in up to 60% of African Americans with kidney disease, compared to 4% of European Americans.
A study found that African-Americans in Canada have better health outcomes after receiving a kidney transplant compared to their US counterparts. Despite lower access to transplants, African-American Canadians experienced similar kidney survival rates and longer overall survival rates than Caucasians.
Researchers propose new ultrasound screening criteria to diagnose autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which may misdiagnose individuals with the milder form of the disease. The new criteria improve detection in individuals with mutations in either PKD1 or PKD2 genes.
A study found that US residents traveling abroad for kidney transplants experienced higher rates of acute rejection and severe infections. The study, which included 33 transplant tourists and 66 comparison patients, noted significant differences in infection types and severities.
Research found that kidneys from older donors exhibit a 32% depression in glomerular filtration rate, leading to shortened survival after transplantation. The study suggests that selecting organs with more functioning glomeruli could improve graft survival rates.
A study found that healthy individuals with elevated uric acid levels have a higher risk of developing kidney disease, particularly in women and those with hypertension. The researchers recommend initiating clinical trials to assess the potential of uric acid-lowering drugs for preventing kidney disease.
The Association of Specialty Professors (ASP) has announced the seventh class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, who will research and develop career plans focused on integrating geriatrics into internal medicine specialties. The 12 new scholars will join the previous 52 recipients to achieve the program's goal.
A study found that hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk of experiencing adverse consequences of medical care. CKD patients were more likely to experience complications such as infections, respiratory failure, and post-operative hip fractures.
Researchers discovered autoantibodies to a complementary protein called plasminogen, which plays a key role in blood clotting, in patients with ANCA vasculitis. The findings suggest that protein complementarity may offer new insights into autoimmune diseases.
The Declaration of Istanbul condemns unethical practices in organ donation and transplantation, urging governments to safeguard patient safety and prevent organ trafficking. The document promotes deceased organ donation and living donor protection.
A study found that rituximab significantly reduces kidney injury in patients with membranous nephropathy, reversing functional and biological abnormalities. The treatment achieved complete remission in 10 patients, including significant healing of kidney damage.
A study found that high levels of alkaline phosphatase, a marker of bone disease, are associated with an increased risk of death in dialysis patients. Patients with elevated alkaline phosphatase levels were 25% more likely to die over a three-year period.
The American Society of Nephrology discusses the merits of using eGFR for early detection and treatment of CKD, highlighting concerns about misclassification and universal screening. Experts emphasize the need for education and proper use of eGFR to ensure accurate diagnosis and management.
Black patients receiving kidneys from black cardiac donors showed better long-term survival compared to those receiving non-black donor kidneys. The study suggests that increased utilization of kidneys donated after cardiac death can help reduce racial disparities in kidney transplantation.
A study found that patients receiving kidney transplants who took statin drugs had better survival rates compared to those who did not. Statin therapy was associated with a 36% lower risk of death in renal transplant recipients.
Cinacalcet treatment reduces PTH levels and phosphorus levels in ESRD patients with hyperparathyroidism. The study also found a reduction in the set point of the PTH-calcium curve, indicating that cinacalcet makes parathyroid cells more sensitive to calcium.
A study found that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were less likely to use recommended medications after a heart attack, but 1-year adherence rates were similar for both groups. Rates of medication use varied significantly among different types of drugs.
A study suggests that more frequent hemodialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may improve their quality of life and cut down on hospitalizations. However, the increased costs of delivering hemodialysis may outweigh the benefits unless significant cost reductions are achieved.
A new treatment combining immunosuppressant drugs targeting different immune system parts improves remission rates and reduces side effects for patients with severe lupus nephritis. The therapy shows superior results compared to traditional treatments, achieving complete remission in 65% of patients within nine months.
Researchers found that consistently controlling parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorous levels can prolong the lives of hemodialysis patients. Meeting multiple targets simultaneously was associated with improved survival rates, with a 51% higher risk of death for those who failed to meet any targets.
A study found that higher levels of urinary albumin in healthy individuals, even within the considered normal range, increase the risk of developing hypertension. This suggests that kidney damage or endothelial dysfunction may be precursors to high blood pressure.
A study by Drs. Seungho Ryu and Yoosoo Chang found that healthy individuals who gain weight, even up to a normal BMI, are at increased risk for developing chronic kidney disease. The U-shaped association between weight change and CKD development suggests that both significant weight loss and gain pose risks.
Withdrawing calcineurin inhibitors after kidney transplantation can prolong survival, improve kidney function, and save money compared to lifelong medication use. The study found that treatment with sirolimus plus steroids may be more efficacious and less costly than regimens using calcineurin inhibitors.
A study found that CKD patients have mild reductions in thyroid function, which may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and progressive kidney disease. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism increased with declining kidney function.
Researchers highlight biological, societal, and healthcare-related factors contributing to racial disparities in chronic kidney disease. Healthcare providers are advised to improve communication, advocate for better systems, and conduct relevant research to provide personalized care.
Researchers found that sirolimus can help protect against rejection in non-compliant kidney transplant patients, potentially extending their organ's lifespan. The study used an assay to measure immune function at 'trough' levels of immunosuppressive drugs.
A study found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 diabetes patients. NAFLD was associated with a 69% higher risk of CKD compared to those without the condition.
A large US study found that sirolimus increases the risk of new-onset diabetes in kidney transplant recipients. The risk is higher when combined with other anti-rejection drugs and appears to be independent of other factors.
A study found that black patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of dying in the early stages of the disease compared to white patients. The disparities are attributed to sociological factors, including poverty and access-to-care, rather than biological differences.
Patients with systolic dysfunction are nearly twice as likely to die than those without the condition, according to a study analyzing 2,718 kidney transplant candidates. This increased mortality risk is similar to that seen in patients with cardiac ischemia.
The American Society of Nephrology emphasizes the importance of medical research in improving healthcare and reducing costs. Research advancements have led to cost-effective solutions such as vaccines and disease treatments, benefiting human lives and the economy.
A study found that activated vitamin D may reduce the risk of death by approximately one-fourth in patients with CKD, with a 20% reduction in the risk of either death or dialysis
Researchers found that phosphate-binding drugs can decrease vascular calcification, which is a major source of cardiovascular risk in CKD patients. These treatments may also reduce the activity of genetic programs that stimulate bone-forming cells in blood vessel walls.
Researchers found that higher creatinine levels in black patients with kidney disease cannot be explained by differences in muscle mass. The study suggests new theories are needed to account for the racial difference, which could help explain why blacks are more affected by progressive chronic kidney disease.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that raloxifene increases bone mineral density and reduces vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. The medication is safe and effective for this patient population, reversing bone loss and fracture risk.
Researchers identified two classes of small-molecule CFTR inhibitors that slowed cyst growth by over 80% and preserved kidney function. In mouse models, these inhibitors reduced cyst expansion and kidney enlargement.
A literature review found no clear evidence of benefit or harm from increased water intake in healthy individuals. However, studies suggest that people with certain diseases and athletes may benefit from increased fluid intake. No single study indicates a need to drink the recommended '8x8' amount of water daily.
A study found that elevated uric acid levels can precede significant changes in urine albumin levels, suggesting a potential early sign of diabetic kidney disease. Higher uric acid levels are associated with lower kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes.
A simple laboratory test measures a biomarker called NGAL to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) risk up to three days before symptoms appear. The test has been shown to be highly accurate in identifying patients at risk of AKI and may enable timely treatment to prevent or improve outcomes.
A new device containing human kidney cells has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death from acute kidney injury. The device, called Renal Assist Device, was tested on 40 patients and found to improve recovery rates and reduce mortality by half.
Two studies suggest that universal access to healthcare can reduce racial and ethnic barriers to treatment for kidney disease. Minority patients and those on Medicare or with less education had longer dialysis times before being wait-listed, highlighting the need for improved insurance coverage.
A new study has found that kidney donor age is associated with increased aortic stiffness in recipients, which may explain higher rates of cardiovascular disease and death. The study suggests that targeted interventions after kidney transplantation could improve long-term results by reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality.