The introduction of generic immunosuppressive medications has led to significant cost savings for transplant patients and the Medicare program. On average, payments decreased by 48%-67% for Medicare Part D plans and 24%-44% for patients receiving the low-income subsidy.
A new study found that evidence-based care can improve patient outcomes for acute kidney injury, reducing hospital stays by several days. The intervention also led to improved recognition of AKI, medication optimization, and fluid assessment, resulting in better patient care.
Patients with kidney failure who undergo lower extremity amputation have prolonged stays in healthcare settings, limited access to hospice services, and a poorer prognosis. These findings highlight the need for improved end-of-life care for this group of seriously ill patients.
A new study found that kidney failure patients on dialysis and transplants have significantly higher risks of dying from cancer than the general population. Cancer deaths were mainly driven by cancers present prior to dialysis or arising after transplantation, particularly those related to immune deficiency and viral infection.
A recent study found that CPR initiated by dialysis staff can improve survival rates for patients experiencing cardiac arrest at outpatient facilities. However, this life-saving intervention is not always performed, with a rate of only 81% in cardiac arrest events.
Regular and careful assessment of target weight and fluid balance is crucial for dialysis patients' health and survival. The study highlights the importance of protocols that specify dry weight assessments and routine postural blood pressure measurements to lower all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.
A new study found that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of premature death in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The findings suggest that more studies are needed to fine-tune dietary recommendations for patients with kidney failure.
A study examining barriers to exercise among dialysis patients reveals that fatigue and weakness are major obstacles. Patients would like to improve their energy, strength, and quality of life through exercise, with most preferring aerobic and resistance training at home.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that frailty is associated with cognitive decline in adults undergoing kidney transplantation. Cognitive function improved after transplantation but declined in frail recipients over several years.
A study found that influenza-like illness contributes to more than 1,100 deaths of patients with kidney failure each year in the US. The risk is highest during winter months when seasonal fluctuations occur.
A study found that whole-exome sequencing revealed a genetic diagnosis of kidney disease in 32.7% of pediatric kidney transplant recipients. This technique may help individualize pre- and post-transplant care for these young patients, guiding the development of more personalized treatment plans.
A study of 3003 African-American adults found that consuming a pattern of soda, sweetened fruit drinks, and water was associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The researchers were surprised to see that water as part of this beverage pattern was linked to a higher risk of CKD.
A study reveals that nephrologists treat the most complex patients, with kidney disease patients having the highest number of comorbidities and medication needs. The findings highlight the need for better financial funding and awareness for kidney diseases in European healthcare systems.
A study found that peritoneal dialysis clinical trials frequently disregard the most important outcomes for patients and caregivers. The researchers conducted focus groups with 81 patients and 45 caregivers from Australia, the US, and Hong Kong to identify their top priorities.
A new study examines dialysis reimbursement policies worldwide, revealing significant disparities in access to care. The research suggests that high-income countries spend more on dialysis but have a lower percentage of healthcare budget allocated to it compared to low- and middle-income countries.
A new study by American Society of Nephrology examined 281,233 patients with diabetes and CKD in 130 VA facilities. The findings point to areas where care might be improved and standardized among facilities.
A pilot program in rural New Mexico promoted patients' active involvement in their daily care, leading to modest improvements in clinical measures. The intervention also showed significant benefits in mental health quality of life and reduced CKD risk factors.
Patients with newly diagnosed kidney failure may experience delays in accessing preferred dialysis methods due to lack of insurance coverage. Uninsured patients were less likely to use arteriovenous fistulas or grafts and had a higher risk of dialysis-related infections compared to those with Medicare or Medicaid.
Frailty in kidney failure patients is associated with lower likelihoods of being placed on the transplant waitlist and receiving a transplant. Frail participants had nearly twofold increased risk of dying while on the transplant waitlist and underwent transplantation at a 35% lower rate than nonfrail participants.
A national sample of 1,084 adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) found that pro-inflammatory diets increased the risk of developing kidney failure. The study suggests that nutritional interventions focusing on reducing inflammation may help halt CKD progression.
A study of over 10,000 participants with type 2 diabetes found that intensive blood sugar control and targeting low blood pressure reduced the risk of macroalbuminuria, but had no impact on more significant kidney outcomes. The use of fenofibrate to lower cholesterol increased the risk for doubling of serum creatinine.
A new study published in American Society of Nephrology found that ideal BMI (18-25) recipients had the best organ survival rates, while there was no difference in patient survival across different BMI groups. Obesity may not be a significant barrier to kidney transplantation for obese patients.
A phase II clinical trial found that sparsentan significantly reduces proteinuria by 45% in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disorder. The study also suggests potential implications for other kidney diseases characterized by proteinuria.
A recent study published by the American Society of Nephrology found a strong link between acute kidney injury and an increased risk of developing dementia. Patients with acute kidney injury had a 7.0% vs. 2.3% chance of developing dementia, highlighting the potential long-term cognitive consequences of AKI.
A recent study found that procurement biopsies taken when kidneys are procured from donors were not reliable for determining suitability for transplantation. This lack of reliability may result in unnecessary kidney discard and reduced organ utilization, prompting a need to re-examine the role of such biopsies in organ allocation.
A new study suggests that high-dose influenza vaccine is associated with lower risk for hospitalizations in kidney failure patients on dialysis. The findings indicate a significant reduction in hospitalizations among dialysis patients who received the high-dose vaccine, while standard dose vaccine showed no difference.
A recent study found that Hispanic kidney disease patients with poor primary care experiences have a higher risk of hospitalization. The study analyzed data from 252 patients and found associations between low communication quality, health promotion, interpersonal treatment, and trust with increased hospitalization risk.
A new study found that factors such as extraversion, openness, independence, and social support positively impact mental wellbeing in young adults with kidney failure. Higher medication adherence was linked to living with parents, conscientiousness, and physician access satisfaction.
A new study suggests that ultrasound measurements after surgery can predict the likelihood of arteriovenous fistula maturation in individual dialysis patients. At 6 weeks after AVF creation, ultrasound measurements of AVF blood flow, diameter, and depth predicted future AVF maturation with moderate accuracy.
A large multi-ethnic study found that high circulating levels of an inflammatory marker are linked to long-term decline in kidney function. The study suggests a novel marker, soluble TNFR-1, is strongly related to kidney function decline over time.
A new study finds that proton pump inhibitors are associated with a 19% higher risk of hip fractures in dialysis patients, regardless of usage level. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists were not linked to increased fracture risk. The findings highlight the need for individualized assessment and caution in PPI use among hemodialysis patients.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to worse kidney function and other signs of kidney damage in studies analyzing all relevant research. The analysis points to the need for further research on the effects of PFAS on kidney health.
A recent study has found that consuming more phosphate with food increases blood pressure and pulse rate in healthy young adults. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, suggests that increased phosphate intake can lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in out-patient dialysis facilities can significantly reduce infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, infection-related deaths, and costs. The programs promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials, leading to a 4.8% reduction in infections and a 4.6% reduction in death rates.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that black and Hispanic veterans with chronic kidney disease are more likely to progress to advanced kidney disease despite equal access to nephrologist care. Genetic or environmental factors, such as APOL1 mutations, may be central to these disparities.
A $5.67 million federal grant will extend and expand research into acute kidney injury, affecting 1.2 million hospitalized patients yearly, with the goal of improving prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study reveals that older adults who initiate hemodialysis for kidney failure are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that age, Black race, female sex, and institutionalization were the strongest risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that tolvaptan treatment slowed the rate of kidney function decline in individuals with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) for up to 11 years. The therapy also showed a lower risk of a 33% reduction in eGFR from baseline.
A study found that direct oral anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding in patients with chronic kidney disease, highlighting the need for caution in their prescription. The findings suggest a higher risk of bleeding events compared to conventional anticoagulant warfarin use.
Researchers have successfully used viral vectors to deliver genetic material to kidney cells, paving the way for new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The discovery could lead to gene therapies that slow or reverse the growth of cells contributing to CKD.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy method to target damaged kidney cells, which could lead to improved treatment for chronic kidney disease. The approach uses adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver genetic material to targeted cells, showing promise in slowing or reversing cell damage.
A study of 27 patients with late-stage CKD found that interactions with clinicians and the health system can take a large emotional toll. Patients struggle to make sense of their illness, blame themselves, and feel abandoned or isolated.
Medicaid expansion has helped place many low-income individuals with chronic kidney disease on the kidney transplant waiting list before starting dialysis. The findings show larger gains in pre-emptive listing for minorities with Medicaid coverage than for whites.
A study found that the blood pressure-lowering medication ramipril reduced protein excretion in children with chronic kidney disease, which was linked to a lower risk of disease progression. The findings suggest that proteinuria lowering is an important target in managing pediatric CKD.
A study has identified genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing pediatric nephrotic syndrome, a debilitating kidney disease in children. The findings could lead to new diagnostics and treatments.
A study found that persistent illicit drug use was associated with a higher risk of kidney disease progression and early death among chronic kidney disease patients. Tobacco smoking was also linked to an increased risk of early death.
Researchers discovered a chemical compound that lowers sugar levels as effectively as metformin but with a 30-times lower dose, providing an alternative treatment option for patients unresponsive to the current medication. The study published in PLOS One could lead to the development of a new and effective drug to fight diabetes.
A study found that living kidney donors consider post-donation concerns such as kidney health and surgical impacts more important than hypothetical long-term risks. The research highlights the need to understand donors' priorities for informed decision-making and care.
A clinical trial found that comparable diabetes care eliminates racial disparities in kidney function decline and chronic kidney disease among patients with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that delivering standardized care can reduce racial disparities in diabetes-related complications.
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine developed a robotic system to rapidly produce human mini-organs derived from stem cells, expanding basic research and drug discovery capabilities. The new technology enables mass production of organoids, which resemble rudimentary organs and behave similarly.
A new study reveals that acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, particularly heart failure, in patients even after discharge from the hospital. Researchers found that AKI was linked to an 18% increased risk of composite outcomes including heart failure and atherosclerotic events.
Researchers found that poor functional status is associated with a higher incidence of initiating hemodialysis and increased risk of central venous catheter use. Elderly patients with poor functional status have an increased one-year mortality by 48 percent.
Researchers found a significant association between oral antibiotic use and an increased risk of developing kidney stones in children and adults. The study suggests that disruptions in the intestinal and urinary microbiome may contribute to the occurrence of kidney stones.
A new study reveals that oral antibiotics are associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones, particularly among children. The risk remains elevated several years after antibiotic use, highlighting the importance of reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure.
A new study finds that individuals with chronic kidney disease who slept 7 hours/day had higher health-related quality of life compared to those who slept 5 or 9 hours/day. Sleep disorders are common among CKD patients, leading to fatigue, lack of energy, and drowsiness.
A new analysis found that opioid pain medications may pose higher risks of altered mental status, falls, and fractures in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Opioid use was associated with increased risks even at lower doses and with certain types of medication recommended for this population.
A recent study reveals that dialysis providers' awareness of racial disparities in kidney transplant waitlisting is low. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in reducing these disparities, but education and training are necessary to improve equity in access to transplantation.
A new staging system for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) predicts the length of time until a child will need a transplant or dialysis. The system takes into account three factors: glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, and disease etiology.
A recent analysis found that the risk of death due to infectious causes after kidney transplantation has dropped significantly, with common bacterial infections remaining the most frequent cause. The study revealed a drop in infection-related mortality by half since the 1990s, indicating improved outcomes for transplant recipients.
A trained navigator with a degree in social work helped increase access to the transplant waitlist among patients who needed a longer time to get through the transplant evaluation process. Nearly 70,000 US patients have end-stage renal disease and most benefit from kidney transplantation.