Elevated serum phosphorus levels in African Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with faster progression to kidney failure, known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The study found that African Americans are more than 3 times as likely to progress to kidney failure as Caucasians.
Higher levels of urinary potassium excretion were linked with slower declines in kidney function and lower cardiovascular complications among patients with type 2 diabetes. A diet rich in potassium may help protect heart and kidney health, according to the study.
A study found that kidney failure patients on dialysis were at high risk of kidney and thyroid cancers, while those post-transplant were at higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and melanoma. The findings highlight the importance of cancer screening and prevention in these patients.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in nanopore technology that could pave the way for a surgically implantable artificial kidney. The new device is designed to remove toxins and waste from the blood without a pump or electrical power, offering a promising alternative to dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Recent studies focus on hypertension in overweight and obese adolescents, revealing under-diagnosis despite risk factors. Lead exposure in pregnancy is linked to higher blood pressure in young children. Microparticles released from cells cause fetal death, preeclampsia, and embryonic growth restriction in mice.
A study found that African American and Native American dialysis patients were 43-44% less likely to use hospice before dying compared to white patients. The research highlights the need for high-quality research into the benefits of dialysis therapy in older and sicker segments of society.
Studies found that many African Americans with uncontrolled hypertension lack access to essential food categories, such as fruits, whole grains, and plant proteins. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is particularly beneficial for this population, but discussions about diet with doctors are often inadequate.
New equations predict lifetime risk of kidney failure in living kidney donors, with those developing diabetes or hypertension facing higher risks. The findings highlight the need for revised kidney transplant policies and emphasize the importance of monitoring donor health.
A study finds that advanced stages of chronic kidney disease significantly increase the risk of falling into poverty. Black ethnicity, low educational attainment, single adult households, and low income are also linked to a higher likelihood of financial hardship.
A new study reveals that deceased donor kidneys are more likely to be discarded on weekends than weekdays. Organs procured during the weekend were also more likely to be discarded and of higher quality than those procured on other days.
Recent high-impact clinical trials have explored various treatments for kidney-related medical care. Researchers found that statins may increase risk of acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease, while methylprednisolone did not alter the risk of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Additionally...
A new study comparing kidney transplantation and home hemodialysis found that transplant recipients outlived their hemodialysis counterparts by 4 times over 5 years. Elderly patients on hemodialysis had nearly a 5 times higher risk of dying compared to those with transplants, highlighting racial disparities in mortality rates.
A study found that adults who received kidneys from deceased pediatric donors aged 0 to 5 years experienced no surgical complications, organ failure, or rejection. The results showed excellent outcomes with no adverse effects from younger donor age or low weight.
A study found that three commonly used kidney function equations yield discordant results for transplant waitlist qualification, potentially leading to significant differences in qualification time and disadvantage patients. The Cockroft-Gault equation most often disadvantaged patients compared to the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations.
A study evaluating patients who purchased organs internationally found higher rates of hepatitis C, B, and cytomegalovirus, as well as increased risk of acute and recurrent rejections. Survival rates were also lower compared to living related donor transplants.
A new study reveals racial disparities in living kidney donation rates and complications after donation. African Americans have the lowest rates of living donation, while also experiencing higher risks of complications, including gastrointestinal issues, bleeding, and respiratory problems. The findings suggest that socioeconomic factor...
A new study suggests that shorter sleep duration is significantly linked with a more rapid decline in kidney function. Women who slept less than 5 hours per night had a 65% increased likelihood of experiencing a rapid decline in kidney function compared to those sleeping 7-8 hours.
A new treatment using vascular endothelial growth factor fused to a bioengineered carrier promotes the recovery of kidney function in pigs with chronic renovascular disease. The study shows that this treatment can improve kidney function, potentially leading to substantial implications for the management of renovascular disease.
A recent study presented at ASN Kidney Week 2015 found that hormone replacement therapy was associated with lower levels of microalbuminuria and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate in postmenopausal women. This suggests that hormone replacement therapy may help protect kidney health in these women.
Rates of kidney failure caused by multiple myeloma have declined over the past decade, with a 20% reduction from 2001-2002 to 2009-2010. ESRD patients with multiple myeloma are also living longer and experiencing a decline in mortality within 3 years after initiating dialysis.
Two new studies show that increased use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may contribute to the CKD epidemic. PPI users were between 20% and 50% more likely to develop CKD than non-PPI users, even after accounting for baseline differences.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has released a report outlining current and future challenges to the specialty of nephrology. Key findings include the increasing fragmentation of kidney care, uneven distribution of nephrologists across the US, and declining interest among residents choosing nephrology fellowships.
A study found disparities in kidney disease patients' access to electronic health record portals, which may reinforce existing health-related inequities. Patients with black race, lower neighborhood household income, older age, and Medicaid/Medicare insurance status were less likely to adopt the portal.
A new class of oral medications, HIF-PHIs, stimulates red blood cell production by mimicking a low-oxygen state. Promising results were achieved in phase 2 clinical trials, showing improved hemoglobin levels and reduced anemia in kidney disease patients.
A recent study found that each 80 minutes/day increase in sedentary duration was linked with a 20% increased likelihood of having chronic kidney disease. The association was independent of moderate/vigorous physical activity and other factors.
Researchers found that patients taking calcium supplements had lower urine calcium and oxalate levels but faster kidney stone growth rates. Vitamin D supplementation decreased urinary calcium excretion and stone growth rates, potentially preventing stone formation.
Researchers discovered that statins can help prevent acute kidney injury by suppressing inflammation and regulating blood vessel thickness, thanks to the presence of KLF4 protein in endothelial cells. The study found that treating mice with statins protects against AKI, and loss of KLF4 exacerbates the condition.
A study discovered six metabolites in the blood that strongly correlate with kidney function. Two of these metabolites, pseudouridine and C-mannosyltryptophan, are equally effective measures of kidney function as creatinine, offering potential improvements in diagnosing chronic kidney disease.
A study of 1.17 million patients on dialysis found that tallness was associated with higher premature mortality risk and shorter life spans, especially in white, Asian, and American Indian/Alaskan native patients. The association persisted even after adjusting for concurrent illness and care differences.
A new treatment involving the removal of a protein called sFlt-1 from the blood has shown promise in prolonging pregnancy in women with preeclampsia. Pregnancy continued for an average of 8 days and 15 days in treated women, compared to just 3 days in untreated women.
A study found that high urinary excretion levels of both sodium and potassium are linked with faster progression of chronic kidney disease. Patients with CKD often consume excessive amounts of sodium, which can worsen their condition.
Among 51 military service members who experienced severe acute kidney injury, 88% were due to blasts or projectiles, and 22% died within 60 days. Most survivors regained normal kidney function, but some developed chronic kidney disease or proteinuria, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring.
A study found that pregnant women with hypertension are more likely to develop hypertension later in life. Their siblings, particularly brothers, also face an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease.
Study finds that certain IgG3 and IgG4 donor-specific HLA antibodies correlate with distinct patterns of antibody-mediated injury to transplanted organs. Patients with mostly IgG3 antibodies have a higher likelihood of organ rejection soon after transplantation, while those with mostly IgG4 antibodies experience delayed rejection.
A study found that most donors and recipients support sharing health information, but not social details. The transplant team should be involved in the discussion, according to both parties.
Research reveals a strong link between kidney impairment and decreased blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke and dementia. Poor kidney function was strongly related to decreased blood flow to the brain, with the strongest association seen in participants with decreased blood flow.
Researchers found that TMAO levels increase with advancing severity of kidney disease and are linked to atherosclerosis and premature death. Targeting TMAO generation by intestinal bacteria may be a novel strategy for safeguarding heart health in patients with CKD.
A study found that 26.3% of dialysis patients missed sessions and 66.1% received treatment at non-regular units after Hurricane Sandy. Patients with emergency packets had their medical records stored at home, highlighting the need for preparedness.
A study found that tailored mobile health technologies can help patients with chronic kidney disease take their medications appropriately, with a 5% error rate. The technologies were designed to provide safe and easy-to-use medication guidance for patients.
Proteins in the Wnt signaling pathway play a critical role in driving kidney scarring, which can lead to chronic kidney disease. Boosting expression of Wnt proteins in healthy kidneys may be an effective strategy for treating chronic kidney disease.
Certain ECG measures can identify individuals with chronic kidney disease at high risk of dying from heart disease. A panel of 5 common ECG parameters was found to enhance prediction of cardiovascular death in this population, suggesting potential novel interventions to prevent cardiovascular complications.
Experts identified strategies for optimizing EHRs to better manage CKD patients, including standardizing data storage and accessibility. Well-designed EHRs can monitor patient conditions, facilitate collaboration among providers, and support patient self-management.
Children with lower vitamin D levels had higher blood markers related to kidney dysfunction and greater kidney function loss over time. Maintaining normal vitamin D levels helps preserve kidney function in children with CKD.
A new study reveals that severe kidney injury during pregnancy is rare, but affects otherwise healthy women who acquire a major complication. Babies born to mothers with severe kidney injury are at increased risk of low birth weight or premature birth.
A recent study found that dexamethasone can reduce the risk of severe acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery by 2.5 times compared to a placebo. Patients with pre-existing advanced chronic kidney disease showed the greatest benefits from the drug.
A study in Australia found that the public generally favors eliminating disincentives for living kidney donors, but is opposed to providing financial incentives. Many participants believed reimbursement and justifiable recompensation were acceptable ways to support living donors.
A study of 647,457 patients on chronic dialysis found that genetically related family members have a 70% increased risk of cardiac arrest compared to unrelated patients. This increased risk is attributed to inherited genetic factors, which may contribute to the high mortality rate among dialysis patients.
A new assay developed by researchers can identify novel drug candidates that protect kidney cells from damage, which could lead to the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The system has already identified a small molecule called pyrintegrin that effectively protected rodent kidney cells.
A study found that dialysis patients with high parathyroid hormone levels and subsequent bone loss are at risk for worsening coronary artery calcification. Monitoring these factors could help prevent cardiovascular problems and early death in dialysis patients.
A new study reveals that kidneys from older donors provide a lifetime of kidney function for older patients with shorter life expectancy, while younger patients do not benefit. Rapid transplantation from older donors is superior to delayed transplantation, increasing access to these organs.