HIV+ kidney transplant recipients who are not infected with HCV have similar 5-year and 10-year kidney survival rates as uninfected recipients. Patient survival among mono-infected HIV+ recipients is also comparable to uninfected recipients, while co-infected patients experience inferior outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that even mild stages of chronic kidney disease during pregnancy can increase risks of preterm delivery, neonatal intensive care, and hypertension. In contrast, risks of intrauterine death or fetal malformations were not significantly higher in women wi...
A new study found that high phosphate levels cause a stress signal inside blood vessel cells, leading to the release of microparticles that promote blood clot formation. This process is a common cause of injury and death, particularly in patients with kidney disease who lose the ability to excrete excess phosphate.
Researchers found that dialysis patients have altered enzyme activities and compromised HDL function, which may lead to advances in protecting kidney disease patients' heart health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in these patients.
A urine test can predict the risk of kidney injury in heart failure patients, allowing clinicians to identify those at high risk and take preventive measures. The study found that urinary angiotensinogen levels can accurately predict acute kidney injury and patient rehospitalization or death within one year.
Chronic pain in patients with chronic kidney disease is common and associated with improper use of pain medications. An estimated 26 million people in the US have CKD, making it a significant concern for patient safety.
A recent study found that patients with advanced kidney disease have been initiating dialysis progressively earlier over time. Despite no measurable differences in patient sickness or reasons for dialysis, the trend suggests a shift towards embracing higher levels of kidney function as acceptable for dialysis initiation.
A new study has discovered how the enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) regulates immune cells in response to kidney injury. The research found that HO-1 directs a specific subset of myeloid cells to and from the kidney, which helps protect against poor recovery after acute kidney injury.
Patients with chronic kidney disease who consume high acid diets are 3-times more likely to develop kidney failure than those on low acid diets. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect kidneys.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology reveals a key signaling pathway that helps protect healthy tissue from excessive immune activation. This finding may lead to improved treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
A simple test using furosemide and urine output can predict which patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) are at risk of developing serious kidney problems. The Furosemide Stress Test (FST) improved predictions of outcomes in patients with early AKI, paving the way for robust clinical diagnostic tools.
A study found that high-salt intake accelerates kidney scarring in rats with chronic kidney disease by activating the brain-kidney connection called the renin-angiotensin axis. Targeting this nerve reduced salt-induced kidney scarring, providing new strategies for protecting patients' kidney health.
A study found that people with recurrent kidney stones have more calcification in their arteries, increasing their risk for heart disease. Additionally, kidney stone formers tend to have less dense bones, elevating their risk for osteoporosis.
A study found that both low and high blood calcium levels, as well as high phosphorus levels, are associated with an increased risk of premature death in dialysis patients. The study suggests that lowering these levels may improve patients' health, but further research is needed.
A new algorithm is a useful tool for measuring chronic kidney disease patients' readiness to make decisions about initiating dialysis. Patients with knowledge and fewer lifestyle barriers to home dialysis are more likely to be ready to make decisions, while clinicians who explain treatment options can increase readiness.
Research identifies strong genetic association between apolipoprotein L1 variants and FSGS in African Americans, highlighting the need for targeted therapies. Patients with these variants respond to immunosuppressant treatments but tend to progress more rapidly to kidney failure than others.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that older kidney donors with hypertension had good kidney health after donation. After 6 months, hypertensive and non-hypertensive donors both maintained excellent blood pressure control and robust compensatory kidney responses.
A study found that cinacalcet reduced the rate of bone fracture in patients on dialysis by 16-29%, after adjusting for patient characteristics. The drug may provide a protective effect against fractures in these patients, who are at increased risk due to kidney failure.
A study found that decreased blood levels of Klotho increase the risk of heart disease in mice with chronic kidney disease, suggesting potential treatment strategy to protect kidney disease patients' heart health. If confirmed in humans, increasing Klotho levels may help protect the hearts of patients with chronic kidney disease.
A simple 5-variable model accurately predicts most cases of kidney failure in socially disadvantaged individuals with moderate or advanced chronic kidney disease. The model can help guide approaches to reduce socioeconomic disparities in kidney disease care.
A 12-week exercise program improved physical function and quality of life for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, decreasing their pain. The study suggests that incorporating exercise into kidney disease care can significantly improve patients' lives.
A US policy giving priority to prior organ donors has been shown to significantly reduce waiting times and improve the quality of organs received. Living donors who later need a transplant experience much shorter waits and receive higher-quality kidneys compared to those on the waiting list without donation history.
Researchers have identified a second protein, THSD7A, associated with membranous nephropathy, a common cause of kidney failure. This finding allows for the development of a new blood test to diagnose and monitor the disease, providing additional tools for clinicians to follow treatment response.
A recent study has found a strong association between air pollution and the development of chronic kidney disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.1 million people in the US, revealed that even low levels of particulate matter can increase the risk of CKD.
A study found that perceived racial discrimination may contribute to disparities in kidney disease by increasing stress-related pathways. Among African Americans and whites, those who experienced 'a lot' of discrimination had higher systolic blood pressure but a lower prevalence of diabetes.
Studies found that a higher-quality diet reduces the risk of needing dialysis or dying from kidney problems by 16-23%. High potassium intake also shows promise in reducing future risk. Dietary modifications are considered a low-cost and simple intervention to reduce chronic kidney disease burden.
A study found that sodium-reduced meat and poultry products contain significantly higher levels of potassium due to additives. This can pose a risk for patients with kidney disease who require low phosphorus and potassium diets.
Researchers found that peritoneal dialysis and high-frequency home hemodialysis can significantly reduce mortality risks. Patients receiving these treatments had 10-26% lower mortality rates than those with standard in-center hemodialysis.
Recent high-impact clinical trials have yielded promising results in the fight against kidney disease, with several treatments showing significant benefits in reducing the risk of end-stage kidney disease. For example, intensive glucose control has been shown to lead to long-term reductions in the risk of developing end-stage kidney di...
Late-breaking clinical studies presented at ASN Kidney Week 2014 highlight significant advances in kidney care, including the reduction of disparities in transplant referrals through a community-based intervention. Additionally, new treatments for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) have shown promising results, such as ferric citrate's abi...
Studies found significant disparities in access to pre-ESRD kidney care across the US, with certain geographic areas and racial groups receiving lower quality care. Disparities were more pronounced among black patients, who had a 10% to 54% lower odds of receiving care from a kidney specialist.
A study found that sleep apnea is associated with more rapid loss of renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Researchers identified high-risk scores for obstructive sleep apnea, which were common in non-dialysis CKD patients and linked to decreased kidney function.
A study found that 55% of the US population is not eligible to donate a kidney due to preventable health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The majority of individuals with lower incomes are less likely to donate due to financial difficulties and immigration status.
Exercise training slows kidney function decline and improves cardio-respiratory fitness in patients with progressive stages 3–4 CKD. A personalized, low-intensity home exercise program also improves physical performance in dialysis patients.
Two new studies suggest that smartphones can be a key tool in improving medication adherence among teens and young adults with chronic conditions. Researchers found that patients who used cell phones for reminders were more likely to have 100% self-reported medication adherence, while those involved in a dedicated Young Adult Service h...
A study found that weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with increased kidney function and decreased albuminuria, a marker of kidney dysfunction. This suggests a beneficial impact on kidney health for patients with and without baseline kidney disease.
For the first time, clinicians have successfully provided hemodialysis to a patient with Ebola virus disease, resulting in recovery of kidney function. The protocol involved careful measures to maximize safety and minimize risk of secondary transmission, demonstrating that renal replacement therapies can be provided safely.
A study of 699 African American adults found that those with severe periodontal disease developed chronic kidney disease at a rate 4 times higher than those without. Targeting periodontal disease may be an important path towards reducing disparities in chronic and end-stage kidney disease.
A new multi-center study has confirmed that specific gene variants in African American kidney donors are associated with a higher risk of organ failure after transplantation. The findings suggest that rapidly genotyping deceased donors for these variants could help inform organ allocation and consent processes.
A study found that 26.3% of dialysis patients missed sessions after Hurricane Sandy, while 95% were interested in learning about emergency preparedness. Another study showed a positive effect of distributing an 'emergency information packet' to patients.
Two cholesterol management guidelines agree that nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should receive statins, but 50% of those recommended are not taking them. The study found the Pooled Cohort risk equations to be accurate among people with CKD, indicating a valid tool for estimating heart disease risk.
A study found that an endothelin-A antagonist can enhance renal recovery in patients with renovascular disease. The medication, already used for pulmonary hypertension, promotes kidney function and improves responses after renal angioplasty.
A study found that maternal obesity increases the risk of congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract in children. Being overweight was not linked with an increased risk. The research highlights the importance of addressing obesity as a public health concern.
A study found that dialysis patients on easily removable beta blockers have a higher risk of premature death compared to those on harder-to-remove beta blockers. The researchers suggest changing prescriptions to lower this risk.
A Mediterranean-style diet is associated with a 17% decreased likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease, while dietary patterns resembling the diet reduce risk by 50%. More than 20 million US adults have chronic kidney disease.
A recent study found that home blood pressure monitors can be inaccurate, with systolic readings off by as much as 5mm Hg and diastolic readings off by as much as 10mm Hg in up to 30% of patients. The American Society of Nephrology recommends that all patients with home monitors get them validated with their healthcare providers.
A study of 51,785 individuals with kidney stones found a significant link between the condition and an increased risk of bone fractures. The excess risk was greatest in males during adolescence and women during middle age.
A recent study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that binge drinking in young men is associated with an increased likelihood of developing high blood pressure. In contrast, low to moderate alcohol use in early adulthood is linked to a reduced risk of hypertension in females.
A blood test can help doctors predict which patients with an autoimmune disease are at risk of relapse, potentially preventing kidney failure. Researchers found that autoantibody increases were linked to an 11-fold increased risk of relapse in patients with kidney involvement.
A study found that recent policy changes did not create racial disparities in the management of anemia and mineral metabolism among dialysis patients. The analysis of 7384 patients at 132 facilities showed similar trends in laboratory measures and management practices for different races.