Cefazolin outperforms vancomycin in preventing hospitalizations and deaths from specific bloodstream infections, a study reveals. The antibiotic was found to be 48% more effective at preventing sepsis.
Researchers found that abnormal proteins and antibodies in blood levels increase according to disease severity. High antibody levels are associated with higher risk of kidney failure and premature death.
Patients under 35 years old and those without private health insurance are more likely to be overlooked when starting dialysis, according to a recent study. The findings highlight the need to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in kidney transplantation.
A study found that rituximab, an immune drug, helped patients with serious kidney disorder idiopathic membranous nephropathy experience remission, even when standard therapies failed. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated, with all patients achieving complete or partial remission over time.
A recent study has questioned the safety and effectiveness of commonly prescribed kidney disease drugs, which may cause unexpected harm to blood vessels. The study found that these drugs did not substantially reduce serum phosphorus levels and may be associated with cardiovascular problems in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Homeless individuals with chronic kidney disease are more likely to develop depression, substance abuse, and kidney failure. They also overuse emergency medical services, leading to increased public costs. Research highlights the need for better healthcare access and support services for homeless patients.
A low-carbohydrate high-protein diet has been found to be safe for healthy obese patients' kidney function and fluid balance, unlike a low-fat diet. However, additional studies are needed to evaluate its effects in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or other health conditions.
Obese patients have an increased risk of developing kidney damage, or acute kidney injury, after heart surgery. Oxidative stress associated with obesity plays a role in this increased risk. Acute kidney injury affects 5% to 30% of heart surgery patients.
A recent study suggests that peritonitis, a common infection in dialysis patients on peritoneal dialysis, may be linked to premature death. Researchers found that patients were more likely to develop peritonitis during the final month before their death, and even six times more so during the 30 days prior to their death.
A minimally invasive procedure called renal denervation disrupts overactive sympathetic nerves, lowering blood pressure in CKD patients with hypertension. The study found no worsening of kidney function, indicating the procedure is safe for those with CKD.
A study found that off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is likely safer than on-pump surgery for chronic kidney disease patients, cutting down on kidney injuries after heart surgery. CKD patients undergoing on-pump surgery were more than three times as likely to die or need dialysis compared to those who received off-pump surgery.
Children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) who do not respond to standard treatments may not benefit from rituximab, according to a recent study. The drug, which targets the immune system, was found to be ineffective in reducing protein excretion in urine after three months of treatment.
A US policy instituted in 2005 has reduced racial disparities in kidney transplantation among children, allowing more kids from diverse backgrounds to receive deceased donor kidneys. The study found that Share 35 has attenuated racial disparities in terms of how likely and how soon children will receive a deceased-donor kidney transplant.
A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that hemodiafiltration, a technique to remove additional toxins during dialysis, does not improve patient survival or heart health. However, intense treatments may provide some benefits, particularly for patients who receive higher doses of treatment.
A study found that information on a mandatory Medicare form regarding kidney disease patients' care doesn't accurately reflect the actual care billed by physicians. The report's accuracy varies by patient characteristics and declines over time, emphasizing the need for improved reporting to ensure public health surveillance and planning.
A new study found that 84% of female dialysis patients experienced sexual problems, which are often overlooked by clinicians. The study also highlighted the impact of various factors such as age, education level, and presence of depression on sexual dysfunction in these patients.
A study found that dialysis patients with deteriorating mental health have a higher risk of developing heart problems and dying prematurely. The research suggests that addressing kidney disease patients' mental health may help prevent heart complications and even death.
A recent study by John Gill and colleagues found that the age of a live donor between 18 to 64 years has minimal effect on the survival of transplanted kidneys. This finding suggests that patients over 39 years old may benefit from participating in living donor paired exchange programs or kidney swaps.
Patients with kidney failure have relatively poor physical health. Frequent dialysis does not significantly improve their overall physical capacity compared to conventional dialysis, but it can provide improved quality of life.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that 10% of patients with chronic kidney disease did not experience progressive kidney dysfunction, and 3% demonstrated improved kidney function. The study suggests that some cases of CKD may be reversible, providing hope for patients with this condition.
Most Medicare beneficiaries with kidney failure (64%) participate in Part D coverage, with 72% receiving financial assistance. Those without assistance often opt for more expensive plans due to the need for intensive medication therapy.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that weight-loss surgery is safe for chronic kidney disease patients who are obese, with complication rates below 10%. Maintaining weight loss remains challenging for CKD patients due to limited exercise abilities and eligibility restrictions for kidney transplants.
Researchers identified biomarkers in blood and urine that predict which patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) following heart surgery will experience worsening kidney function. Testing for these markers soon after surgery may help protect patients' kidneys.
Research suggests that daily or nightly dialysis sessions at home or in the clinic may provide more benefits for some patients with kidney failure, improving their health and survival. However, additional research is needed to determine if extended or more frequent treatments are beneficial for all dialysis patients.
A new study found that patient education classes can improve access to kidney transplant evaluations for blacks and patients living in poor neighborhoods. After implementing a required educational session, 80.4% of patients completed an evaluation within one year, compared to 44.7% before the program.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that adding information on how to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to kidney test results did not improve care. The study included 22,092 patients with CKD and found no difference in the use of recommended medications between those who receive...
Home-based dialysis treatments for kidney failure are gaining popularity worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The study found a significant increase in peritoneal dialysis patients in these regions, driven by lower costs and easier access to care.
A new study found that patients who quickly stop taking immunosuppressive prednisone after receiving a kidney transplant avoid experiencing serious prednisone-related side effects. The study also showed that rapid discontinuation of prednisone does not jeopardize the long-term survival of patients and their new organs.
High levels of TNF receptors in the blood increase diabetes patients' risk of developing kidney problems by three- to five-fold. Measuring blood levels of TNF receptors may help predict which patients' kidneys are in jeopardy, and targeting TNF receptors may help protect them.
Upper GI bleeding is common and serious in dialysis patients, with rates 10 times higher than in the general population. The condition can lead to early deaths and substantial negative effects on kidney function.
The FDA has revised labeling guidelines for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) drugs in chronic kidney disease patients. These updates aim to minimize the risk of heart-related problems, but critics argue that they may be too conservative and not tailored to individual patient needs.
A new study finds that solar-powered hemodialysis can reduce power costs by up to 76.5% and generate effectively free energy. The researchers advocate for implementing water conservation and waste management systems in dialysis programs to further reduce environmental impact.
A study found that treating anemia in kidney transplant recipients slows the progression of kidney failure and improves survival of transplanted kidneys. Completely correcting anemia resulted in fewer patients developing kidney failure and more functional transplanted kidneys.
Researchers analyzed data from a large study to find that certain protein markers in the blood, such as cystatin C and beta trace protein, are better predictors of an individual's prognosis than creatinine. These markers may indicate not only kidney health but also other aspects of well-being.
Patients with persistent kidney injuries often remain at increased risk of developing kidney disease in the future. Despite this, most patients do not receive specialized care from a kidney specialist within a year after their injury.
A study found that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among military personnel with burns and wounds sustained during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also revealed a significant increase in mortality rates among patients with AKI, with death rates ranging from 0.2% to 65.1%. By preventing or modifying kidney injury, research...
Research finds that ACE inhibitors and ARBs have different effects on heart health in dialysis patients, with some benefiting from one over the other. The findings emphasize the need for tailored treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of long-term clinical trials.
Researchers found that high levels of inflammation significantly shorten white dialysis patients' lives, but African Americans with similar inflammation levels survive similarly. A new study aims to understand and possibly mitigate this survival difference.
Two studies presented at the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Kidney Week highlight concerns about dialysis clinic closures and their impact on patients' quality of life. The new initiative hopes to reduce new cases of chronic kidney disease and its progression, complications, disability, death, and economic costs.
Researchers found that intensive diabetes therapy can preserve kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes, preventing impaired kidney function and kidney failure. The study's results demonstrate the importance of maintaining good glucose control early in the course of type 1 diabetes to prevent long-term kidney complications.
A new study by the American Society of Nephrology found that sitagliptin is safer and just as effective as glipizide in managing type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Patients taking sitagliptin also tend to lose weight, while those on glipizide often gain weight.
A mid-pregnancy test can predict preeclampsia, a late-pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. Women with high blood pressure during pregnancy are at increased risk of experiencing high blood pressure, kidney problems, and stroke later in life.
Two studies found that pomegranate juice can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the need for blood pressure medications in kidney disease patients. Meanwhile, over 15% of kidney disease patients take potentially harmful herbs or dietary supplements.
Children of minority races are less likely to get kidney transplants before they need dialysis, and blacks with no health insurance face a higher risk of death while waiting for a transplant. Certain racial groups have lower rates of preemptive transplantation and are more likely to die than others
Two studies agree that diabetics with kidney failure shouldn't lower their blood glucose levels as much as those without kidney failure, suggesting a different optimal range. Hemoglobin A1C levels between 7% and 8% were found to be associated with the lowest risk of death for these patients.
A new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that individuals over 70 years old can safely donate a kidney without compromising their health. The organs from these elderly donors last as long as those from younger deceased donors, but not as long as those from younger living donors.
Researchers found that patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis have elevated levels of the protein Flt1, which hinders blood vessel repair. This impairment contributes to disease progression and increases the risk of kidney failure in these patients. Inhibiting Flt1 may help improve blood vessel repair and reduce this risk.
A promising new drug to protect the kidneys has failed to benefit diabetes patients with kidney disease. The study, which enrolled 1,248 patients, found that sulodexide did not prevent kidney failure or reduce urinary protein excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.
The current classification system for lupus nephritis is too detailed and may make it harder for clinicians to treat kidney problems in patients with lupus. A new study analyzing data from 86 patients found no significant difference in health outcomes between segmental and global forms of class IV lupus nephritis.
A study found that Pyridorin, a vitamin B6 derivative, helps patients with mild diabetic kidney disease, but does not benefit those with more advanced kidney disease. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is expected to double by 2030, making new therapies like Pyridorin crucial in preventing kidney failure and saving lives.