A new study found that African Americans are more likely to develop kidney failure due to high levels of protein in the urine. The study analyzed data from 27,911 individuals and found that African Americans were four times more likely to develop kidney failure than whites.
A new study found that a combination of minocycline and EDTA can prevent bacterial infections in dialysis patients using catheters, improving patient outcomes. The treatment reduced the risk of infection by half compared to traditional heparin use.
People with metabolic syndrome have a 55% increased risk of developing kidney problems, especially lower kidney function. Preventing and managing metabolic syndrome through healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss may help prevent kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease patients with high blood phosphate levels may be at risk of progressing to kidney failure faster. Lowering phosphate levels could help optimize the effectiveness of important kidney medications like ramipril.
A study of 586 children with mildly to moderately impaired kidneys found that they often experienced poor growth, delayed puberty, metabolic problems, and high blood pressure. These conditions can be slowed by more aggressive interventions to improve blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities.
Two studies found that three protein measurements can identify high-risk patients for kidney injury after heart surgery. These biomarkers may transform the diagnosis of kidney disease, enabling early interventions and improving patient outcomes.
A new study found that a combination of two immunosuppressive drugs, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, led to less organ rejection and better kidney function in patients after kidney transplant. The results suggest that this regimen is the safest and most effective option for long-term success.
Researchers have discovered a breakthrough therapy for patients with kidney disease by reprogramming their own kidney cells. The process involves collecting cells from urine and coaxed them into becoming progenitor cells that can form healthy kidney tissue.
The US medical workforce is facing a kidney brain drain as fewer students adopt nephrology as a career. Despite the growing health problem of kidney disease, many students believe nephrologists are overworked and underpaid. However, experts propose strategies to improve interest in nephrology, including providing stimulating experience...
A study found that 16% of dialysis patients have limited health literacy, with those having lower educational levels and certain racial/ethnic groups more affected. This limitation can impact patient adherence to treatment and overall kidney health outcomes.
A new study by the American Society of Nephrology found that ramipril lowers the risk of kidney disease progression in all weight groups, but shows a significant reduction in obese patients. Obese patients with kidney disease progress more quickly towards renal failure compared to non-obese patients.
A study found that flu vaccination in transplant patients lowers risk of organ loss and death. Vaccination is safe and effective, contradicting earlier concerns about its impact on transplanted organs.
Chronic kidney disease is common among the elderly and linked to cardiovascular disease. The study found that different formulas for estimating kidney function yield varying prevalence rates, emphasizing the need for a gold standard.
A population-based retrospective study found that taking statins before major elective surgery reduces potentially serious kidney complications and premature death. Statin use was associated with lower incidence of acute kidney injury, dialysis need, and mortality.
A study found that daily home hemodialysis significantly improved restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms and sleep disturbances in dialysis patients. The treatment reduced RLS-related symptoms by over 12 months, leading to lasting improvements.
A study found that depression is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease and rapid decline in kidney function. Depression was also linked to increased hospitalizations due to acute kidney injury, even after adjusting for other medical factors.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that kidney transplant recipients who engage in little physical activity face increased risks of dying prematurely. The research suggests that patients need to exercise to fend off an early death and maintain heart health, which is crucial for these indi...
A study found racial disparities in kidney transplantation rates, with non-Hispanic whites and Asians receiving transplants at higher rates. Barriers to transplantation vary among racial and ethnic groups, including socioeconomic factors and regional organ availability.
Despite significant advances in kidney care, type 1 diabetes patients with kidney dysfunction continue to face increased risks of kidney failure and heart-related death. New therapies are needed to retard progression to end-stage renal disease.
A study found that dialysis patients receive high doses of radiation, increasing their cancer risk. The researchers recommend tracking radiation exposure to develop alternative strategies and justify CT scans.
A recent study found significant disparities between the race of kidney disease patients and physicians who care for them. Increasing diversity among kidney specialists could improve patient trust and care. Recruiting more African Americans into nephrology training programs may alleviate health disparities in ESRD patients.
Mutations in INF2 gene are a major cause of autosomal dominant FSGS, leading to kidney failure. Screening for INF2 mutations may be warranted in patients with an autosomal dominant familial history.
Researchers found mammograms show calcifications in the blood vessels of nearly two-thirds of women with end-stage renal disease, potentially contributing to heart disease risk. The study suggests mammograms may be a useful tool for studying cardiovascular disease progression in kidney patients.
A recent heart attack study found that patients with lower kidney function have poor medication adherence, with only 50-60% of prescribed medications taken over three years. This highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve medication adherence in this high-risk population.
A study found that patients with lower kidney function had lower long-term adherence rates for three major heart medications, increasing the risk of hospitalization and death. Medication non-adherence was significantly lower for patients who had lower levels of kidney function at the beginning of the study.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that home-based peritoneal dialysis can be just as effective as hemodialysis for patients returning to dialysis after a kidney transplant failure. The research showed similar mortality rates for both types of dialysis, providing hope for patients who may have previously been...
A study found that most primary care physicians and kidney specialists prefer shared care for patients with progressive chronic kidney disease, but their preferences on how and when to collaborate differ. Effective collaboration is crucial in slowing CKD progression or preparing patients for dialysis or transplantation.
A vegetarian diet has been shown to lower blood and urine phosphorous levels in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study found that grain-based protein sources, such as those found in vegetables, may help reduce the risk of accumulating toxic levels of phosphorus in the body.
A study finds that MCP-1 protein contributes to dialysis AV fistula failure. Researchers suggest using MCP-1 blockers as a possible therapeutic approach to promote AV fistula maturation and function.
A new blood test has been identified as an effective way to measure individuals at increased risk of developing kidney disease complications. The study found that measuring cystatin C can accurately identify those with impaired kidney function and distinguish them from those with low risk.
A study of over 29,796 dialysis patients found that naturally high hemoglobin levels were not associated with increased mortality. In fact, the researchers discovered that patients with higher hemoglobin concentrations had a similar risk of dying as those with lower levels, after adjusting for other factors.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that restricting dietary phosphate does not improve survival rates among hemodialysis patients. In fact, patients with more liberal phosphate restrictions were 27% less likely to die than those on restrictive diets.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment option for dialysis-related anemia using FG-2216, which increases erythropoietin (EPO) production in both healthy individuals and patients with end-stage renal disease. The study's findings suggest that the kidneys of dialysis patients retain significant EPO production capacity.
A new review suggests that excessive amounts of fructose may play a role in high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. The study recommends restricting added sugars containing fructose for patients with CKD to lower the risk of these health conditions.
Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are more likely to have mothers who were obese or had diabetes during pregnancy. Strict control of diabetes and weight loss may lower kids' risk of CKD.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables can help maintain kidney function in patients with reduced kidney function due to high blood pressure. Conversely, melatonin has been shown to improve short-term sleep quality in dialysis patients but does not provide long-term benefits.
A study found that individuals with a common gene variant are 1.5 times more likely to have progressive kidney disease than those with other genotypes. The MYH9 variant was present in 55% of African American patients and associated with a 50% higher risk of death, ESRD, or significant drop in kidney function.
A new study found that low amounts of albumin in the urine, even at clinically insignificant levels, strongly predict faster cognitive decline in older women. This association was strongest for verbal fluency scores, suggesting albuminuria may be an early marker of diffuse vascular disease.
Research highlights disparities in kidney donation, particularly among low-income individuals and black patients. Efforts are needed to minimize barriers and increase access to transplant care for underrepresented groups.
A study by Elizabeth Hedgeman and colleagues found that earlier nephrologist care is associated with lower ESRD incidence and improved patient outcomes. Patients who received recommended care were in better health, more prepared for dialysis, and had a 40% lower risk of death during the first year after developing ESRD.
A study of over 5,200 adults found that those with mildly decreased sodium levels had a higher rate of fractures, despite no difference in bone mineral density. Screening for low sodium concentration may be an important new strategy to prevent fractures.
Research shows that moderate drinking can help prevent diabetes and premature death in kidney transplant recipients, but excessive weight may be detrimental. On the other hand, low dialysis calcium levels have been linked to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest among patients on dialysis.
Researchers have identified a potential solution for preventing osteoporosis using potassium citrate supplements. Additionally, waist circumference measurements in children may be a better predictor of heart disease risk than body mass index. Early urine tests can also predict pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia.
Researchers analyzed data from a nationwide study of over 5,200 adults and found that African Americans have faster rates of decline in kidney function compared to white Americans. Hispanic participants also showed faster declines, but with varying effects by country of origin.
Patients with end-stage renal disease admitted on weekends experience delays in dialysis treatment and have a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those admitted during the week. The study highlights the need to redesign hospital staffing models to improve staff and dialysis availability over weekends.
A recent study found that patients who started dialysis at higher levels of kidney function had an increased risk of premature death. In contrast, home-based hemodialysis was shown to be cost-effective and provide potential benefits for kidney disease patients.
A study found that pomegranate juice reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to fewer hospitalizations due to infections. It also improved cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting better heart health for hemodialysis patients.
A new urine test has shown promise in detecting acute kidney injury (AKI) by identifying specific markers in the urine. Elevated levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and its mRNA were found in urine samples from both mice and human patients with AKI, suggesting a potential diagnostic marker.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is convening a Summit on the Nephrology Workforce to address the growing crisis in kidney care. The summit aims to increase interest in nephrology careers, particularly among underrepresented minorities and women.
The Halpin Foundation-ASN Research Grant has enabled researchers to study the PCP pathway's role in regulating podocyte architecture and nephrin organization. This finding establishes a mechanism for the regulation of foot processes in membranous nephropathy.