A cohort study of 120 women who gave birth after receiving a kidney transplant found no differences in kidney function or patient survival compared to those who did not have children. The study's findings provide good news for kidney transplant women who fear getting pregnant due to concerns about their health and lifespan.
A study found that childhood minimal change nephrotic syndrome can lead to lasting health effects, including osteoporosis and hypertension in adults. The condition may also cause reproductive problems, such as low sperm count and defective sperm.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that weight loss through diet and exercise can reduce proteinuria and slow down kidney function decline in obese patients with kidney disease. Surgical interventions also show promise in normalizing kidney filtration rates.
A new study found that extending preventive treatment for CMV infection post-kidney transplant reduces the risk of disease by nearly two-thirds. This approach also proves cost-effective, offsetting increased costs with reduced cases of CMV disease.
A study found that warfarin may increase the risk of stroke in dialysis patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Patients on dialysis who take warfarin are at a higher risk of stroke, particularly those whose blood is not monitored for warfarin levels after treatment.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has published a policy on managing conflicts of interest to ensure responsible partnerships with industry and promote patient care. The policy provides guidelines for medical societies and industry to advance research and education.
Researchers have developed a Wearable Artificial Kidney that provides continuous dialysis 24/7, reducing hospitalization rates and improving quality of life. The device is powered by two nine-volt batteries and weighs about 10 pounds.
A new study finds that single kidneys from very young deceased donors can maintain the health of an adult with kidney failure. The research suggests that this practice is safe and effective, offering an alternative to traditional organ allocation methods.
A DASH-style diet high in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and low in sodium, was found to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. Participants with higher scores on this dietary approach were between 40-45% less likely to develop kidney stones than those with lower scores.
A new approach to statistical analysis shows that a higher dose of dialysis can lead to longer survival times for patients with advanced kidney disease. The study found no significant effect with conventional methods, contradicting previous conflicting results.
A study found that chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, particularly women, diabetics, and those with heart problems. The study suggests that medical care for CKD patients should include strategies to lessen the negative impact of CKD on quality of life.
A study found that female recipients of male donor kidneys have a higher risk of transplant failure in the first year after transplantation. However, this increased risk is reversed after ten years. The study suggests that H-Y antigens on male cells may elicit an immune response in female kidney transplant recipients.
A recent study found that 'enhanced' fresh meat products often contain high levels of phosphorous and potassium not listed on food labels. This can be problematic for kidney disease patients who must limit these substances to avoid premature death.
A new laboratory test called urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been found to help predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care patients. NGAL levels are also higher in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy, a complication of HIV affecting African Americans and black Africans.
A daily dose of sodium bicarbonate slows the decline of kidney function in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, reducing the rate of progression by about two-thirds. Patients taking baking soda also experience improvements in nutrition and are less likely to develop end-stage renal disease.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that dialysis does not affect the heart health of kidney disease patients who have had a heart attack. Researchers identified predictors of high risk, such as potassium levels and patient condition severity.
A recent study found that contrast-induced kidney damage from medical imaging procedures increases the risk of having a stroke or heart attack over the next year or two. Patients who developed this damage had twice as many long-term negative health effects compared to those whose kidneys were not damaged.
A new study projects that nearly half of older patients currently on the kidney transplant waiting list will die before receiving an organ from a deceased donor. The study found significant variations in mortality rates across different transplant regions and patient groups, including African Americans and those aged 70 or older.
A new study reveals that medical insurers' reimbursement documents can provide insights into the long-term health of kidney transplant patients. The research found that combined use of Medicare billing claims from both Part A and Part B accurately documented cardiovascular events after transplantation, with a high sensitivity rate.
A new study shows that overnight dialysis is a viable alternative for patients with irreversible kidney disease, offering improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare burden. The long-term results of this therapy were found to be well-tolerated by most patients, with lower rates of anemia and reduced levels of urea in their blood.
Researchers have identified a potential genetic link to vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), a common cause of urinary tract infections and kidney failure in children. The study found that the VUR susceptibility gene is located on chromosome 12 and may be inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has developed an online curriculum to educate physicians about managing elderly patients with kidney disease. The curriculum addresses gaps in training and provides a comprehensive resource for geriatric nephrology care.
A study analyzing Medicare data found that increasing preventive care measures, such as influenza vaccines and blood glucose monitoring, correlates with lower heart disease incidence in CKD patients. These measures can slow disease progression and improve overall health outcomes.
A study found that hypoglycemia may account for some portion of excess heart-related deaths in CKD patients. Patients with CKD and diabetes are at highest risk of developing hypoglycemia, which can lead to severe health complications.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that dialysis patients taking an average of 19 pills a day experience worsening quality of life. The high pill burden, largely due to phosphate binders, can lead to poorer physical and mental health outcomes.
A study of nearly 6,900 patients found that simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation resulted in a 89% long-term survival rate compared to 80% for kidney-only transplants and 65% for deceased donor transplants. SPK recipients were also more likely to die during the first year after transplantation.
A gene test can help predict patients' risk of shock and kidney failure after heart surgery by identifying genetic differences in the COMT enzyme. This knowledge can guide treatment to prevent complications.
A new study found that men with moderate kidney disease have a 39% increased risk of developing cancer compared to those with normal kidney function. The risk is highest for lung and urinary tract cancers, but not prostate cancer. Maintaining kidney function may help prevent cancer in the general population.
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that patients with more knowledge about dialysis are more likely to use permanent vascular access. The researchers also identified factors associated with lower knowledge, including age, education level, and race.
A recent study suggests that a change in Medicare reimbursement policy could disadvantage African American patients with kidney disease, who require more treatment with costly erythropoiesis stimulating agents. The new policy may create a
A study of 298 black and 945 white male patients found that blacks with moderate and advanced chronic kidney disease lived longer than whites once they reached later stages. Blacks had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease, which contributed to their better survival rates.
Researchers have identified multiple chromosomal regions associated with genes influencing variation in proteinuria, particularly in the setting of diabetes or hypertension. The study's findings suggest that genetic variation likely accounts for part of the increased risk of kidney disease in American Indians.
The study found that mycophenolate mofetil was as effective as cyclophosphamide in treating lupus nephritis, but showed better results in certain racial groups. Patients may prefer mycophenolate mofetil due to its lack of fertility side effects.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa slows kidney function decline in men with Fabry disease. The therapy showed promise when initiated early, particularly for those with higher initial kidney function.
A study suggests that combining glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin levels can predict which patients with chronic kidney disease will develop end-stage renal disease. This combination test could help identify patients at high risk of serious kidney trouble.
Studies found that partial correction of severe anemia with erythropoietin improves heart structure, while normalization of hemoglobin levels reduces fatigue in kidney disease patients. However, treating to a normal hemoglobin level may cause harm and is not recommended for all patients.
A recent study found that distance from a patient's home to the nearest transplant facility has no bearing on whether an individual is placed on the transplant waiting list. However, the research identified neighborhood poverty as a key factor associated with disparities in waitlisting, particularly for black patients.
A novel hemodialysis procedure called high cut-off hemodialysis has been shown to restore kidney function and increase lifespan in patients with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that causes severe kidney failure. In a study of 19 patients who underwent the procedure while receiving chemotherapy, 70% became independent of dialysis.
Patients with end-stage renal disease who receive pre-dialysis care from a nephrologist have higher chances of surviving the first year on dialysis. The study also identified geographic clusters where suboptimal care is prevalent, suggesting targeted improvement efforts could be beneficial.
A study found that proteinuria levels are higher in children with low glomerular filtration rates and non-Caucasian race, suggesting genetic or environmental factors. The study also found that patients taking renin-angiotensin system antagonizing drugs had lower levels of proteinuria compared to those not on these medications.
A commonly used questionnaire for measuring quality of life in ADPKD patients is not sensitive enough to detect physical and mental problems. The study found links between patient characteristics and physical scores, but no significant difference in quality of life scores compared to the general population.
The Comprehensive Dialysis Study (CDS) includes data on more than 1,600 patients, providing a valuable new resource for improving dialysis outcomes. Researchers can examine the interrelated factors affecting the health of new dialysis patients and identify predictive significance of early physical and nutritional status.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology suggests that rituximab can significantly improve kidney health in patients with severe lupus nephritis. The immunosuppressive drug showed promise in reducing inflammation and improving renal outcomes in those who did not respond to conventional therapy.
High-flux hemodialysis reduces the risk of premature death in patients with CKD by eliminating large toxins. Patients with diabetes showed a significant survival benefit from high-flux dialysis, while benefits were not observed in all patient groups.
A combination of two antihypertensive drugs lowers the risk of kidney disease in diabetics, even among those with normal blood pressure. The study found a 21% lower rate of kidney disease events in patients receiving the combination therapy.
Patients with mild to severe kidney dysfunction require lower warfarin doses and closer monitoring due to increased bleeding risk. Warfarin dose is significantly affected by kidney function, even after accounting for genetics.
A study found that chewing gum with a phosphate-binding ingredient can help maintain proper phosphate levels and prevent cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients. Salivary phosphate levels decreased significantly after two weeks of chewing, while blood phosphate levels also showed a notable reduction.
A study found that taking a much higher dose of candesartan cilexetil effectively lowers protein excretion in the urine of patients with kidney disease. The drug may help prevent end-stage kidney disease and save lives by reducing proteinuria.
A study found that individuals with high urinary protein levels are at increased risk of developing kidney disease. Screening for albuminuria in the general population or high-risk groups could help prevent kidney function loss and related health issues.
A study found that measuring NGAL in blood and urine can predict which patients with non-advanced chronic kidney disease will progress to a more serious form of the disease. High NGAL levels are associated with worsening kidney function, and both urinary and blood NGAL measurements predicted CKD progression.