A study suggests that more frequent hemodialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may improve their quality of life and cut down on hospitalizations. However, the increased costs of delivering hemodialysis may outweigh the benefits unless significant cost reductions are achieved.
Researchers found that consistently controlling parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorous levels can prolong the lives of hemodialysis patients. Meeting multiple targets simultaneously was associated with improved survival rates, with a 51% higher risk of death for those who failed to meet any targets.
A new treatment combining immunosuppressant drugs targeting different immune system parts improves remission rates and reduces side effects for patients with severe lupus nephritis. The therapy shows superior results compared to traditional treatments, achieving complete remission in 65% of patients within nine months.
A study found that higher levels of urinary albumin in healthy individuals, even within the considered normal range, increase the risk of developing hypertension. This suggests that kidney damage or endothelial dysfunction may be precursors to high blood pressure.
A study by Drs. Seungho Ryu and Yoosoo Chang found that healthy individuals who gain weight, even up to a normal BMI, are at increased risk for developing chronic kidney disease. The U-shaped association between weight change and CKD development suggests that both significant weight loss and gain pose risks.
Withdrawing calcineurin inhibitors after kidney transplantation can prolong survival, improve kidney function, and save money compared to lifelong medication use. The study found that treatment with sirolimus plus steroids may be more efficacious and less costly than regimens using calcineurin inhibitors.
A study found that CKD patients have mild reductions in thyroid function, which may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and progressive kidney disease. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism increased with declining kidney function.
Researchers highlight biological, societal, and healthcare-related factors contributing to racial disparities in chronic kidney disease. Healthcare providers are advised to improve communication, advocate for better systems, and conduct relevant research to provide personalized care.
A study found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 diabetes patients. NAFLD was associated with a 69% higher risk of CKD compared to those without the condition.
A large US study found that sirolimus increases the risk of new-onset diabetes in kidney transplant recipients. The risk is higher when combined with other anti-rejection drugs and appears to be independent of other factors.
A study found that black patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of dying in the early stages of the disease compared to white patients. The disparities are attributed to sociological factors, including poverty and access-to-care, rather than biological differences.
Patients with systolic dysfunction are nearly twice as likely to die than those without the condition, according to a study analyzing 2,718 kidney transplant candidates. This increased mortality risk is similar to that seen in patients with cardiac ischemia.
The American Society of Nephrology emphasizes the importance of medical research in improving healthcare and reducing costs. Research advancements have led to cost-effective solutions such as vaccines and disease treatments, benefiting human lives and the economy.
A study found that activated vitamin D may reduce the risk of death by approximately one-fourth in patients with CKD, with a 20% reduction in the risk of either death or dialysis
Researchers found that higher creatinine levels in black patients with kidney disease cannot be explained by differences in muscle mass. The study suggests new theories are needed to account for the racial difference, which could help explain why blacks are more affected by progressive chronic kidney disease.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that raloxifene increases bone mineral density and reduces vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. The medication is safe and effective for this patient population, reversing bone loss and fracture risk.
Researchers identified two classes of small-molecule CFTR inhibitors that slowed cyst growth by over 80% and preserved kidney function. In mouse models, these inhibitors reduced cyst expansion and kidney enlargement.
A literature review found no clear evidence of benefit or harm from increased water intake in healthy individuals. However, studies suggest that people with certain diseases and athletes may benefit from increased fluid intake. No single study indicates a need to drink the recommended '8x8' amount of water daily.
A study found that elevated uric acid levels can precede significant changes in urine albumin levels, suggesting a potential early sign of diabetic kidney disease. Higher uric acid levels are associated with lower kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes.
A simple laboratory test measures a biomarker called NGAL to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) risk up to three days before symptoms appear. The test has been shown to be highly accurate in identifying patients at risk of AKI and may enable timely treatment to prevent or improve outcomes.
A new device containing human kidney cells has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death from acute kidney injury. The device, called Renal Assist Device, was tested on 40 patients and found to improve recovery rates and reduce mortality by half.
Two studies suggest that universal access to healthcare can reduce racial and ethnic barriers to treatment for kidney disease. Minority patients and those on Medicare or with less education had longer dialysis times before being wait-listed, highlighting the need for improved insurance coverage.
A new study has found that kidney donor age is associated with increased aortic stiffness in recipients, which may explain higher rates of cardiovascular disease and death. The study suggests that targeted interventions after kidney transplantation could improve long-term results by reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality.
A new study by American Society of Nephrology confirms that intensive insulin therapy (IIT) protects kidneys in critically ill patients, reducing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and death. IIT was found to be more effective in preventing AKI after surgery compared to medical ICU patients.
A study by Dr. Dorry L. Segev and colleagues found that severe obesity is associated with a lower chance of receiving a kidney transplant, even after adjusting for medical factors. Obese patients tend to wait longer and are more likely to be bypassed when a kidney becomes available.
Chronic kidney disease significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. Pioglitazone has been shown to lower this risk, particularly among those with moderate to severe renal disease. The study found that pioglitazone reduced all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke by one-third.
A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests that persistently low hemoglobin levels in dialysis patients increase their risk of death, while fluctuating levels do not. The research used data from nearly 160,000 patients to analyze the effects of hemoglobin variability on mortality rates.
Researchers developed a new indicator, Hb-Var, measuring hemoglobin level stability in dialysis patients, finding it strongly predicts mortality risk. Higher Hb-Var scores associated with increased death rates, even after adjusting for absolute hemoglobin levels and trends.
A study found that black patients living in poorer neighborhoods were less likely to be placed on transplant waiting lists than white patients. Community poverty was a significant factor, rather than distance from transplant centers.
A recent study found that expanded criteria non-beating-heart kidney transplants from ECD donors are not suitable for elderly patients with ESRD. The risk of graft loss and death was significantly higher in these patients compared to brain-dead SCD donors.
Recent studies have linked widely used osteoporosis drugs and bowel prep solutions to kidney damage. Nephrologists must be aware of these emerging causes of kidney problems and take steps to prevent them.
Researchers found that routine mammograms for breast cancer screening in older women on dialysis are unlikely to outweigh the costs, given their reduced life expectancy. The study suggests that breast cancer screening may not provide significant benefits for this population.
Researchers predict a sharp increase in the US ESRD population by 2020, with over 785,000 patients expected to be affected. The study attributes this growth to the aging of Baby Boomers and rising diabetes rates.
A large-scale study has found no significant increase in cardiovascular risk for living kidney donors, but higher rates of high blood pressure were detected. The study analyzed data from 1,278 patients and compared them to 6,369 healthy adults.
Renal experts will discuss link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CVD, consequences of acute kidney injury, racial disparities in kidney disease outcomes, and treatment of anemia in kidney patients. The ASN's Public Policy News Briefing aims to improve health outcomes by highlighting significant research impacting public health.
A study found that a structured quality improvement program called RightStart improved outcomes for new dialysis patients, including significant reductions in mortality and hospitalization rates. The program, which included education, close medical follow-up, and self-empowerment, was associated with better nutrition, less anemia, and ...
A study found HIV-infected African Americans are at a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than white patients with HIV, with rates similar to those with diabetes
Recent progress in preventing and treating end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the US is cause for cautious optimism, with improvements in survival expectations and increased use of fistulas for hemodialysis. However, skyrocketing costs are a major concern, with Medicare costs reaching $20.1 billion in 2004.
A study found that obesity is associated with higher levels of parathyroid hormone in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. Weight loss may help lower PTH levels, while other treatments could lead to weight loss. The association was strongest in patients with signs of malnutrition and inflammation.
Researchers have discovered that combining two blood pressure-lowering drugs with enzyme replacement therapy can slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with severe Fabry disease. The study found significant reductions in proteinuria and minimal decline in kidney function after an average of two and a half years' treatment.
A study reveals that hemoglobin levels vary among dialysis patients due to negative feedback control systems and individual sensitivity to ESA treatment. The analysis suggests optimizing treatment systems on a rational basis to reduce variation in hemoglobin values and stabilize dose regimens.
The American Society of Nephrology reviews disaster response plans to ensure dialysis services are protected for patients with end-stage renal failure. The Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition outlines recommendations for establishing a timeline to safety and creating individualized disaster plans.
As dialysis care becomes more cost-controlled, nephrologists play a crucial role in maintaining the unique relationship between patients and kidney specialists. The ASN urges a renewed focus on this relationship to ensure high-quality patient care.
Researchers found that early treatment with ACE inhibitors can preserve kidney function and reduce the risk of irreversible damage in young patients with early-stage IgA nephropathy. The study suggests that starting treatment early may limit the need for renal replacement therapy.
The demand for kidney transplants is soaring due to type 2 diabetes and hypertension, but the number of available donors is low. Experts at the American Society of Nephrology conference discuss the pros and cons of paid donations, weighing the need to increase the transplant pool against ethical concerns.
Non-directed kidney donations have the potential to save thousands of lives, but raise important ethical considerations. Transplant centers are developing policies to evaluate and allocate these kidneys, addressing issues like allocation and donor expenses.