A new AI-based tool can help clinicians predict which hospitalized patients are at high risk of developing acute kidney injury, allowing for earlier treatment and potentially better outcomes. The Dascena algorithm outperformed the standard method in predicting AKI 72 hours prior to onset.
Recent clinical trials have shown promising results for finerenone, which slows diabetic kidney disease progression and reduces cardiovascular events when added to standard care. Empagliflozin also demonstrated benefits in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease. These findings suggest new treatment options for patients ...
A study found that online peer mentoring for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) improves patient activation, which is positively correlated with various aspects of quality of life. Improved patient activation correlates with improvements in physical symptoms and burdens of kidney disease but not mental aspects.
A new study examines the risk of acute kidney injury among Black individuals with sickle cell trait and disease, finding a higher risk for acute kidney injury and faster loss of kidney function. The study adds important information to sparse data on the risk of acute kidney injury in those carrying the sickle cell gene.
Glomerular diseases significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, affecting blood cleaning units in the kidneys. A study analyzing 2000-2012 data found a 2.5-times higher risk compared to the general population.
A new patient-reported outcome measure, SONG-HD Fatigue, has been validated to assess fatigue in patients receiving long-term dialysis treatments. The instrument calculates average fatigue over a period of 1 week, gauging tiredness, energy, and impact on life participation.
Researchers identified process and outcome indicators to monitor transplant center performance in evaluating potential living kidney donors. The study aims to improve efficiency and increase living kidney donations.
A recent study found that COVID-19 patients with kidney damage are at a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality. The study analyzed data from 1,392 patients and found that kidney damage was associated with a 5-times higher odds of dying while in the hospital.
A 25-year analysis of PGT for kidney diseases in the Netherlands shows that 65% of couples with at least one successful cycle experienced live births without kidney disease. The study highlights the importance of counseling patients on their reproductive options to make informed choices.
A new study found that routinely assessing symptoms in patients with kidney failure who are undergoing hemodialysis can improve patient and provider symptom awareness. However, there is a need for better support to help providers manage these symptoms, including training and education.
Research found that dialysis facilities with larger proportions of Black and Hispanic patients had significantly lower flu vaccination percentages than less diverse facilities. The study highlights the need for targeted vaccination outreach programs to protect vulnerable communities.
Researchers discovered that a urine test of bicarbonate can measure CFTR function in patients with cystic fibrosis. This test may predict the effectiveness of new treatments for the disease.
Exposure to high levels of fine particulate air pollution from wildfires is associated with a 4% higher death rate among patients with kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure are particularly susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke, highlighting the need for research into managing exposure during wildfire episodes.
Two new studies investigate COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients, finding most don't need hospitalization, and patients on dialysis may experience different symptoms. Additionally, another study reveals distinct clinical features of dialysis patients with COVID-19, highlighting the need for more research and guidance.
A new study found that certain medical terms used by physicians to describe kidney health may be distressing or too difficult to understand for patients with kidney disease. Using consistent and meaningful language can help improve patients' health and satisfaction.
A new study found that electronic medical records (EMRs) enhance the education of nephrology fellows, providing efficient access to patient lab and x-ray results. However, EMR data entry time demands contribute to work-hour violations, frustration, and burnout among fellows.
A new study found that 21% of patients with kidney failure treated with dialysis experience regret, particularly those who choose dialysis due to external pressures. Discussing life expectancy and completing a living will can help mitigate this regret.
A new study found that patients with lower socioeconomic status and additional illnesses are less likely to be put on transplant waiting lists in the UK, despite universal healthcare. The study suggests that patient factors, such as age and health literacy, play a significant role in determining access to transplantation.
A study found that taking short-acting benzodiazepines and opioids together increases the risk of premature death in patients with kidney failure. The analysis of over 69,000 US adults with kidney disease who initiated hemodialysis revealed a 1.9-fold higher risk of dying among those taking both medications.
Researchers have discovered a link between exposure to certain environmental chemicals and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The study analyzed data from 46,748 US adults and found that elevated levels of seven chemicals were associated with markers of kidney disease.
A study examining factors affecting racial disparities before kidney transplantation found that socioeconomic status and comorbidities explain up to 58% of the disparity in listing. Black patients with kidney failure are more likely to be waitlisted than white patients, despite similar rates of transplant receipt.
A study of patients with glomerular disease and their caregivers reveals that they highly value kidney function, mortality, and need for dialysis or transplant. They also stress the importance of addressing factors related to life participation, fatigue, anxiety, and family impact.
A study found housing insecurity is associated with a 3.2-fold higher odds of albuminuria, a sign of kidney disease, but not rapid kidney function decline. Housing insecurity was linked to delayed healthcare visits and compromised health in urban-dwelling adults.
Researchers found that African Americans with kidney disease have higher rates of uncontrolled blood pressure when measured at home. Participants with masked hypertension had worse physical functioning than those with controlled hypertension.
A study of Southeastern US patients found that living far from a transplant center did not affect referral and evaluation initiation. Key findings indicate that other factors like travel time or transportation options may have a larger impact.
A new study found that testing blood pressure load, which detects elevated readings over 24 hours, is not necessary for diagnosing hypertension in children. Having high average blood pressure on a 24-hour test does strongly predict risk of cardiac and kidney disease.
A newly discovered blood marker has been linked to a patient's subsequent risk of kidney transplant failure in a study of 284 kidney transplant recipients. The composition of immune cells called CD8+ memory T cells 1 year after kidney transplantation was found to be a critical factor in predicting organ rejection.
A recent study found that exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with a higher degree of albuminuria and a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The study suggests that efforts to improve air quality may yield health benefits, including reducing rates of chronic kidney disease.
Racial and ethnic minorities with kidney failure and atrial fibrillation are less likely to fill prescriptions for blood thinners, resulting in higher stroke rates. Equalizing warfarin distribution could prevent 7-12% of the stroke disparity among minority groups.
A new study found an inverse association between socioeconomic status and certain kidney diseases. Researchers observed incremental increases in the incidence of lupus nephritis and ANCA-related glomerulonephritis with progressively lower income.
A comprehensive evaluation of existing quality metrics for kidney disease reveals that less than half are highly valid, with nearly half related to dialysis management. The study proposes refinements and new metrics to better reflect the spectrum of kidney care delivery, aiming to improve the accuracy of quality measurement.
Survival rates have improved significantly for children who received kidney transplants, with a 72% lower mortality risk among those transplanted later than earlier periods. This improvement is primarily attributed to reduced deaths from cardiovascular causes and infections.
A new study found that between 15-22 out of every 100 Indian patients with mild-to-moderate CKD had significant impairment in at least one domain of quality of life. Lower income, poor education, and female gender were associated with lower quality of life scores.
Recipients of kidney paired donation experience equivalent outcomes to those receiving kidneys from other living donors, with similar rates of organ failure and mortality. The study demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of national kidney paired donation programs in treating patients with incompatible living donors.
Research found subtle structural features of donated kidneys, such as scarring and hardening of vessels, are associated with shorter kidney lifespan after transplantation. These findings may help clinicians evaluate organ quality at time of donation and identify potential predictors of transplant failure.
Biopsies from donated kidneys often show different results than initial readings, casting doubt on decision-making based on these findings. However, a second biopsy performed in standard conditions provided useful information about organ function after transplantation.
A new study found that cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease, are each linked with a higher risk of developing kidney failure. Adults hospitalized with heart failure had an 11.4-times higher risk of developing kidney failure than individuals without cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that patients on dialysis who experience cardiac arrest while in the hospital have similar survival rates to those not on dialysis. However, they had lower scores for resuscitation quality and were less likely to receive defibrillation within 2 minutes.
A new study found that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of kidney function decline and failure in transplant recipients. Those with higher Mediterranean Diet Scores experienced 29% less risk of function loss and 32% less risk of failure.
A new study reveals that non-profit and hospital-based dialysis facilities are disproportionately caring for uninsured patients with kidney failure and those who only qualify for Medicaid. These facilities have a higher relative risk of starting dialysis compared to other types of facilities.
A recent analysis reveals higher mortality rates among Hispanic and Asian patients undergoing dialysis in the US territories compared to their counterparts in the 50 US states. The study highlights the need for research into potential kidney disease-related disparities in these territories.
A recent study found that a significant proportion of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prescribed medications that may be toxic to their kidneys. Among the studied population, 71% of those with CKD and 50% without received at least one potentially nephrotoxic medication over an average follow-up period of 3.3 years.
The use of peritoneal dialysis increased significantly among US patients with kidney failure following a Medicare payment policy implemented in 2011. More patients initiated dialysis with peritoneal dialysis and switched from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis, indicating a positive impact on an underutilized form of dialysis.
Recent advancements in wearable and implantable hemodialysis devices have the potential to revolutionize treatment for patients with kidney failure. These devices aim to provide a more patient-friendly alternative to traditional hemodialysis, allowing patients to lead healthier lives.
A new study found that genetic variants influence the benefits of broccoli on kidney health, suggesting tailored dietary interventions. Individuals with a specific gene variant (GSTM1) who consume cruciferous vegetables may experience improved kidney function.
The American Society of Nephrology has announced the inaugural winners of its new Midcareer Awards. The awards recognize clinicians, researchers, and educators who have made substantial contributions to nephrology in areas such as clinical service, education, leadership, mentorship, and research.
A combined test of Renal Angina Index (RAI) and urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) can predict severe acute kidney injury risk in critically ill children, according to a recent study. This early identification allows for targeted interventions to reduce morbidity and hospital stay duration.
A recent analysis found increasing rates of acute kidney injury in pregnant women, especially those with diabetes. The study revealed a significant increase in the rate of hospitalizations involving acute kidney injury from 0.04% in 2006 to 0.12% in 2015.
A study of 4,567 hemodialysis patients found that those in residential areas with a high percentage of Black residents had significantly higher hospitalization rates. The association remained after adjusting for individual and community factors, suggesting unidentified health determinants at play.
The American Society of Nephrology has honored five individuals for their outstanding contributions to kidney disease research, education, and clinical practice. Mitchell Rosner received the Robert G. Narins Award for his work in education and teaching, while Toshiro Fujita was recognized for his groundbreaking research on hypertension.