Researchers tested an Automated Wearable Artificial Kidney (AWAK) device for effective toxin removal in patients with kidney failure. The study found no serious adverse events, improving portability and flexibility of treatment.
Several high-impact clinical trials have yielded promising results, including the ATHENA trial showing azathioprine to be as effective as mycophenolate mofetil in preventing chronic kidney rejection, and the NOBILITY trial demonstrating that obinutuzumab improves kidney health in patients with lupus nephritis. Additionally, a phase 3 s...
A study suggests that extending lifelong Medicare coverage of transplant medications would reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life for kidney transplant recipients. This policy change could benefit patients who are currently left without coverage after 36 months.
Community house hem dialysis allows patients to perform treatment independently in a shared community space, reducing burden on family and promoting flexibility. The study found that this approach supports extended-hour dialysis and fosters social connections among patients of Maori and Pacific ethnicity.
A machine learning model identified patients at risk of requiring kidney replacement therapy, leading to a significant improvement in dialysis initiation rates. The system calculates weekly risk scores and alerts clinicians to optimize treatment decisions, resulting in better patient outcomes.
Patients who transition to home dialysis after an unplanned start experience a higher risk of death compared to those who never made the switch. However, researchers found that younger patients and those with private insurance were more likely to make the transition to peritoneal dialysis.
A study examining clinical trial data found that sleep problems and fatigue significantly impact the cognitive function and behavior of children with chronic kidney disease. The research highlights the importance of assessing sleep problems and fatigue in these children to improve their emotional-behavioral and neurocognitive outcomes.
A recent analysis found that home remote monitoring can benefit patients on peritoneal dialysis by preventing hospitalizations and extending treatment time. The successful implementation of the program requires effective communication, technical support, and patient engagement.
A new study finds that acute kidney injury affects 17% of patients taking immunotherapy medications for cancer, while proton pump inhibitors increase the risk of sustained AKI. Nephrologists and oncologists must recognize these factors to diagnose and treat patients effectively.
Rates for all types of kidney replacement therapy were consistently higher in men than women in European countries from 1965 to 2015. The male-to-female ratio increased with age and was particularly high for diabetic patients, suggesting that biological or access-related factors may be at play.
Researchers found that transplant centers accepted varying numbers of high-risk kidneys between 2010 and 2016, but differences were not fully explained by waitlist size or organ availability. The study suggests that accepting less-than-ideal organs can lead to shorter average wait times for patients.
A study found that prescription opioids are associated with a higher risk of death and hospitalization compared to other pain medications, especially at high doses. The risk is highest among individuals with lower kidney function, who may experience reduced clearance of the active compounds from their bodies.
A recent analysis reveals persistent disparities in preemptive kidney transplantation, with Black and Hispanic patients and those on Medicare facing reduced access. The 2014 Kidney Allocation System may have exacerbated some inequalities for these groups.
A healthy dietary pattern was associated with a 30% lower incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a 23% lower incidence of albuminuria, an early indicator of kidney damage. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy diet may help prevent kidney disease.
Living kidney donation is linked with a higher risk of developing hypertension and kidney failure. Kidney function tends to improve after donation but plateaus if hypertension develops, highlighting the importance of preventing and managing hypertension in living donors.
Researchers have uncovered 16 genetic regions linked to diabetic kidney disease, which may help identify potential targets for prevention and treatment. The study provides insights into the pathogenesis of DKD and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
A recent analysis reveals that kidneys from donors infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are now routinely used in transplants at many US centers. These organs function just as well as uninfected kidneys throughout the first year after transplantation, providing strong evidence for their safe and effective use.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to classify kidney biopsy samples, achieving substantial agreement with pathologists' standard classifications. The methods may augment traditional diagnostics of kidney disease by automating and enhancing accuracy, potentially improving organ survival for transplant patients.
Bereaved family members rate end-of-life care higher for patients who received palliative and hospice care, rather than intensive patterns of life extension. Patients treated with dialysis have more aggressive end-of-life care, which is associated with lower quality ratings.
A study found psychiatric illnesses are prevalent in children and adults with kidney failure, with hospitalizations associated with a higher risk of early death. The prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses increased over time across age groups.
A study of 812 ADPKD patients found that 9% had undiagnosed brain aneurysms, with those with hypertension and smoking more likely to have aneurysms. The overall rupture rate was approximately 5 times higher than in the general population.
A recent analysis reveals that sleeve gastrectomy is safe for patients with kidney failure and obesity. The study found that complication rates were similar between groups, but patients with kidney failure had longer hospital stays.
A recent analysis of US data over 20 years shows that children with kidney failure are being started on dialysis with higher levels of kidney function. Initiating dialysis at these higher levels is linked to lower patient survival, suggesting that asymptomatic children may benefit from delaying treatment.
A recent analysis found that home dialysis use increased across all racial and ethnic groups in the US from 2005 to 2013, with racial differences narrowing. Minority patients continued to have lower mortality rates than White patients, while transplantation rates remained lower for Blacks.
A recent analysis found that US patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, highlighting the need for improved care. The study also reveals low use of statins in CKD patients, which is not concordant with guidelines.
A study found that 40% of older adults initiating dialysis experienced a decline in functional status, with higher risks in those with advanced age and frailty. Caregivers also reported an increased burden after dialysis initiation.
A study found that older living kidney donors with hypertension had a higher risk of developing kidney failure within 15 years after donation. However, the absolute risk was relatively low. In contrast, hypertension was not linked to an increased risk of early death among older donors.
A restrictive approach to blood cell transfusions in heart surgery patients resulted in fewer transfusions without increasing the risk of acute kidney injury. The study found that reducing transfusions could prevent adverse effects and conserve the blood supply, while minimizing negative impacts on kidney health.
A pilot study suggests that patients with chronic kidney disease who wear medical-alert accessories have a lower risk of developing kidney failure. However, there is no significant difference in rates of hospitalization or death between those who wear the accessories and those who do not.
A study of 1,054 patients found substantial volume overload at initiation, improving over time, but with variations in practice across regions associated with differences in volume overload. Males and patients with diabetes were at higher risk of experiencing volume overload.
A new study found that consuming a nutrient-rich plant-based diet may help protect against chronic kidney disease (CKD) development. Participants with the highest adherence to a healthy plant-based diet had a lower risk of developing CKD compared to those with low adherence.
A recent clinical trial found that longer hemodialysis sessions did not improve patient outcomes, while also highlighting the need for effective strategies to engage clinicians and patients in trials embedded within routine care. The study's findings suggest a pressing need for data-driven guidance in dialysis practice.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that pruritus affects 24% of patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease. Patients with pruritus reported poorer mental and physical quality of life, depression, and restless sleep.
A large-scale genome-wide association study has identified 14 new variants associated with the development of kidney stones, including four linked to obesity and high blood uric acid levels. The findings may be useful for predicting individuals' risk of developing kidney stones and identifying new targets for prevention and treatment.
Two new studies provide insights on how physicians can effectively evaluate patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life in individuals with chronic kidney disease. Researchers developed and evaluated improved measures, including a computer-adaptive survey that saves time and is relevant to individual patients.
A recent study found that very few smartphone apps related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) are highly rated by both patients and physicians. The study suggests that patient opinions on app quality correlated poorly with physician ratings and consumer ratings from iOS and Android app stores.
A study of Swedish adults found a U-shaped relationship between kidney function and cancer incidence, with lower eGFR associated with higher cancer risk. The research suggests that individuals with mild to severe chronic kidney disease may be at increased risk for skin (non-melanoma) and urogenital cancers.
Researchers analyzed 385 patients with transplant glomerulopathy to identify distinct features and outcomes, developing a tool for clinicians to predict health outcomes. The study may help individualize treatments for patients at high risk of transplant failure.
Tenapanor, a novel agent blocking intestinal phosphate absorption, significantly reduces serum phosphate levels in patients with kidney failure on hemodialysis. The study found tenapanor showed significant benefits over placebo during the withdrawal period.
A new study has found a strong association between secondhand smoke exposure and the development of chronic kidney disease. Even brief periods of exposure, such as less than 3 days per week, were linked to a higher risk of CKD, with a 66% increased risk compared to those with no exposure.
The introduction of generic immunosuppressive medications has led to significant cost savings for transplant patients and the Medicare program. On average, payments decreased by 48%-67% for Medicare Part D plans and 24%-44% for patients receiving the low-income subsidy.
A new study found that evidence-based care can improve patient outcomes for acute kidney injury, reducing hospital stays by several days. The intervention also led to improved recognition of AKI, medication optimization, and fluid assessment, resulting in better patient care.
Patients with kidney failure who undergo lower extremity amputation have prolonged stays in healthcare settings, limited access to hospice services, and a poorer prognosis. These findings highlight the need for improved end-of-life care for this group of seriously ill patients.
A new study found that kidney failure patients on dialysis and transplants have significantly higher risks of dying from cancer than the general population. Cancer deaths were mainly driven by cancers present prior to dialysis or arising after transplantation, particularly those related to immune deficiency and viral infection.
A recent study found that CPR initiated by dialysis staff can improve survival rates for patients experiencing cardiac arrest at outpatient facilities. However, this life-saving intervention is not always performed, with a rate of only 81% in cardiac arrest events.
Regular and careful assessment of target weight and fluid balance is crucial for dialysis patients' health and survival. The study highlights the importance of protocols that specify dry weight assessments and routine postural blood pressure measurements to lower all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.
A new study found that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of premature death in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The findings suggest that more studies are needed to fine-tune dietary recommendations for patients with kidney failure.
A study examining barriers to exercise among dialysis patients reveals that fatigue and weakness are major obstacles. Patients would like to improve their energy, strength, and quality of life through exercise, with most preferring aerobic and resistance training at home.
A study found that influenza-like illness contributes to more than 1,100 deaths of patients with kidney failure each year in the US. The risk is highest during winter months when seasonal fluctuations occur.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that frailty is associated with cognitive decline in adults undergoing kidney transplantation. Cognitive function improved after transplantation but declined in frail recipients over several years.