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A new window into hemodialysis: How optical sensors could make treatment safer

A new hybrid optical system noninvasively tracks tissue water dynamics during hemodialysis, identifying early signs of patient instability. The system uses near-infrared spectroscopy to gather data on tissue water content and other physiological signals, providing a high-resolution portrait of the optical properties of tissue.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateFeb 6, 2026

Study offers new hope for relieving chronic pain in dialysis patients

A new randomized controlled trial found that pain coping skills training (PCST) significantly reduced chronic pain in dialysis patients, enabling them to perform daily activities with less interference. PCST, a 12-week coaching session followed by automated voice response sessions, addressed pain-related anxiety and stress.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2025

Behavioral intervention decreases how much pain affects daily activities in people with dialysis-dependent kidney failure

A clinical trial funded by the NIH found that pain coping skills training reduced pain interference, improved mood, and enhanced quality of life in adults with end-stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. The intervention was adapted for patients with limited pain treatment options and showed benefits comparable to opioids.

Researchers develop an AI model that predicts Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy survival

A UCLA-led team created a machine-learning model that can accurately predict short-term CRRT survival, providing a data-driven tool for clinical decision-making. The study aims to improve patient outcomes and resource use by serving as a basis for future clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 10, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists grow ‘mini kidneys,’ revealing new insights into metabolic defects and potential therapy for polycystic kidney disease

Researchers at NTU Singapore successfully grew 'mini kidneys' in the lab, grafted them into live mice, and found a potential treatment for polycystic kidney disease by boosting autophagy. The study suggests that minoxidil could be used to reduce cysts in the novel mouse model.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Genetic analysis reveals true origin of chronic kidney disease in undiagnosed patients

Researchers discovered that known genetic variants account for a large portion of chronic kidney diseases with unknown origin. The study found that 10% of patients had pathogenic variants in CKD-causing genes, and some hereditary renal diseases could be diagnosed and treated early on to slow down disease progression.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalKidney International Reports·DateApr 3, 2024

Scientists’ discovery could reduce dependence on animals for vital anti-blood clot drug

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a patented process to produce heparin in the lab, offering a consistent and safe supply of the essential medicine. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the production of heparin, reducing reliance on animal-derived sources and addressing global supply chain issues.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

University of Cincinnati study: Comparing pregnancy rates in patients undergoing two types of dialysis

A new University of Cincinnati study compares pregnancy rates in patients on two types of dialysis, finding a higher rate with home hemodialysis. The study found an overall pregnancy rate of almost 9 people per thousand, with black women and younger age associated with a higher likelihood of pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalKidney International Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2024

Commonly used insomnia treatments fail to help dialysis patients, UNM Health Sciences research finds

A new study tested cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for treating sleeplessness in dialysis patients, finding no meaningful difference in symptoms. The researchers suggest that multiple medical conditions and medication interactions may be driving the insomnia.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 23, 2024

Trazadone and CBT no more effective than placebo for improving insomnia among long-term dialysis patients

A clinical trial found that trazodone and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia were no more effective than placebo in improving insomnia symptoms among long-term dialysis patients. Serious adverse events also occurred more frequently with trazodone use. More trials are needed to investigate additional therapies for this condition.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 15, 2024

Brief dialysis may be best for some kidney patients

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that patients with acute kidney injury on outpatient dialysis may not need lifelong treatment if they have the potential to recover. The study tracked data from over 1,700 patients and showed that approximately three-quarters of those who recovered kidney function discontinued dialysis with...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 28, 2023

Patient-led intervention first to successfully address multiple difficult symptoms in dialysis patients

A new patient-guided intervention using telemedicine has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, pain, and depression in dialysis patients. The Technology Assisted Stepped Collaborative Care (TĀCcare) trial found significant improvements in energy levels and pain severity that persisted for six months after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 20, 2023

New liver dialysis device shows potential to resolve liver failure in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

A clinical trial using DIALIVE, a novel liver dialysis device, demonstrated significant improvements in all main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Treatment resulted in accelerated resolution of ACLF and sustained improvement in biomarkers.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

Growing number of states provide coverage for outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants

A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Large study identifies risk factors in children with chronic kidney disease

Researchers analyzed electronic health record data from over 7.1 million children to identify risk factors associated with a faster decline in kidney function, including disease origin, proteinuria, hypertension, and younger age. The study found that certain attributes are linked to a more rapid decline in kidney function, providing va...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 6, 2023

Study assesses environmental sustainability practices in dialysis facilities

A recent study examines the environmental sustainability practices of dialysis facilities in Australia and New Zealand, revealing multiple areas for improvement. The survey-based study identified opportunities to reduce waste and resource consumption, with only 33% of facilities responding to the survey indicating a lack of prioritizat...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 11, 2022

New onset chronic kidney disease in people with diabetes highest among ethnic, racial minorities

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that new onset CKD rates are higher among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino populations compared to white persons with diabetes. The rate declined from 8% in 2015-2016 to 6.4% in 2019-2020.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2022

Common, usually harmless group of bacteria associated with higher death rates in kidney patients

Researchers found a significant association between NTM infection and increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve survival. NTM can cause nonspecific symptoms like fever and weight loss, and patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateOct 25, 2022

Researchers examine what happens when patients can choose concurrent dialysis and hospice care

A retrospective cross-sectional study found that VA-financed hospice services were associated with higher rates of concurrent dialysis among veterans with end-stage kidney disease. Patients who received VA-financed hospice services lived approximately 43 days after stopping dialysis, compared to just four days for those who stopped dia...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022