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New curriculum raises kidney awareness

A new 6-part series on core curriculum for kidney specialists has been released by the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease, covering treatments for kidney failure and management of related complications. The series aims to enhance education and practice among nephrologists, students, and educators.

SourceSAGE·JournalCanadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease·DateOct 6, 2016

Blood pressure medications reduce stroke and heart attack in peritoneal dialysis patients

A new study found that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and death in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The study involved 4,879 patients and showed a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular events with...

SourceLA BioMed·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJun 14, 2016

The history of hemodialysis sheds light on the ethical use of limited medical resources

A study on the history of hemodialysis explores how medical research and technological advancements impact resource distribution. The investigation found that bioethical principles, such as autonomy and justice, are weighed differently over time, emphasizing the need for sustainable ethical solutions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 11, 2016

National underutilization of preemptive and early kidney transplants

A new study by Mayo Clinic reveals that only one-third of patients receive preemptive or early living donor kidney transplants, despite research suggesting improved patient outcomes. The study highlights the need for education and access to information about living donor kidney transplantation to improve long-term outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 8, 2016

What factors influence timing of start of dialysis?

The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, examines the complex processes shaping dialysis timing and suggests opportunities for patient-centered approaches. The research reveals interrelated factors, including physician practices, precipitating events, and patient-physician dynamics.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 25, 2016

Nutritional vitamin D supplements do not help treat anemia in dialysis patients

A randomized clinical trial found that vitamin D2 supplements did not reduce the need for anemia drugs in dialysis patients. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, suggests that nutritional vitamin D may have no role in treating anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 17, 2015

Racial disparities exist in access to home dialysis among us patients with kidney failure

A study reveals racial and ethnic differences in US patients with kidney failure accessing home dialysis, with potential factors including lack of availability, insurance barriers, and provider bias. The findings highlight the need to ensure equitable access to different dialysis modalities to improve health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 10, 2015

In-hospital nocturnal dialysis may be good for the heart

A new study suggests that in-hospital nocturnal dialysis may be beneficial for patients' hearts as well as their kidneys. The procedure was found to reduce left ventricular mass by a significant margin after one year, which is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateSep 18, 2015

Study shows importance of cause of kidney failure when planning future treatment

Researchers found that mortality rates vary significantly according to kidney disease subtype, suggesting that treatment plans should be tailored towards disease-specific risks. The study analyzed data from 84,301 patients and showed significant differences in survival rates among those with different subtypes of glomerulonephritis.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 22, 2015

More dialysis patients living in poor neighborhoods

A recent study published in Hemodialysis International found that the association between poverty and kidney disease changes over time. Adults beginning dialysis are more likely to be living in a poor zip code, with rates increasing from 27.4% in 1995-2004 to 34% in 2005-2010.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalHemodialysis International·DateJun 15, 2015

Why are kidney patients starting dialysis sooner?

A recent study found that patients with advanced kidney disease have been initiating dialysis progressively earlier over time. Despite no measurable differences in patient sickness or reasons for dialysis, the trend suggests a shift towards embracing higher levels of kidney function as acceptable for dialysis initiation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Tool helps measure patients' readiness to make decisions about starting dialysis

A new algorithm is a useful tool for measuring chronic kidney disease patients' readiness to make decisions about initiating dialysis. Patients with knowledge and fewer lifestyle barriers to home dialysis are more likely to be ready to make decisions, while clinicians who explain treatment options can increase readiness.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 15, 2015

Fewer women than men receive hemodialysis treatment

A comprehensive analysis of sex-specific differences in end-stage kidney disease treatment found that more men than women are on hemodialysis. Women's survival after hemodialysis is virtually equal to men's survival, but they were not receiving treatment as early, leading to higher mortality rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 28, 2014

Emergency aid for overdoses

A new agent has been developed to treat overdoses using peritoneal dialysis, which can extract up to a hundred times more toxins from the body than conventional alternatives. This method is especially effective for treating serious liver disease, including cases involving ammonia accumulation in the blood.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 17, 2014