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Panel at odds over new BP guidelines

Panel members of the Institute of Medicine's Eighth Joint National Committee opposed relaxing systolic blood pressure targets to 150 mmHg, citing insufficient evidence. The decision may reduce antihypertensive treatment intensity, potentially reversing declines in cardiovascular disease mortality rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 13, 2014

UCSF research finds new link between obesity, early decline in kidney function

A new UCSF-led study reveals that body mass index significantly increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, even before other obesity-related diseases emerge. Healthy kidneys play a vital role in various bodily functions, and the research emphasizes the importance of intervening early in life with obese patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateDec 13, 2013

Physical activity may slow kidney function decline in patients with kidney disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that increased physical activity can slow the progression of kidney disease in patients. The researchers discovered that each 60-minute increment in weekly physical activity was linked with a 0.5% slower decline per year in kidney function.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 12, 2013

Urine biomarkers reveal mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic kidney disease

Researchers identified 13 metabolites that are significantly different in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease compared to healthy controls. Twelve of the metabolites are linked to mitochondrial function, suggesting suppressed mitochondria as a fundamental characteristic of diabetic kidney disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 10, 2013

Relationship of kidney function estimates to risk improves by measuring cystatin C in the blood

The use of blood levels of cystatin C strengthens the association between kidney function and risks of death and end-stage renal disease. Cystatin C allows for better staging and risk classification of chronic kidney disease, potentially leading to targeted management and improved patient outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 4, 2013

Mount Sinai launches first-ever genetic testing program in the primary care setting

The Mount Sinai Hospital is launching the first-ever genetic testing program in primary care settings to identify genetic risk for kidney disease in patients with hypertension. This $3.7 million grant will provide genomic information to individualize treatment, testing, and monitoring, with a focus on African Americans who are four to ...

Most people with moderate kidney disease have medication-resistant hypertension

A strong association was found between worse kidney function and medication-resistant hypertension in individuals with moderate chronic kidney disease. Black patients and those with a larger waist circumference, diabetes, and a history of heart attacks or strokes were more likely to have resistant hypertension.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 18, 2013

Good kidney health begins before birth

Research found that low birth weight and prematurity are linked to low nephron numbers, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. The study suggests clinicians use birth weight as a parameter for screening patients.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 2013

Routine cinacalcet for end stage kidney disease not warranted

Cinacalcet has little to no effect on mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease, but may prevent surgical parathyroidectomy. The treatment also comes with significant side effects, including hypocalcemia and nausea. The study suggests that routine cinacalcet therapy is not warranted.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 30, 2013

Overweight starting in early adulthood linked with kidney disease in older age

Individuals who are overweight starting in early adulthood are twice as likely to have chronic kidney disease at age 60 to 64 years. Larger waist-to-hip ratios during middle age are also linked with chronic kidney disease at the same age. Avoiding excess weight gain could prevent many cases of chronic kidney disease, with over one-thir...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 4, 2013

Hypertension during pregnancy increases risk of end-stage renal disease

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at higher risk of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 women in Taiwan and found an increased risk of end-stage renal disease among those with preeclamps...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 22, 2013

A new treatment for kidney disease-associated heart failure?

Researchers at the University of Tübingen found that spironolactone reduces vascular calcification in klotho-hypomorphic mice, a model for chronic kidney disease. This treatment also increases the life span of these mice. The findings have implications for treating cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2013

Researchers identify target to help protect kidney patients' heart health

Blocking the endothelin receptor reduces cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease independent of blood pressure. The findings suggest that blocking the receptor may provide heart-related benefits to these patients, who have a higher risk of developing heart problems due to their condition.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 13, 2012

Overweight, obesity in adolescents linked with increased risk for end-stage renal disease over time

A nationwide population-based study found that adolescents' being overweight and obese during their teenage years are linked to a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the following 25 years. Researchers also noted an increased risk for diabetic ESRD, with risks increasing six-fold and 19-fold among overweight and...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 29, 2012

Kidney society describes ways to eliminate wasteful tests and procedures

The American Society of Nephrology has identified five recommendations for reducing unnecessary medical interventions, including avoiding routine cancer screening and administering erythropoiesis stimulating agents in chronic kidney disease patients. By implementing these guidelines, healthcare costs can be lowered and patient care imp...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 13, 2012

Quality of life and treatment of late-stage chronic kidney disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that renal transplantation offers the best treatment option for improving quality of life in people with late-stage chronic kidney disease. In contrast, home-based automated peritoneal dialysis provides a better quality of life than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 11, 2012

Chronic kidney disease patients could be at similar levels of coronary risk to those who have previously had a heart attack

A large-scale Canadian study has found that patients with chronic kidney disease are at comparable risk of future coronary events to those who have previously suffered a heart attack. This could lead to targeted treatment for high-risk individuals, including the use of statins to reduce 'bad' fats in the bloodstream.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 18, 2012

Do low-carb diets damage the kidneys?

A low-carbohydrate high-protein diet has been found to be safe for healthy obese patients' kidney function and fluid balance, unlike a low-fat diet. However, additional studies are needed to evaluate its effects in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or other health conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 31, 2012

Open heart surgery for kidney disease patients

A study found that off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is likely safer than on-pump surgery for chronic kidney disease patients, cutting down on kidney injuries after heart surgery. CKD patients undergoing on-pump surgery were more than three times as likely to die or need dialysis compared to those who received off-pump surgery.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 17, 2012