A randomized controlled trial found that treating patients with chronic kidney disease with high doses of folic acid and B vitamins did not lower the rate of death or cardiovascular events. The study suggests that the underlying burden of disease may be too great to produce a measurable benefit from lowering homocysteine levels.
Recent progress in preventing and treating end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the US is cause for cautious optimism, with improvements in survival expectations and increased use of fistulas for hemodialysis. However, skyrocketing costs are a major concern, with Medicare costs reaching $20.1 billion in 2004.
A study found that obesity is associated with higher levels of parathyroid hormone in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. Weight loss may help lower PTH levels, while other treatments could lead to weight loss. The association was strongest in patients with signs of malnutrition and inflammation.
Women with diabetes lose protective effect of estrogen on kidneys, which normally reduces risk of chronic kidney disease. Research suggests that hormone ratio rather than absolute levels determines impact on diabetic kidney disease.
Researchers have discovered that combining two blood pressure-lowering drugs with enzyme replacement therapy can slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with severe Fabry disease. The study found significant reductions in proteinuria and minimal decline in kidney function after an average of two and a half years' treatment.
A study reveals that hemoglobin levels vary among dialysis patients due to negative feedback control systems and individual sensitivity to ESA treatment. The analysis suggests optimizing treatment systems on a rational basis to reduce variation in hemoglobin values and stabilize dose regimens.
Researchers found that early treatment with ACE inhibitors can preserve kidney function and reduce the risk of irreversible damage in young patients with early-stage IgA nephropathy. The study suggests that starting treatment early may limit the need for renal replacement therapy.
Ms Bhavini Patel, Director of Pharmacy at Royal Darwin Hospital, has received a two-year Fellowship to address the evidence-practice gap in treating chronic kidney disease in Indigenous Australians. She aims to increase use of arteriovenous fistula for haemodialysis, reducing hospitalizations and complications.
The University of Virginia Health System has received a $583,000 NIH training grant to train four new researchers in kidney disease research annually. This multidisciplinary program aims to address the growing problem of kidney disease by equipping researchers with skills to translate lab research to clinical practice.
Chronic kidney disease affects a significant portion of the UK population, particularly elderly individuals taking multiple medications. Healthcare professionals require specific guidance on using drugs that can cause or be altered by kidney disease, as 'use with caution' advice is often insufficient.
Long-term Fosrenol treatment improves bone formation and reduces phosphorus levels in CKD stage 5 patients, according to a two-year study. The reformulated tablets also demonstrate efficacy as monotherapy for controlling serum phosphorus levels.
A Rutgers College of Nursing professor is testing a 12-week home-based exercise intervention program to improve physical functioning in older adults with CKD. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of this program for a larger clinical trial and address the lack of targeted physical activity interventions for this population.
A new study published in Kidney International found that Fosrenol, a phosphate binder used to treat hyperphosphatemia in CKD Stage 5 patients, did not negatively impact cognitive function deterioration. The two-year trial compared Fosrenol with standard therapy and showed similar declines in cognitive function for both groups.
Patients with end-stage renal disease have a significantly shorter life expectancy after ICD implantation, highlighting the need for continued research on prevention and treatment strategies. The study calls into question the survival benefit of ICDs in patients with kidney disease who meet current implant indications.
A new kidney test, cystatin C, has been found to accurately predict higher risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and death among elderly people. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that a normal creatinine level should not reassure patients of normal kidney function.
A national study of 304 physicians reveals primary care doctors often fail to diagnose and refer patients with chronic kidney disease, a condition affecting an estimated 10 million Americans. The study suggests that early detection and referral can slow the progression of kidney disease in high-risk patients.
Researchers will follow over 540 children with mild to moderate kidney disease for four years, collecting blood, urine, and genetic samples. The study seeks to refine an existing method to measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a precise indicator of kidney function.
A study found that youth-onset type 2 diabetes is associated with a substantially increased risk of end-stage kidney disease and death between 25-55 years old. Participants with early-onset diabetes had a significantly higher incidence rate of kidney disease compared to those with older-onset diabetes.
A European-funded project aims to create a predictive diagnostic test for early detection of kidney loss and target effective therapies. Researchers will utilize nanobead technology and multiplexing platform to identify biomarkers in diabetic urine, enabling early identification of patients at risk.
Researchers at UVA Health System are investigating a novel approach to combat chronic kidney disease by targeting inflammation with adenosine drugs. Preliminary results show promising decreases in inflammation, urinary protein loss, and kidney scarring.
A review and meta-analysis of 127 trials found ACE inhibitors and ARBs no better than other drugs in preventing diabetic kidney disease. Treatment decisions for hypertension in renal disease should be based on blood-pressure-lowering effect, comparative tolerability, and cost.
Two studies on obesity pharmacotherapy were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, exploring the efficacy of lifestyle modification and pharmacological interventions. Dr. Susan Yanovski, director of the NIDDK's Obesity and Eating Disorders Program, is available to comment on these findings.
Researchers found a significant negative correlation between urine albumin levels and adiponectin hormone in obese mice. In humans, low adiponectin levels were associated with albuminuria, an indicator of kidney disease.
Researchers developed an animal model to study obstructive nephropathy, a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children. This model has helped identify potential targets for drug development, offering hope for improved treatment options for affected children.
The Australasian Kidney Trials Network will focus on new and innovative clinical research to provide better treatments and outcomes for patients. The network aims to address the growing health issue of chronic kidney disease affecting one in seven Australian adults.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found a significant association between benign prostate obstruction and chronic kidney disease in older men. BPH can cause bladder outlet obstruction, leading to increased risk of death, hospitalization, and cardiovascular events.
A recent study found that the APOE e2 allele is associated with a moderately increased risk for chronic kidney disease, whereas the e4 variant provides protection. The study involved 14,520 middle-aged participants and confirmed previous findings on the role of genetics in kidney disease.
A new kidney function test, cystatin-C, is more effective than the standard test creatinine in predicting death and cardiovascular outcomes in elderly participants. The study found that 60% of participants with high cystatin-C levels had abnormal kidney function, putting them at medium or high risk for cardiovascular complications.
The new guidelines provide a framework for identifying patients at risk of kidney disease, evaluating their kidney function, and implementing management strategies. Nearly one-third of HIV-infected patients have abnormal protein in the urine, a warning sign of potential kidney trouble.
Researchers at Yale University identified a novel human kidney protein called renalase that regulates both heart contraction and blood pressure. The protein is a strong candidate for easily administered treatment of advanced kidney and cardiovascular disease.
A new cancer drug, SAHA, has shown potential in reducing kidney disease in lupus patients by inhibiting the onset of lupus-related kidney disease and decreasing spleen size. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and understand its anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers found hospitalizations drive cost increase before dialysis, emphasizing the importance of optimal chronic kidney disease management. Early diagnosis and intervention may prevent avoidable morbidity and reduce future healthcare expenses.
A new study shows that consuming isolated soy protein can slow down the progression of diabetic kidney disease and improve coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found a significant reduction in urinary albumin levels and an improvement in HDL cholesterol levels among participants who consumed soy protein.
Researchers at SLU School of Medicine discovered a new drug, Cinacalcet, that successfully treated hyperparathyroidism, a common side effect of kidney disease. The treatment works by fooling the parathyroid glands into thinking calcium levels are higher than they actually are.
A $3.3 million NIH grant-funded study will compare six-times-per-week overnight home hemodialysis to standard three-times-a-week hemodialysis at dialysis centers. The research aims to determine if the higher dose of dialysis improves patient outcomes, including hospitalization rates and quality of life.
A study found that cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension, predict the development of new-onset kidney disease in unselected participants. Patients with mildly reduced GFR should be monitored for progression to kidney disease.
A study found that people with kidney disease have higher levels of non-traditional risk factors for heart disease. Treating these risk factors may help prevent heart disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Additionally, an editorial highlights the need for malpractice reform to prevent medical injury.
Screening for proteinuria is not recommended for the general population due to high costs and false positive/negative test results. However, targeted screening for hypertensive patients aged 30+ and adults 60+, or less frequent screenings every 10 years, can be cost-effective.
A high-meat protein diet may accelerate loss of kidney function in women with mild chronic kidney disease, according to data from the Nurses Health Study. Meanwhile, implantable cardioverter defibrillators have been shown to significantly reduce sudden cardiac death and deaths from all causes in many patients.
Two studies found that patients with kidney disease are at increased risk of death after a heart attack, receiving less-aggressive treatment. Meanwhile, researchers report four cases of muscle damage caused by statins, highlighting the need for closer monitoring.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that delayed evaluation by a nephrologist increases mortality risk among chronic kidney disease patients. Early evaluation was associated with lower death rates, highlighting the importance of timely specialist care.
Researchers found that increased nighttime systolic blood pressure is predictive of microalbuminuria and kidney disease in type 1 diabetes patients. The study suggests that this early warning sign may help prevent unnecessary therapies.
Researchers found strong relationships between nephropathy and insulin resistance throughout follow-up, unlike other risk factors such as blood pressure and blood fats. Lifestyle changes like proper diet, exercise, and smoking cessation may help people with type 1 diabetes avoid kidney disease.
The HomeChoice Pediatric dialysis system is designed to meet the special needs of young patients with ESRD, offering a safe and flexible option for administering dialysis at home. The system integrates Baxter's PD Link software, enabling remote monitoring and data analysis.
Researchers found that ACE inhibitors slowed kidney disease progression, especially for patients with proteinuria. The medications were beneficial for kidney patients and should be given to most patients with kidney disease.
A Yale researcher has found a gene believed to be linked to autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a condition affecting one in 10,000 children. The study suggests that primary cilia, hair-like projections lining the kidneys' ducts and tubules, play a crucial role in the development of ARPKD.
A study by Jefferson researchers found that blocking the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) protein can prevent diabetic kidney disease in mice. The antibody treatment prevented kidney scarring and renal failure, offering hope for a new treatment option for humans with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found a gene crucial for roundworm mating strongly resembles a gene involved in human polycystic kidney disease. The study uses Caenorhabditis elegans to understand the role of genes controlling reproductive behaviors, potentially shedding light on PKD1's function and its connection to kidney disease.
Researchers found that an immunosuppressive drug commonly used to prevent kidney transplant rejection also improved patients with severe symptoms of kidney disease. The treatment reduced protein leaks and alleviated fluid retention, correcting high cholesterol levels without the negative side effects of steroids.