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Waistline matters in kidney disease

Obesity, as measured by body mass index and abdominal fat content, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and progression of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Lower physical fitness levels are also linked to a higher cardiovascular risk.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateAug 13, 2020

How useful are current tools that assess the quality of kidney-related care in the US?

A comprehensive evaluation of existing quality metrics for kidney disease reveals that less than half are highly valid, with nearly half related to dialysis management. The study proposes refinements and new metrics to better reflect the spectrum of kidney care delivery, aiming to improve the accuracy of quality measurement.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 13, 2020

Many children with kidney disease may be prescribed drugs that are toxic to the kidneys

A recent study found that a significant proportion of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prescribed medications that may be toxic to their kidneys. Among the studied population, 71% of those with CKD and 50% without received at least one potentially nephrotoxic medication over an average follow-up period of 3.3 years.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 12, 2019

Predicting risk of chronic kidney disease

A new study used data from over 5 million people to develop equations predicting the five-year risk of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a key indicator of chronic kidney disease. The findings can help identify individuals at increased risk and potentially prevent or manage the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2019

Examining risk of suicide and use of ACE inhibitors, ARBs

A study by JAMA Network found a potential association between ACE inhibitors and ARBs and an increased risk of suicide among individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The observational study analyzed data from over 200,000 patients to identify any possible links between these medications and suicidal behavior.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 16, 2019

More than 70% of hospital data breaches include sensitive demographic or financial info that could lead to identity theft

A study of 1,461 hospital data breaches found that 71% compromised sensitive demographic or financial information, putting patients at risk of identity theft. The breaches also revealed a lack of transparency about the types of information compromised, sparking calls for policymakers to require standardized documentation.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 23, 2019

At-home dialysis improves quality of life

Kaiser Permanente research finds that at-home peritoneal dialysis is safe and effective for managing advanced-stage kidney disease, improving lifestyle and quality of life. The study shows a significant increase in at-home dialysis rates over 10 years, with 80% of patients remaining on it one year after starting.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Pre-eclampsia increases risk of end stage kidney disease, study finds

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who developed pre-eclampsia during pregnancy were nearly five times more likely to develop end stage kidney disease (ESKD) than those who did not. The study analyzed data from over 1 million healthy women and revealed a significant association between pre-eclampsia and ESKD risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 30, 2019

Anonymous essay says sometimes 'choice' is a lie

A new essay published in Annals of Internal Medicine argues that physicians often have to make difficult decisions when faced with extreme political pressures. The author shares a personal story about caring for a pregnant woman who was forced to carry a baby without a brain, highlighting the need for compassion over 'choice' in patien...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 3, 2019

Chronic kidney disease epidemic may be result of high heat, toxins

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that climate change may be contributing to a mysterious epidemic of chronic kidney disease among agricultural workers. The researchers found that heat exposure and heavy labor are common factors in the disease, which is also linked to toxins such as glyphosate and lead.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019