Articles tagged with Nephropathies
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.
As of January 1, 2016, Elsevier will publish the flagship journals Kidney International and Kidney International Supplements from the International Society of Nephrology. These journals are highly regarded for their original research in nephrology and kidney disease.
A new study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to below 140 mm Hg significantly reduces the risk of stroke in people over 60, with especially high risks for Hispanics and blacks. The study also highlights the importance of targeting this group with specific treatment guidelines.
A new BU study finds a decline in kidney function among Nicaraguan sugarcane workers, suggesting heat stress and dehydration may play a role in the high rates of chronic kidney disease. The research team recruited 284 workers performing different tasks and found that those with longer employment duration had worse kidney function.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic have linked trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) to chronic kidney disease, finding higher levels in patients with the condition associated with greater mortality risk. Elevated TMAO levels are also linked to cardiovascular disease and kidney disease progression.
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.
Researchers have discovered that small changes in blood acidity can lead to inaccurate calcium level monitoring, resulting in higher PTH levels and increased risk of artery damage. This affects patients with chronic kidney disease, who already face a high risk of fatal calcification.
A new clinical study found that tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) supplementation can dial back excessive sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to positive effects on arterial stiffness. BH4 is a cofactor for nitric oxide synthesis and has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors.
A systematic review of the literature suggests that metformin is safe for patients with mild to moderate kidney disease, contrary to FDA guidelines. The risk of lactic acidosis is extremely low and comparable to those who do not take metformin.
A five-year national trial will investigate interventions for patients with multiple chronic conditions, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. The study aims to identify effective treatments for patients with coexistent diseases and implement integrated healthcare delivery models.
A study found that decreased blood levels of Klotho increase the risk of heart disease in mice with chronic kidney disease, suggesting potential treatment strategy to protect kidney disease patients' heart health. If confirmed in humans, increasing Klotho levels may help protect the hearts of patients with chronic kidney disease.
The investigational drug patiromer decreased high potassium levels and maintained normal levels in patients with chronic kidney disease. Elevated potassium increases the risk of death in high-risk patients and limits the use of certain drugs used to control hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
A 12-week exercise program improved physical function and quality of life for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, decreasing their pain. The study suggests that incorporating exercise into kidney disease care can significantly improve patients' lives.
Studies found that a higher-quality diet reduces the risk of needing dialysis or dying from kidney problems by 16-23%. High potassium intake also shows promise in reducing future risk. Dietary modifications are considered a low-cost and simple intervention to reduce chronic kidney disease burden.
A recent study has found a strong association between air pollution and the development of chronic kidney disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.1 million people in the US, revealed that even low levels of particulate matter can increase the risk of CKD.
A study found that sodium-reduced meat and poultry products contain significantly higher levels of potassium due to additives. This can pose a risk for patients with kidney disease who require low phosphorus and potassium diets.
A study found that perceived racial discrimination may contribute to disparities in kidney disease by increasing stress-related pathways. Among African Americans and whites, those who experienced 'a lot' of discrimination had higher systolic blood pressure but a lower prevalence of diabetes.
The Ferric Citrate OLE study demonstrated the iron-based phosphate binder's long-term safety and efficacy in managing elevated serum phosphorus levels. Patients treated with Ferric Citrate showed improvements in laboratory parameters, including reduced serum phosphorus levels and increased hemoglobin
A study found that sleep apnea is associated with more rapid loss of renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Researchers identified high-risk scores for obstructive sleep apnea, which were common in non-dialysis CKD patients and linked to decreased kidney function.
Exercise training slows kidney function decline and improves cardio-respiratory fitness in patients with progressive stages 3–4 CKD. A personalized, low-intensity home exercise program also improves physical performance in dialysis patients.
A study of 699 African American adults found that those with severe periodontal disease developed chronic kidney disease at a rate 4 times higher than those without. Targeting periodontal disease may be an important path towards reducing disparities in chronic and end-stage kidney disease.
Two cholesterol management guidelines agree that nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should receive statins, but 50% of those recommended are not taking them. The study found the Pooled Cohort risk equations to be accurate among people with CKD, indicating a valid tool for estimating heart disease risk.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh estimates that more than 20 million Nigerians have hypertension, affecting one-third of men and one-fourth of women. The number of cases is projected to rise to 39 million by 2030, straining Nigeria's already-overburdened health system.
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.
Researchers have developed a device that can detect markers of kidney disease and prostate cancer in urine samples, offering instant results and potentially higher accuracy. The device uses DNA sequences to latch onto disease markers, allowing for early detection at ultra-low concentrations.
A new study finds that calcium buildup in coronary arteries is a strong indicator of heart disease risk in individuals with chronic kidney disease. This measure outperforms other commonly used tests in predicting cardiovascular disease among CKD patients, who are at high risk for heart disease.
Researchers found that calcium build-up in coronary artery walls is a more useful indicator of heart disease risk in patients with CKD than traditional measures of atherosclerosis. The study suggests that this finding could help safeguard the heart health of millions of people globally who have chronic kidney disease.
A commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals the history of 'miraculous' Ebola virus serotherapy, inspired by 19th century discoveries. Additionally, two systematic reviews address challenges of interpreting troponin levels in patients with chronic kidney disease.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that ancestral exposure to the pesticide methoxychlor can lead to adult-onset diseases like kidney disease and obesity in future generations. The researchers discovered epigenetic changes caused by methoxychlor exposure, which were transmitted through the female line and affected gene expression.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that risk factors for chronic kidney disease are present and identifiable 30 years before diagnosis. The researchers identified significant associations between obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes with future CKD development.
The UC Irvine Health Division of Nephrology & Hypertension will examine the nature and outcomes of transition to dialysis or kidney transplantation in advanced chronic kidney disease patients. The study will analyze data from veterans and Kaiser Permanente Southern California members.
Researchers found that smaller declines in estimated GFR are strongly associated with subsequent risk of end-stage renal disease. A new definition of kidney disease progression could shorten clinical trials and improve treatment outcomes.
A new study suggests revising the definition of kidney disease progression used in clinical trials could shorten trial length and encourage more trials. This revised definition, based on a decline in estimated kidney function, carries higher risks for end-stage renal disease and mortality but is common enough to facilitate testing.
A new UCLA-led study found that depression is linked to a far greater chance for early death among adults 65 and older with diabetes, compared to those without depression. The researchers suggest that depressed individuals are less likely to adhere to their prescribed medications and lifestyle changes.
A study found that walking can significantly improve survival rates and reduce the need for dialysis among patients with stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease. Patients who walked regularly were 33% less likely to die and 21% less likely to require dialysis compared to non-walkers.
Researchers found that pravastatin significantly slowed the growth of kidney cysts in children and young adults with ADPKD, reducing progression of kidney disease. The study's results suggest early intervention may be key to preventing long-term complications of ADPKD.
A study found that low birth weight and maternal conditions like diabetes and overweight/obesity are associated with an increased risk of childhood kidney disease. Researchers suggest that modifying these factors could help protect children's kidney health and reduce the incidence of CKD.
A study by Lynn Butler and colleagues found that cytomegalovirus infection inhibits erythropoietin production, leading to lower red blood cell counts. The researchers suggest targeting CMV as a potential treatment for anemia in patients with kidney disease.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients have a 1 in 4 chance of developing chronic kidney disease over a 20-year period, compared to the general population's 1-in-5 risk. Patients should work to keep blood pressure under control and avoid medications damaging to the kidneys.
The updated guidelines emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to care, targeting growth, neurocognitive development, quality of life, and risk for complications. Children's Mercy Hospital has led the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children study, identifying factors that lead to kidney disease progression in children.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve immune function and reduce inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease. Six months of regular walking was shown to decrease immune cell activation and markers of systemic inflammation.
A study found that poor quality of life in African Americans with chronic kidney disease is associated with increased risks of disease progression and heart problems. The research suggests that improving quality of life may help protect patients' health, highlighting the need for better management of kidney disease-related health issues.
A receptor called B7-1 is expressed by kidney cells during the progression of diabetic nephropathy, and targeting this receptor with abatacept helps to maintain kidney function in mice. The study suggests that clinical trials should be designed to test abatacept in diabetic patients.
The American Society of Nephrology warns that dwindling medical research funding is hindering progress in kidney disease and other medical studies. With 20 million Americans affected by chronic kidney disease, the need for continued clinical advances is pressing.
A recent study found that warfarin treatment is associated with a lower risk of death, heart attack, or stroke without an increased risk of bleeding for patients with established cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation. The study included over 24,000 patients with kidney function measured through serum creatinine levels.
A study of 267 CKD patients found that 69.3% experienced at least one hazardous event related to their outpatient care, with hypoglycemia and falling/severe dizziness being common complications.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people are more motivated to engage in healthy behavior when they're feeling depleted. Consumers tend to prefer products with safety features more when they're low on energy.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham are developing non-invasive measurements using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess blood flow and oxygenation in the human kidney. The goal is to improve monitoring and treatment for chronic kidney disease, which can be caused by health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
A new guideline from the Canadian Society of Nephrology recommends delaying dialysis for asymptomatic adults with chronic kidney disease, citing improved quality of life and cost savings. The 'intent-to-defer' strategy avoids the burden of early start, while still closely monitoring patients.
A single dose of rituximab significantly reduces kidney relapses in children and young adults with frequently-replapsing idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, allowing for discontinuation of standard immunosuppressive medications. The treatment is also well-tolerated and improves kidney function.
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.
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.
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.
The American College of Physicians recommends clinical and administrative changes to deter prescription drug abuse while maintaining patient access to treatment. The guidelines advocate for physician, patient, and public education on the harms of medical and nonmedical use of prescription drugs.
Researchers developed a saliva test for diagnosing acute kidney injury, found Mediterranean diet linked to reduced risk of chronic kidney disease, and explored mindfulness meditation's benefits on blood pressure in patients with kidney disease. Initiating dialysis can cause significant burdens and loss of independence in elderly patients.
A new study found that consuming more vegetable protein is associated with a 14% lower risk of death in kidney disease patients. The study, which analyzed data from 1,104 CKD patients, suggests that increasing vegetable protein intake may help prolong survival among those with chronic kidney disease.
A new testing approach can better detect parathyroid hormone imbalances in end-stage kidney disease patients, which are linked to higher mortality rates. The study found that patients with higher levels of non-oxidized parathyroid hormone had a lower risk of death.
A new study reverses the prevailing theory on diabetic kidney disease, finding that elevated glucose levels do not cause the condition but rather suppressing mitochondrial activity. The researchers discovered that boosting beneficial AMPK activity through lifestyle changes or drug activation can reduce kidney disease severity.
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.
A new analysis finds that patients with chronic kidney disease are being prescribed statins inappropriately, despite no proven benefit. The study recommends lower dosages for early-stage kidney disease to minimize risks such as muscle pain and diabetes.