Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Acute kidney injury linked to pre-existing kidney health, study finds

Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million patient records to find that mildly abnormal results on kidney function tests are the strongest risk factor for acute kidney injury. Physicians can identify high-risk patients by paying close attention to common blood and urine tests for kidney function, potentially preventing the devastating injury.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMay 11, 2015

New high-throughput screening method may uncover novel treatments for kidney disease

A new assay developed by researchers can identify novel drug candidates that protect kidney cells from damage, which could lead to the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The system has already identified a small molecule called pyrintegrin that effectively protected rodent kidney cells.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 9, 2015

Chronic kidney disease may increase certain risks during pregnancy

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that even mild stages of chronic kidney disease during pregnancy can increase risks of preterm delivery, neonatal intensive care, and hypertension. In contrast, risks of intrauterine death or fetal malformations were not significantly higher in women wi...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 12, 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

BU study finds occupational link in kidney disease epidemic in Central America

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalInternational Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health·DateFeb 2, 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

Low levels of circulating protein linked with heart problems in mice with kidney disease

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 4, 2014

Guidelines say nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should take statins

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 13, 2014

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

Measuring calcium buildup to predict heart disease in those with chronic kidney disease

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 21, 2014

Coronary calcium predicts heart disease risk in patients with chronic kidney 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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 21, 2014

Pesticide linked to 3 generations of 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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2014

New definition of kidney disease for clinical trials could lead to new treatments

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.

Study suggests strong link between depression and early death among seniors with diabetes

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 29, 2014

Walking may help protect kidney patients against heart disease and infections

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 3, 2014

Poor quality of life may contribute to kidney disease patients' health problems

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 3, 2014