Researchers found that a one-year increase in retinal age was associated with a 10% higher risk of incident kidney failure over 11 years. Retinal age gap, a non-invasive biomarker based on retinal imaging, may help identify people at elevated risk for kidney failure.
Scientists have identified a potential therapy to reduce the side effects of cisplatin chemotherapy, which can cause kidney toxicity and neuropathic pain. Istradefylline, an approved Parkinson's disease drug, has been found to mitigate these harmful effects while preserving cisplatin's anti-tumor properties.
A higher urine-to-plasma urea ratio is associated with faster decline in eGFR and development of kidney failure in patients with common forms of CKD. This biomarker may improve risk prediction, particularly in low-cost, easily measurable assays.
A new troponin test has been developed to help diagnose heart attacks more accurately. By detecting only large troponin molecules, the test can distinguish between heart attacks and other conditions such as renal insufficiency.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that new onset CKD rates are higher among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino populations compared to white persons with diabetes. The rate declined from 8% in 2015-2016 to 6.4% in 2019-2020.
A retrospective cross-sectional study found that VA-financed hospice services were associated with higher rates of concurrent dialysis among veterans with end-stage kidney disease. Patients who received VA-financed hospice services lived approximately 43 days after stopping dialysis, compared to just four days for those who stopped dia...
A study reveals a high incidence of chronic kidney disease among adults with diabetes, particularly affecting Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino(a) groups. The rate of new onset CKD was higher in these groups by approximately 60%, 40%, 33%, and 25% compared to White persons with ...
Researchers from Osaka University found that serum albumin can prevent the formation of amyloid fibrils in dialysis patients by interfering with β2m protein clumping. Monitoring serum albumin levels may help predict and delay the onset of dialysis-related amyloidosis, a condition also linked to Alzheimer's disease.
A prespecified subgroup analysis of East Asian adults with lupus nephritis found that belimumab added to standard therapy improved kidney outcomes significantly. The study also showed no new safety concerns were raised in the subgroup.
Researchers at Washington University have developed a hydrogel system that preserves biochemistry and mechanical environments of cultured podocyte cells. This allows researchers to identify new ways to control mechanisms used by cells to heal themselves, potentially leading to therapies for currently incurable diseases.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a highly efficient method to generate human kidney cells, including principal and intercalated cell lines. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for treating congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract, such as polycystic kidney disease.
Researchers have discovered a molecule that can suppress the development of kidney fibrosis, a condition leading to kidney failure and devastating consequences. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new drug treatments for millions of people affected by chronic kidney disease.
Researchers identified differences in PTK activity between normal and cancer kidney tissue, with Src family kinases and PI3K pathways exhibiting high activity. Ex vivo treatment of clear cell RCC with TKIs revealed that tivozanib and cabozantinib were more potent inhibitors than sunitinib or pazopanib.
Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.
A new USC analysis found that the largest Medicare Advantage plans pay 27% more for outpatient dialysis treatment compared to traditional Medicare. This significant markup is attributed to the consolidation of the dialysis industry, with two large chains supplying over three-quarters of all dialysis services in the US.
A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...
A novel AI-empowered robotic device successfully assisted in percutaneous nephrolithotomy—surgery for removing large kidney stones. The trial showed improved precision and reduced complications, with a significant reduction in needle punctures and puncture duration.
A study found that US adults receiving hemodialysis with high air pollution exposure have more heart attacks and strokes compared to those with low exposure. The strongest associations were noted among patients who were Asian, older, or had chronic lung disease at dialysis initiation.
A large randomized controlled trial found that treatment with methylprednisolone reduces the risk of kidney function loss and failure in patients with IgA nephropathy. The study's results suggest a lower dose regimen may be effective while minimizing side effects.
A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.
Researchers at The University of Toledo found that low-dose lithium acts as a powerful anti-aging agent in the kidneys by blocking GSK3-beta, an enzyme associated with cellular aging. Studies showed improved kidney function and reduced albuminuria in mice and psychiatric patients treated with lithium.
A new study used a virtual population to simulate a clinical trial examining kidney damage in Black Americans. The model predicted kidney damage and showed that adding drug therapy and reducing salt intake could stop the damage, improving heart sizes as well.
Researchers found that impaired kidney function is preferentially associated with cardioembolic stroke in a large cohort of patients. Low filtration rates and high urine protein levels predicted increased risk of cardioembolic stroke, disability, and mortality.
A study at Duke-NUS Medical School found that inhibiting IL-11 can reduce kidney damage, inflammation, and scarring in Alport syndrome mice. Combining this therapy with ACEi treatment increased lifespan by over 400%.
A new dialysis system can produce sterile, medical grade water in the home, providing an affordable option for patients with kidney failure. The Ellen Medical Devices Point-of-Care system has been tested and found suitable for use in peritoneal dialysis fluid production.
A Brazilian study of 2,777 patients hospitalized between January 5 and September 12, 2021 found that vaccination was the sole predictor of mortality in those over 60 with kidney failure. Vaccination also reduced hospitalization risk among non-vaccinated patients with comorbidities.
Young adults are disproportionately excluded from kidney transplantation, with only 1.8% of Black and 4.4% of Hispanic patients receiving the treatment compared to 10.9% of White patients within this age group. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has found that gene variants increased the risk of acute kidney injury and death in African American veterans hospitalized with COVID-19. The study, which analyzed data from over 850,000 diverse veterans, identified APOL1 variants as a key contributor to this increased risk.
Researchers at UAB successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, demonstrating the feasibility of xenotransplantation. The kidneys functioned for 77 hours without immediate rejection, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands suffering from kidney failure.
A clinical trial will harness synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to deplete immune B cells and plasma cells producing donor-specific antibodies, aiming to achieve a compatible kidney match for patients with pre-existing antibodies. The NIH-funded study, led by Penn Medicine, intends to begin enrolling patients in 2022.
A large-scale trial found that high-dose intravenous iron therapy reduces heart attacks in patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis. The study analyzed 2141 patients and reported a significant reduction in type 1 heart attacks, which are often caused by blood clots or blockages.
The new project aims to bridge the gap between complex rare category analysis and state-of-the-art techniques. It will focus on developing explainable methods for detecting defective silicon wafers and severe complications among diabetes patients.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 30% decline in patients seeking treatment for kidney failure, with Black patients experiencing significantly worse kidney function. The decline was attributed to changes in healthcare delivery and may reflect delays in treatment due to fear of infection or logistical barriers.
The National Kidney Foundation has released a research roadmap to accelerate innovations in treatment and increase understanding of kidney disease. The report calls for increased funding in preclinical science, genetics, health equity, and implementation science to tackle the most vexing challenges in kidney disease.
A study found that patients affected by dialysis facility closures experienced higher rates of hospitalizations (7-9%) and a higher risk of dying within 6 months (8%). The researchers highlight the need for policies to reduce the risk of closures to safeguard patient health.
A serum biomarker, polyubiquitinated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), was associated with a four-fold higher risk of kidney function decline. This modified form of PTEN was linked to severity of lesions in kidney structure, indicating early manifestations of diabetic kidney disease.
Referral guidelines for nephrology care are shifting towards identifying patients at higher risk of kidney failure. A study using Veterans Health Administration data found that referring patients with a two-year risk of kidney failure above 1% would identify those at highest median risk.
The USPSTF has lowered the recommended starting age of screening for type 2 diabetes from 40 to 35. Screening is now recommended for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, particularly those aged 35-70 who are overweight or obese. This recommendation aims to detect and treat these conditions earlier.
A study found that 95% of fungal species on Earth remain undescribed, leading to inconsistent regulations and potential health risks. The researchers tested 16 food products labeled as containing 'wild mushrooms' and discovered most consisted of cultivated species, including poisonous varieties.
A recent study found that weight fluctuations are associated with higher risks of cardiovascular-related problems and early death in adults with chronic kidney disease. The study included 84,636 patients with CKD who were listed in a national health screening database in South Korea.
The new allocation system could result in reduced access to kidney transplants and longer wait times for patients in South Carolina. Researchers argue that the current system unintentionally worsens inequities and recommend improving access to transplant care.
Researchers developed a new risk equation using 6 routinely available patient parameters to estimate the risk of CKD patients progressing to ESKD requiring KRT. The 6-variable risk score achieved high predictive performance and good calibration in validation cohorts.
A new score, PROPr, assesses health-related quality of life in patients with kidney failure by considering cognitive function, depression, fatigue, and social roles. The study's findings support the validity of PROPr among patients undergoing hemodialysis or kidney transplants.
A recent study published in CJASN found that patients with kidney failure did not report better experiences with care from more frequent face-to-face visits with kidney specialists. In fact, more frequent visits were linked to slightly lower patient-reported experiences with kidney-related care.
Patients waiting for a kidney transplant who experienced various symptoms had a higher risk of dying while on the waitlist. However, those who underwent transplantation saw an improvement in symptoms, with overall 10% reduction and significant declines in fatigue and itchy skin.
A new study highlights the high risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome, particularly those with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Adults with this condition are 19.63 times more likely to develop kidney failure over a median follow-up period of 4.5 years.
Researchers analyzed records from two large U.S. databases to examine the relationship between erythropoietin doses and hip fracture rates in patients with kidney failure. They found that fluctuations in EPO doses over time closely tracked average EPO dose used, highlighting a potential increased risk of hip fractures.
A new study estimates the years of employment loss experienced by working-aged adults with kidney failure, finding that most lost time is due to patients' loss of life expectancy. The study analyzed data from patients initiating dialysis in Taiwan and found that men had a higher rate of employment than women.
A new analysis indicates that patients with kidney failure associated with sickle cell disease benefit from kidney transplantation to a similar extent as patients with kidney failure from other causes. Despite this, the sickle cell population is less likely to receive transplants.
A recent study found that enrolling Black patients on the waitlist with slightly better kidney function could reduce racial disparities in transplant access. This approach aims to bridge the gap between Black and white patients' wait times before kidney failure, ultimately promoting greater equality in transplantation.
The study found that racial disparities in kidney transplantation persist despite advances in the field. Blacks are more likely to develop kidney failure but less likely to undergo transplantation, particularly from living donors.
China's kidney disease burden is expected to increase significantly, with an estimated 874,373 patients receiving dialysis by 2025. The study used insurance claims data to estimate the national prevalence of dialysis in China.
A survey of adults with kidney failure reveals that most own mobile devices and have intermediate or advanced mobile health proficiency. The main reasons for using mobile health include making appointments, communicating with healthcare personnel, and obtaining laboratory results.
A recent analysis found limited research evaluating depression screening tools in patients with kidney failure. The most extensively studied tool was the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), but many studies were small and had shortcomings.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati found that only 5.3% of women with kidney failure on dialysis in the US use contraceptives, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancies. The study emphasizes the importance of family planning and counseling for this high-risk population.
A new study found that Blacks and Hispanics experience higher rates of kidney failure compared to whites, driven by faster declines in kidney function after chronic kidney disease onset. This disparity can be addressed by slowing the progression of kidney disease in these populations.
A study of 3,503 patients found beta blocker use reduced mortality by 21% among those starting dialysis. This association supports the routine use of beta blockers for heart failure patients initiating dialysis.
Researchers found that diabetes increases autophagy initially, but then decreases it due to the activation of tumor suppressor p53 and microRNA miR-214, leading to hypertrophy, scarring, and inflammation in the kidneys. This discovery offers a potential target for preventing or slowing kidney failure.
A study found that individuals with declining kidney function starting at age 30 performed like those nine years older on certain cognitive tests 20 years later. This suggests that preserving kidney function in young adulthood may be crucial for maintaining thinking skills in midlife.
A new study has found that measuring the ratio of two proteins in deceased donor urine can identify kidneys with a higher probability for successful transplantation and long-term survival. The researchers believe this biomarker could help reduce the number of discarded kidneys and increase the organ donation pool.