Articles tagged with Nephrology
A study reveals that the liver is the primary source of Apol1, a protein linked to kidney disease, and finds a significant association between APOL1 gene variants and increased risk in individuals of recent African ancestry. The findings provide new insights into the biology of Apol1 and its potential role in health and disease.
A simple home-based walking program improved physical capacity and quality of life in patients undergoing long-term dialysis. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, found that regular exercise can have positive effects on dialysis patients.
The ASN Foundation is launching a Securing the Future Campaign to raise critical funding for the Career Development Grants Program. The program aims to provide support for early career investigators in kidney research. With the campaign, the organization hopes to guarantee funding and attract top talent to the field.
Amit X. Garg, a renowned nephrologist, is being honored by the American Society of Nephrology for his groundbreaking research on living kidney donation and kidney health analytics. His work has led to improved understanding and treatment of kidney diseases, including E. coli O157:H7 poisoning and acute kidney injury.
A multinational study found that nearly one-fourth of children admitted to pediatric intensive care units worldwide develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of death. The study also revealed that severe AKI is associated with an increased need for mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, highlighting the...
A new program, Live Donor Champion, has been shown to increase knowledge of live donation and comfort approaching others about live donation. The program boosted live donor referrals, with a 5.5-fold increase in having at least one donor referral compared to matched controls on the waiting list.
A recent study found that nearly half of kidney failure patients receiving dialysis had advance directives, but only a small minority specifically addressed dialysis management at the end of life. The simple presence or absence of an advance directive is not enough to fully address important aspects of dialysis patients' end-of-life care.
Researchers found no association between sex and risk of kidney damage when analyzing studies that took patient characteristics into account. Women are more likely to develop kidney damage following cardiovascular surgery, but this link is disputed when adjusting for comorbidities.
A recent study has challenged the long-held belief that patients treated with catheters have a higher risk of premature death due to complications. The research suggests that a fistula creation prior to starting dialysis may be associated with lower death rates, particularly in younger patients.
A new 6-part series on core curriculum for kidney specialists has been released by the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease, covering treatments for kidney failure and management of related complications. The series aims to enhance education and practice among nephrologists, students, and educators.
A new study found that some living kidney donors are not given prompt access to transplantation when they need a transplant. The study examined data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and found that only 40-50 prior living donors are added to the kidney waiting list each year.
A study of 500 children with chronic kidney disease found that two-thirds were deficient in vitamin D. Children who took vitamin D supplements had significantly higher levels and a lower risk of deficiency, highlighting the importance of supplementation practices.
Researchers found that faster intestinal calcium absorption and increased urinary excretion of calcium may predispose hypercalciuric patients to developing kidney stones. Measuring these factors could help identify individuals at risk, allowing for early prevention and treatment.
A genetic variant in the HO-1 gene is highly associated with development of AKI following cardiac surgery, leading to decreased expression and iron toxicity. Testing for this variant may help identify patients at risk, enabling therapeutic strategies to mitigate kidney damage.
Researchers have identified a 'weekend effect' contributing to the decline in donor kidney availability in the US. Organs procured on Fridays and Saturdays were more likely to be discarded than those during weekdays, with higher quality kidneys also being thrown away at a greater rate.
A new thematic issue of The Open Urology & Nephrology Journal reports on the association between hyperuricemia and kidney disease. Chronic inflammation is a common link between the two conditions, with research exploring its role in uric acid excretion and progression of renal disease.
A recent study found that low blood levels of bicarbonate are associated with an increased risk of premature death in healthy older adults. Participants with normal or high bicarbonate levels had a similar risk of dying compared to those with low bicarbonate levels, which was linked to a 24% higher mortality rate.
Consuming a beverage rich in cocoa flavanols improves blood vessel function and reduces diastolic blood pressure in patients with kidney failure. Individuals with failing kidneys are at increased risk of developing heart problems, but diet-based therapeutic approaches to counteract cardiovascular disease are limited.
A study of 30 patients found that surgery effectively controlled hypercalcemia, normalized parathyroid hormone levels, and improved bone density. In contrast, medication only controlled excess calcium in 67% of cases, with no effect on PTH or slowing the decline in bone density.
A study reveals racial and ethnic differences in US patients with kidney failure accessing home dialysis, with potential factors including lack of availability, insurance barriers, and provider bias. The findings highlight the need to ensure equitable access to different dialysis modalities to improve health outcomes.
A new study reveals that deceased donor kidneys are more likely to be discarded on weekends than weekdays. Organs procured during the weekend were also more likely to be discarded and of higher quality than those procured on other days.
A study found that three commonly used kidney function equations yield discordant results for transplant waitlist qualification, potentially leading to significant differences in qualification time and disadvantage patients. The Cockroft-Gault equation most often disadvantaged patients compared to the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations.
A new study reveals racial disparities in living kidney donation rates and complications after donation. African Americans have the lowest rates of living donation, while also experiencing higher risks of complications, including gastrointestinal issues, bleeding, and respiratory problems. The findings suggest that socioeconomic factor...
A recent study presented at ASN Kidney Week 2015 found that hormone replacement therapy was associated with lower levels of microalbuminuria and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate in postmenopausal women. This suggests that hormone replacement therapy may help protect kidney health in these women.
A new study suggests that shorter sleep duration is significantly linked with a more rapid decline in kidney function. Women who slept less than 5 hours per night had a 65% increased likelihood of experiencing a rapid decline in kidney function compared to those sleeping 7-8 hours.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has released a report outlining current and future challenges to the specialty of nephrology. Key findings include the increasing fragmentation of kidney care, uneven distribution of nephrologists across the US, and declining interest among residents choosing nephrology fellowships.
A study found disparities in kidney disease patients' access to electronic health record portals, which may reinforce existing health-related inequities. Patients with black race, lower neighborhood household income, older age, and Medicaid/Medicare insurance status were less likely to adopt the portal.
Researchers found that patients taking calcium supplements had lower urine calcium and oxalate levels but faster kidney stone growth rates. Vitamin D supplementation decreased urinary calcium excretion and stone growth rates, potentially preventing stone formation.
Researchers discovered that statins can help prevent acute kidney injury by suppressing inflammation and regulating blood vessel thickness, thanks to the presence of KLF4 protein in endothelial cells. The study found that treating mice with statins protects against AKI, and loss of KLF4 exacerbates the condition.
A study found that high urinary excretion levels of both sodium and potassium are linked with faster progression of chronic kidney disease. Patients with CKD often consume excessive amounts of sodium, which can worsen their condition.
Among 51 military service members who experienced severe acute kidney injury, 88% were due to blasts or projectiles, and 22% died within 60 days. Most survivors regained normal kidney function, but some developed chronic kidney disease or proteinuria, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring.
A study found that most donors and recipients support sharing health information, but not social details. The transplant team should be involved in the discussion, according to both parties.
A study found that 26.3% of dialysis patients missed sessions and 66.1% received treatment at non-regular units after Hurricane Sandy. Patients with emergency packets had their medical records stored at home, highlighting the need for preparedness.
Certain ECG measures can identify individuals with chronic kidney disease at high risk of dying from heart disease. A panel of 5 common ECG parameters was found to enhance prediction of cardiovascular death in this population, suggesting potential novel interventions to prevent cardiovascular complications.
Experts identified strategies for optimizing EHRs to better manage CKD patients, including standardizing data storage and accessibility. Well-designed EHRs can monitor patient conditions, facilitate collaboration among providers, and support patient self-management.
Researchers found that transplant outcomes using kidneys from deceased donors with AKI were no different between the AKI and non-AKI groups at both 1 and 3 years post-transplant. The study results suggest that acutely injured kidneys can be considered for transplantation, potentially alleviating the US kidney shortage.
A new study reveals that kidneys from older donors provide a lifetime of kidney function for older patients with shorter life expectancy, while younger patients do not benefit. Rapid transplantation from older donors is superior to delayed transplantation, increasing access to these organs.
Acute kidney injury affects 13 million people annually and contributes to 1.7 million deaths. Experts believe it can be nearly eliminated in 10 years with current treatments costing $150 per patient. The Lancet Commission proposes a three-pronged strategy to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and invest in sustainable infrastructure.
A urine test can predict the risk of kidney injury in heart failure patients, allowing clinicians to identify those at high risk and take preventive measures. The study found that urinary angiotensinogen levels can accurately predict acute kidney injury and patient rehospitalization or death within one year.
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 recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that older kidney donors with hypertension had good kidney health after donation. After 6 months, hypertensive and non-hypertensive donors both maintained excellent blood pressure control and robust compensatory kidney responses.
A simple 5-variable model accurately predicts most cases of kidney failure in socially disadvantaged individuals with moderate or advanced chronic kidney disease. The model can help guide approaches to reduce socioeconomic disparities in kidney disease care.
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.
A study found that 80% of kidney dialysis patients were not adequately prepared for emergencies or natural disasters. However, after receiving individualized education from a multidisciplinary team, 78% of these patients became adequately prepared, according to a Loyola University Medical Center study. The educational sessions made a s...
Researchers found that peritoneal dialysis and high-frequency home hemodialysis can significantly reduce mortality risks. Patients receiving these treatments had 10-26% lower mortality rates than those with standard in-center hemodialysis.
Studies found significant disparities in access to pre-ESRD kidney care across the US, with certain geographic areas and racial groups receiving lower quality care. Disparities were more pronounced among black patients, who had a 10% to 54% lower odds of receiving care from a kidney specialist.
A study found that weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with increased kidney function and decreased albuminuria, a marker of kidney dysfunction. This suggests a beneficial impact on kidney health for patients with and without baseline kidney disease.
A study found that 55% of the US population is not eligible to donate a kidney due to preventable health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The majority of individuals with lower incomes are less likely to donate due to financial difficulties and immigration status.
A new multi-center study has confirmed that specific gene variants in African American kidney donors are associated with a higher risk of organ failure after transplantation. The findings suggest that rapidly genotyping deceased donors for these variants could help inform organ allocation and consent processes.
A Mediterranean-style diet is associated with a 17% decreased likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease, while dietary patterns resembling the diet reduce risk by 50%. More than 20 million US adults have chronic kidney disease.
A new nomogram tool uses 11 questions to accurately calculate the probability of developing another symptomatic kidney stone at various time points. The tool helps determine whether preventive measures are needed, and can help patients avoid burdensome dietary restrictions or medications.
A study found that depressive symptoms and pain in dialysis patients were associated with increased hospitalization rates, emergency department visits, and mortality. The findings suggest that treating these symptoms could improve patient health and reduce healthcare costs.
Researchers at George Washington University call for improved follow-up care for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), who often present later in life with chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI and CKD are interconnected syndromes, both linked to cardiovascular disease.
A study analyzing 563,281 hemodialysis patients found significant racial and ethnic differences in hospitalization rates. Younger black patients, older black patients, and older Hispanic patients had increased hospitalization rates compared to whites of similar ages, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A recent study found that young black adults with kidney failure living in poor neighborhoods are nearly twice as likely to die while still young compared to whites. The reasons for this difference are not well understood, but the researchers suggest that socioeconomic factors may play a role.
Dr. Richard Glassock, a member of LA BioMed's Board of Directors, has been awarded the 2014 Medal of Excellence for his exceptional contributions to patient care. He is recognized for his extensive research and clinical expertise in glomerular diseases and clinical nephrology.
Studies found that biopsied kidney injuries were modestly associated with delay in organ function, but only for donor kidneys already at high risk. However, there was a large degree of overlap between discarded and transplanted kidneys, suggesting low-quality biopsies may be used to make acceptance decisions.
The Italian Society of Nephrology and Springer are joining forces to promote renal diseases research. The new partnership aims to increase the quality and visibility of the Journal of Nephrology.
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 low dose of lithium helped restore kidney function in mice with acute kidney injury, suggesting a potential therapeutic application for the mood stabilizer. Acute kidney injury is a serious complication affecting hospitalized patients, with limited treatment options.