Articles tagged with Nephrology
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The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is convening a Summit on the Nephrology Workforce to address the growing crisis in kidney care. The summit aims to increase interest in nephrology careers, particularly among underrepresented minorities and women.
A decade of research has led to significant advances in treating lupus nephritis, with improved classification and new treatment regimens reducing side effects. New therapies targeting specific components of the immune system have also shown promise, including rituximab and ocrelizumab.
A new registry based on electronic health records could help physicians improve care for patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. The registry, developed at the Cleveland Clinic, houses information on 57,276 CKD patients and has been validated as reliable for tracking disease progression.
A new study has found a strong association between low birth weight and poor growth rate in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The research, published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, analyzed data from over 400 children with CKD and found that those born with lower birth weights were more likely ...
Characteristics such as patient engagement, physician communication, and staff coordination contribute to higher dialysis center survival rates. Top-performing centers also report stronger interpersonal relationships and more resourceful dietitians.
Dialysis patients can reduce their risk of hospitalization by addressing depression and physical inactivity, and modifying blood access from catheters to arteriovenous access. A recent study found that converting to arteriovenous access reduced hospitalization risk by about 30%.
A study found that low socioeconomic status is associated with higher serum phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease, regardless of race. This suggests that limited access to healthy food choices contributes to the racial disparity in kidney disease progression.
A DASH-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, may help prevent kidney stones by increasing urinary volume and citrate levels. The study suggests that a DASH-style diet could be an effective way to reduce the risk of kidney stone recurrence.
A study reveals that individuals with prior non-kidney organ transplants are more likely to be listed for a kidney transplant before dialysis initiation. This trend adds to the list of organ allocation challenges, as these patients have higher waitlist mortality rates and shorter lifespans compared to those with prior kidney transplants.
Researchers discovered that patients with high levels of albuminuria have a significantly increased risk of developing acute kidney injury, highlighting the importance of monitoring kidney function. By recognizing these warning signs, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent preventable forms of acute kidney injury.
Researchers found that discontinuing epoetin was more effective than reducing dose in normalizing hemoglobin levels, but also increased risk of lower-than-recommended levels. Study results suggest a balance between administering epoetin and achieving target hemoglobin levels is necessary for kidney disease patients.
A study found pronounced regional differences in treatment practices for older adults with kidney failure, including decisions on starting or stopping dialysis. Higher-spending regions tend to have more intensive care, but patients don't necessarily fare better.
Researchers identified a previously unknown genetic location on chromosome 2p causing familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a common cause of kidney failure worldwide. The discovery may provide clues to disease mechanisms and lead to identification of specific and less toxic therapies.
A study found individuals with high resting heart rates and low beat-to-beat heart rate variability have a higher risk of developing kidney disease. The autonomic nervous system's behavior may be a sentinel marker for late-stage kidney disease.
A study found that patients living in predominantly black areas are less likely to receive pre-dialysis kidney care from a specialist, despite having declining kidney function. The researchers investigated the effect of residential area racial composition on access to and quality of kidney-related care before starting dialysis.
A new study reveals that allopurinol treatment can slow the progression of kidney disease, decrease inflammation, and lower cardiovascular risk. The analysis suggests a potential benefit for chronic kidney disease patients, but further trials are needed to confirm these findings.
The incidence of calcium-alkali syndrome is rising due to widespread use of over-the-counter calcium supplements. Limiting daily intake to 1.2-1.5 grams can prevent the condition.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that a low kidney-to-recipient-weight ratio increases the risk of transplant failure, inadequate filtration, and other complications. The research suggests that matching kidney weight to recipient weight could improve transplantation success rates.
Despite high rates of sexual dysfunction among CKD patients, little is known about effective treatments. The review found that drug treatment was helpful for male patients with erectile dysfunction but few studies evaluated safety and side effects in CKD patients.
The study found that 58.9% of kidney transplant candidates would accept a kidney from a donor at increased risk of viral infection under some conditions, while 17.7% always accepted them. Patients on dialysis and older patients more commonly accepted such kidneys.
A new study found that automated laboratory reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was associated with a significant increase in first-time visits to a kidney specialist, especially among older or female patients and those at increased risk of late detection of kidney disease. The rate of visits increased by 68% for pa...
A study found that most kidney donors (86%) and recipients (80%) want to share personal health information that may influence transplant success. However, healthcare professionals are more conservative, with only 61% in favor of sharing donor info in incompatible exchanges.
A recent study highlights the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on younger minority adults receiving medical care in healthcare safety net settings. The study found that poor, minority adults with moderate to severe CKD are two to four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic whites.
An international group of experts has developed a uniform classification system for diabetic nephropathy, categorizing the condition into four progressive classes to guide clinicians and researchers. The new system aims to standardize definitions of different classes and improve reporting of cases among medical centers.
A study found that kidney transplant recipients with high levels of T-regulatory cells and low Natural Killer cells are at a higher risk for skin cancer, which can occur after ten years of immunosuppressive drugs.
A study of nearly 2000 healthy adults found that kidney abnormalities occur in at least 25% of the population. Most abnormalities were mild and not causing discomfort, but future research is needed to determine their impact on long-term health.
A study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who did not require dialysis had a significantly higher risk of death over two years compared to those without AKI. The risk was even higher for patients with more severe AKI and returned to normal after discharge.
A study models a 100 patient dialysis center and a program with 7,500 hemodialysis patients, finding that improved survival increases costs by $5 million over 10 years and $400 million over the same period. Research into less costly treatments could help address these concerns.
Researchers found that dialysis patients with very low body fat are at a higher risk of death compared to those with average or high body fat percentage. The study suggests that body fat may be protective for dialysis patients and contradicts the 'obesity paradox' theory.
A new study presents evidence that high sodium intake and artificial sweetener consumption are associated with a faster rate of decline in kidney function. The research, conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital, analyzed data from over 3,000 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study.
A recent study published in the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition found that kidney transplant survival rates vary by donor race, with non-black recipients experiencing lower survival rates when transplanted with black donors.
A study found that dialysis patients who travel on vacation risk infections, anemia, and other complications. Travelers are advised to take extra precautions to minimize these risks.
A new study suggests that the proposed bundled payment system for dialysis could have a significant impact on dialysis units nationwide. The research found that facilities in certain regions, particularly the south and east, are likely to face adverse financial consequences under the new plan.
A diet high in fructose increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. Studies found that consuming more than 74 grams per day of fructose led to a higher risk of hypertension, with significant associations seen across various blood pressure levels.
Long-term steroid abuse in bodybuilders led to severe kidney damage, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The condition causes scarring within the kidneys, similar to that seen in morbidly obese patients but with more severe effects.
Group education of patients' relatives and friends can improve their willingness to consider kidney donation. The study found that group discussions increased the number of potential donors among participants.
Researchers found that patients with higher kidney function at the time of transplant did not have a significant advantage in terms of long-term health. However, they did require less dialysis and were less likely to experience kidney rejection after transplantation.
The article suggests that nephrologists should consider the potential quality of life for frail elders with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) when deciding between dialysis and conservative therapies. Larger studies are needed to determine the actual benefit of dialysis for this population.
Researchers have developed a reliable way for doctors to filter MEDLINE for relevant kidney patient information, improving treatment and outcomes. The new tool has high performance, exceeding 97% sensitivity and specificity, making it available for all healthcare professionals.
For kidney disease patients, regular physical activity may prolong life and reduce mortality risk. A recent study found that active patients were 56% less likely to die than inactive counterparts.
A study found that childhood minimal change nephrotic syndrome can lead to lasting health effects, including osteoporosis and hypertension in adults. The condition may also cause reproductive problems, such as low sperm count and defective sperm.
Researchers have developed a Wearable Artificial Kidney that provides continuous dialysis 24/7, reducing hospitalization rates and improving quality of life. The device is powered by two nine-volt batteries and weighs about 10 pounds.
A study found that chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, particularly women, diabetics, and those with heart problems. The study suggests that medical care for CKD patients should include strategies to lessen the negative impact of CKD on quality of life.
A study found that female recipients of male donor kidneys have a higher risk of transplant failure in the first year after transplantation. However, this increased risk is reversed after ten years. The study suggests that H-Y antigens on male cells may elicit an immune response in female kidney transplant recipients.
A daily dose of sodium bicarbonate slows the decline of kidney function in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, reducing the rate of progression by about two-thirds. Patients taking baking soda also experience improvements in nutrition and are less likely to develop end-stage renal disease.
A Kaiser Permanente project demonstrated that specialists can improve the health of high-risk patients with chronic illness by using electronic health records to coordinate care. The project found that proactive e-consults reduced late nephrology referrals by two-thirds.
A recent study found that contrast-induced kidney damage from medical imaging procedures increases the risk of having a stroke or heart attack over the next year or two. Patients who developed this damage had twice as many long-term negative health effects compared to those whose kidneys were not damaged.
A new study projects that nearly half of older patients currently on the kidney transplant waiting list will die before receiving an organ from a deceased donor. The study found significant variations in mortality rates across different transplant regions and patient groups, including African Americans and those aged 70 or older.
A new study reveals that medical insurers' reimbursement documents can provide insights into the long-term health of kidney transplant patients. The research found that combined use of Medicare billing claims from both Part A and Part B accurately documented cardiovascular events after transplantation, with a high sensitivity rate.
A new study shows that overnight dialysis is a viable alternative for patients with irreversible kidney disease, offering improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare burden. The long-term results of this therapy were found to be well-tolerated by most patients, with lower rates of anemia and reduced levels of urea in their blood.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has developed an online curriculum to educate physicians about managing elderly patients with kidney disease. The curriculum addresses gaps in training and provides a comprehensive resource for geriatric nephrology care.
A study of nearly 6,900 patients found that simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation resulted in a 89% long-term survival rate compared to 80% for kidney-only transplants and 65% for deceased donor transplants. SPK recipients were also more likely to die during the first year after transplantation.
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that patients with more knowledge about dialysis are more likely to use permanent vascular access. The researchers also identified factors associated with lower knowledge, including age, education level, and race.
A study of 298 black and 945 white male patients found that blacks with moderate and advanced chronic kidney disease lived longer than whites once they reached later stages. Blacks had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease, which contributed to their better survival rates.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa slows kidney function decline in men with Fabry disease. The therapy showed promise when initiated early, particularly for those with higher initial kidney function.
A recent study found that distance from a patient's home to the nearest transplant facility has no bearing on whether an individual is placed on the transplant waiting list. However, the research identified neighborhood poverty as a key factor associated with disparities in waitlisting, particularly for black patients.
Patients with end-stage renal disease who receive pre-dialysis care from a nephrologist have higher chances of surviving the first year on dialysis. The study also identified geographic clusters where suboptimal care is prevalent, suggesting targeted improvement efforts could be beneficial.
A commonly used questionnaire for measuring quality of life in ADPKD patients is not sensitive enough to detect physical and mental problems. The study found links between patient characteristics and physical scores, but no significant difference in quality of life scores compared to the general population.
The Comprehensive Dialysis Study (CDS) includes data on more than 1,600 patients, providing a valuable new resource for improving dialysis outcomes. Researchers can examine the interrelated factors affecting the health of new dialysis patients and identify predictive significance of early physical and nutritional status.
A study found that taking a much higher dose of candesartan cilexetil effectively lowers protein excretion in the urine of patients with kidney disease. The drug may help prevent end-stage kidney disease and save lives by reducing proteinuria.