Articles tagged with Nephrology
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A blood pressure test, pulse pressure, may identify patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at increased risk of developing fatal heart complications. Pulse pressure correlates significantly with coronary artery calcification in all patients with various stages of CKD.
Measuring glomerular filtration rates from routine blood work may not be a cost-effective way to identify people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The test can lead to 11,348 more false positive CKD cases than serum creatinine reporting.
A study found that measuring NGAL in blood and urine can predict which patients with non-advanced chronic kidney disease will progress to a more serious form of the disease. High NGAL levels are associated with worsening kidney function, and both urinary and blood NGAL measurements predicted CKD progression.
A Stanford study establishes a method for projecting future kidney function, which could improve transplant outcomes for older kidneys. The research found that older kidneys perform only 70% as well as younger ones and contain fewer functioning glomeruli.
A new formula estimates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using demographic variables and biochemical markers, providing a valuable tool for pediatricians to monitor kidney function. The equation was found to be comparable with more complicated tests and superior to other recently published equations.
A study found that women over 45 are significantly less likely to be placed on a kidney transplant list than their male counterparts, even though they have an equal chance of survival. The likelihood of being listed decreased incrementally with increasing age, from 3% for women aged 46-55 to 59% for those over 75.
A study of 25,287 patients found that death rates were lower among those receiving peritoneal dialysis at day 90, but this effect varied depending on age and health. The results indicate that certain patient characteristics should be factored into decisions on dialysis treatment.
A study comparing two immunosuppression tapering approaches for kidney transplant recipients with BKVAN found that reducing immunosuppressive therapy can lower the risk of graft loss. Early withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs within one month after diagnosis reduced graft loss by two-thirds.
A noninvasive test analyzing proteins in urine can identify failing transplanted kidneys, allowing for more accurate monitoring and treatment of transplant patients. The study found that the test correctly identified patients with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy and chronic antibody-mediated rejection.
Individuals born with very low birth weights are at higher risk of developing secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a condition that causes scarring in the kidneys. This association highlights the importance of considering birth history in adult patients to prevent misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
A study found that acute kidney injury increases the risk of end-stage renal disease among elderly patients, highlighting the importance of close monitoring and timely interventions.
The Canadian Society of Nephrology has released new guidelines to slow progression, prevent complications, and reduce mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. The guidelines encourage shared care among general practitioners and specialists.
A study found that preventing anemia in kidney disease patients is crucial for their physical and mental health. The researchers recommend that treatment should be initiated at lower hemoglobin levels to improve quality of life, contrary to current FDA statements.
A recent study found that rural women are at increased risk of pre-eclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension, associated with maternal poverty and social deprivation. The researchers identified novel risk factors, including living in a rural area and having some college education, which were independent of other risk factors.
A recent study published at the American Society of Nephrology's annual meeting found that low potassium levels are strongly linked to high blood pressure in African Americans. The research suggests that consuming more potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, may help lower blood pressure.
The Declaration of Istanbul sets forth recommendations to prevent organ trafficking, including programs to prevent organ failure and maximize deceased donation. Organ trafficking has been linked to increased post-transplant complications and a higher incidence of acute rejection and severe infections.
The recently passed Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 will significantly impact nephrology practice and patient care. Key provisions include funding for CKD education sessions, bundled payment systems, and quality measures to improve efficiency and outcomes.
Researchers at the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Meeting found that stent placement does not improve kidney function or blood pressure in patients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease. The ASTRAL trial, involving over 800 patients, showed no clinically worthwhile benefits from revascularization.
A study led by Ercan Ok found that overnight hemodialysis reduced mortality rates by 78% and improved blood pressure control, appetite, weight gain, and cognitive functioning among patients. The results suggest longer dialysis regimens as a promising alternative to addressing high risk of death among dialysis patients.
A newly developed equation estimates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) more accurately than the widely used Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation, especially at higher GFR levels. The CKD-EPI equation was validated using data from over 8,000 patients and shows lower bias compared to the MDRD equation.
Individuals with kidney stones are at a 60% greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a new study. Researchers recommend careful monitoring of stone formers and appropriate treatment when needed.
A study of over 5,300 live kidney donors found that obesity was common among donors, particularly those from African- and Hispanic-American backgrounds. Obese donors were more likely to develop hypertension prior to and after donation, but did not experience worse kidney function compared to non-obese donors.
A study compared the survival of dialysis patients undergoing heart bypass surgery or stent placement, finding that stents offer best one-year survival but bypass surgery is superior for long-term results. The study's findings suggest that treatment choices depend on individual patient goals and risk tolerance.
Kidney transplant wait times vary widely across the US, with some patients waiting just one year and others up to 10 years. Experts will discuss issues and possible solutions for these inequities in organ allocation policies.
A study of 107,693 Canadians found Aboriginal people with severe kidney disease were 43% less likely to visit a nephrologist and almost twice as likely to be hospitalized for preventable conditions. Understanding the barriers to healthcare is crucial to addressing these inequities.
Recent studies suggest common gene variations, including MYH9, contribute to the elevated risk of kidney disease in African Americans. Variations in the MYH9 gene are found in up to 60% of African Americans with kidney disease, compared to 4% of European Americans.
The Halpin Foundation has awarded a research grant to Dr. Elena Torban, focusing on podocytes and their role in preventing proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome. This funding will support her investigation into the cell and molecular basis of this kidney disease.
A study found that African-Americans in Canada have better health outcomes after receiving a kidney transplant compared to their US counterparts. Despite lower access to transplants, African-American Canadians experienced similar kidney survival rates and longer overall survival rates than Caucasians.
A study found that US residents traveling abroad for kidney transplants experienced higher rates of acute rejection and severe infections. The study, which included 33 transplant tourists and 66 comparison patients, noted significant differences in infection types and severities.
Research found that kidneys from older donors exhibit a 32% depression in glomerular filtration rate, leading to shortened survival after transplantation. The study suggests that selecting organs with more functioning glomeruli could improve graft survival rates.
A study found that healthy individuals with elevated uric acid levels have a higher risk of developing kidney disease, particularly in women and those with hypertension. The researchers recommend initiating clinical trials to assess the potential of uric acid-lowering drugs for preventing kidney disease.
A study found that hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk of experiencing adverse consequences of medical care. CKD patients were more likely to experience complications such as infections, respiratory failure, and post-operative hip fractures.
The Declaration of Istanbul condemns unethical practices in organ donation and transplantation, urging governments to safeguard patient safety and prevent organ trafficking. The document promotes deceased organ donation and living donor protection.
Researchers discovered autoantibodies to a complementary protein called plasminogen, which plays a key role in blood clotting, in patients with ANCA vasculitis. The findings suggest that protein complementarity may offer new insights into autoimmune diseases.
A study found that rituximab significantly reduces kidney injury in patients with membranous nephropathy, reversing functional and biological abnormalities. The treatment achieved complete remission in 10 patients, including significant healing of kidney damage.
The American Society of Nephrology discusses the merits of using eGFR for early detection and treatment of CKD, highlighting concerns about misclassification and universal screening. Experts emphasize the need for education and proper use of eGFR to ensure accurate diagnosis and management.
Black patients receiving kidneys from black cardiac donors showed better long-term survival compared to those receiving non-black donor kidneys. The study suggests that increased utilization of kidneys donated after cardiac death can help reduce racial disparities in kidney transplantation.
Cinacalcet treatment reduces PTH levels and phosphorus levels in ESRD patients with hyperparathyroidism. The study also found a reduction in the set point of the PTH-calcium curve, indicating that cinacalcet makes parathyroid cells more sensitive to calcium.
A study suggests that more frequent hemodialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may improve their quality of life and cut down on hospitalizations. However, the increased costs of delivering hemodialysis may outweigh the benefits unless significant cost reductions are achieved.
Researchers found that consistently controlling parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorous levels can prolong the lives of hemodialysis patients. Meeting multiple targets simultaneously was associated with improved survival rates, with a 51% higher risk of death for those who failed to meet any targets.
A study by Drs. Seungho Ryu and Yoosoo Chang found that healthy individuals who gain weight, even up to a normal BMI, are at increased risk for developing chronic kidney disease. The U-shaped association between weight change and CKD development suggests that both significant weight loss and gain pose risks.
A study found that CKD patients have mild reductions in thyroid function, which may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and progressive kidney disease. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism increased with declining kidney function.
Researchers highlight biological, societal, and healthcare-related factors contributing to racial disparities in chronic kidney disease. Healthcare providers are advised to improve communication, advocate for better systems, and conduct relevant research to provide personalized care.
A study found that black patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of dying in the early stages of the disease compared to white patients. The disparities are attributed to sociological factors, including poverty and access-to-care, rather than biological differences.
Patients with systolic dysfunction are nearly twice as likely to die than those without the condition, according to a study analyzing 2,718 kidney transplant candidates. This increased mortality risk is similar to that seen in patients with cardiac ischemia.
The American Society of Nephrology emphasizes the importance of medical research in improving healthcare and reducing costs. Research advancements have led to cost-effective solutions such as vaccines and disease treatments, benefiting human lives and the economy.
A study found that activated vitamin D may reduce the risk of death by approximately one-fourth in patients with CKD, with a 20% reduction in the risk of either death or dialysis
Researchers found that higher creatinine levels in black patients with kidney disease cannot be explained by differences in muscle mass. The study suggests new theories are needed to account for the racial difference, which could help explain why blacks are more affected by progressive chronic kidney disease.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that raloxifene increases bone mineral density and reduces vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. The medication is safe and effective for this patient population, reversing bone loss and fracture risk.
A literature review found no clear evidence of benefit or harm from increased water intake in healthy individuals. However, studies suggest that people with certain diseases and athletes may benefit from increased fluid intake. No single study indicates a need to drink the recommended '8x8' amount of water daily.
Researchers identified two classes of small-molecule CFTR inhibitors that slowed cyst growth by over 80% and preserved kidney function. In mouse models, these inhibitors reduced cyst expansion and kidney enlargement.
A study found that elevated uric acid levels can precede significant changes in urine albumin levels, suggesting a potential early sign of diabetic kidney disease. Higher uric acid levels are associated with lower kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes.
A simple laboratory test measures a biomarker called NGAL to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) risk up to three days before symptoms appear. The test has been shown to be highly accurate in identifying patients at risk of AKI and may enable timely treatment to prevent or improve outcomes.
A new device containing human kidney cells has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death from acute kidney injury. The device, called Renal Assist Device, was tested on 40 patients and found to improve recovery rates and reduce mortality by half.
A new study has found that kidney donor age is associated with increased aortic stiffness in recipients, which may explain higher rates of cardiovascular disease and death. The study suggests that targeted interventions after kidney transplantation could improve long-term results by reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality.
A study by Dr. Dorry L. Segev and colleagues found that severe obesity is associated with a lower chance of receiving a kidney transplant, even after adjusting for medical factors. Obese patients tend to wait longer and are more likely to be bypassed when a kidney becomes available.
A study found that black patients living in poorer neighborhoods were less likely to be placed on transplant waiting lists than white patients. Community poverty was a significant factor, rather than distance from transplant centers.
A recent study found that expanded criteria non-beating-heart kidney transplants from ECD donors are not suitable for elderly patients with ESRD. The risk of graft loss and death was significantly higher in these patients compared to brain-dead SCD donors.
Recent studies have linked widely used osteoporosis drugs and bowel prep solutions to kidney damage. Nephrologists must be aware of these emerging causes of kidney problems and take steps to prevent them.
Researchers predict a sharp increase in the US ESRD population by 2020, with over 785,000 patients expected to be affected. The study attributes this growth to the aging of Baby Boomers and rising diabetes rates.