Articles tagged with Nephrology
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.