Articles tagged with Nephrology
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.
A large-scale study has found no significant increase in cardiovascular risk for living kidney donors, but higher rates of high blood pressure were detected. The study analyzed data from 1,278 patients and compared them to 6,369 healthy adults.
Renal experts will discuss link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CVD, consequences of acute kidney injury, racial disparities in kidney disease outcomes, and treatment of anemia in kidney patients. The ASN's Public Policy News Briefing aims to improve health outcomes by highlighting significant research impacting public health.
A retrospective cohort study of 18,722 hemodialysis patients found that those living farther from their attending nephrologist had increased mortality rates from all causes and infectious causes. Proximity to a nephrologist was shown to impact clinical outcomes for these patients.
A study found that a structured quality improvement program called RightStart improved outcomes for new dialysis patients, including significant reductions in mortality and hospitalization rates. The program, which included education, close medical follow-up, and self-empowerment, was associated with better nutrition, less anemia, and ...
The Indiana University School of Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $6 million grant to continue developing advanced light microscopy systems for kidney research. The center will incorporate four core projects, including the development of quantitative analysis tools and techniques to image deeper tissues.
A study found that obesity is associated with higher levels of parathyroid hormone in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. Weight loss may help lower PTH levels, while other treatments could lead to weight loss. The association was strongest in patients with signs of malnutrition and inflammation.
The American Society of Nephrology reviews disaster response plans to ensure dialysis services are protected for patients with end-stage renal failure. The Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition outlines recommendations for establishing a timeline to safety and creating individualized disaster plans.
As dialysis care becomes more cost-controlled, nephrologists play a crucial role in maintaining the unique relationship between patients and kidney specialists. The ASN urges a renewed focus on this relationship to ensure high-quality patient care.
Researchers found that early treatment with ACE inhibitors can preserve kidney function and reduce the risk of irreversible damage in young patients with early-stage IgA nephropathy. The study suggests that starting treatment early may limit the need for renal replacement therapy.
Pierre Ronco received the ISN Jean Hamburger Award for his groundbreaking work in clinical and translational nephrology, particularly in glomerular disease. Rashad Barsoum was awarded the Roscoe R. Robinson Award for his tireless efforts to educate nephrologists globally and advance the field of nephrology.
Eduardo Slatopolsky has been recognized for his pioneering experimental research in mineral metabolism, leading to improved treatment of patients with renal failure worldwide. He was awarded the ISN Amgen International Prize for Therapeutic Advancement in Nephrology in 2007.
Richard Lifton was honored with the prestigious Alfred Newton Richards Award at the WCN 2007, recognized for his outstanding basic research in nephrology. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of renal and cardiovascular disease.
The University of Virginia Health System has received a $583,000 NIH training grant to train four new researchers in kidney disease research annually. This multidisciplinary program aims to address the growing problem of kidney disease by equipping researchers with skills to translate lab research to clinical practice.
Researchers found that 22.8% of dialysis patients had other close family members with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis. The study suggests that primary care physicians should consider screening high-risk family members to slow the progression of kidney failure.
Researchers developed an animal model to study obstructive nephropathy, a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children. This model has helped identify potential targets for drug development, offering hope for improved treatment options for affected children.
A recent study of over 8,500 patients discovered that cardiovascular risk factors, particularly albuminuria, can affect renal function even in those without end-stage renal disease. The International Society of Nephrology advocates proactive albuminuria screening to detect renal impairment and cardiovascular risk.
Researchers have found a novel biomarker, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), that can detect kidney failure in children after cardiac surgery in as little as two hours. This early diagnosis enables timely administration of effective therapeutic measures to prevent further complications.
A novel self-replicating microorganism, nanobacteria, has been linked to kidney stone formation in astronauts and may pose an infectious risk. The discovery provides additional clues to understanding the link between nanobacteria and pathologic calcification-related diseases.
Studies found that sit-down rounds significantly improved patient outcomes, including healthy levels of albumin and hemoglobin, lower hospitalization rates, and reduced mortality. Patients treated at clinics with regular sit-down rounds had better care team communication and were more likely to be white, married, or high school graduates.
A new global approach aims to combat the growing threat of kidney disease by promoting early detection and proper care. This strategy has been shown to be effective in treating kidney disease, particularly when combined with evidence-based guidelines and actual clinical practice.
A new study suggests that iron therapy given to patients with kidney disease may have negative side effects, including exacerbating progressive renal damage. The study found that the level of toxicity depends on the type of iron formula used, highlighting a need for safer alternatives in treatment.
Researchers have identified multiple families with a genetic mutation causing gout and kidney failure, developing in teenage years and progressing to end-stage kidney disease by the 40s or 50s. The team hopes to find family members who may be unaware of their condition and develop improved treatment for this rare disease.
The demand for kidney transplants is soaring due to type 2 diabetes and hypertension, but the number of available donors is low. Experts at the American Society of Nephrology conference discuss the pros and cons of paid donations, weighing the need to increase the transplant pool against ethical concerns.
Non-directed kidney donations have the potential to save thousands of lives, but raise important ethical considerations. Transplant centers are developing policies to evaluate and allocate these kidneys, addressing issues like allocation and donor expenses.
Researchers have linked genetic factors to severe kidney disease in blacks, with evidence pointing to genes on chromosome 18 and another unidentified region. The study involved a large African-American cohort and could pave the way for targeted therapies.
The study reveals that renal amyloidosis is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever. AA amyloidosis is a chronic and fatal disease marked by the deposit of amyloid fibrils in the kidney, leading to organ dysfunction and death.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that delayed evaluation by a nephrologist increases mortality risk among chronic kidney disease patients. Early evaluation was associated with lower death rates, highlighting the importance of timely specialist care.