Articles tagged with Kidney
Referral guidelines for nephrology care are shifting towards identifying patients at higher risk of kidney failure. A study using Veterans Health Administration data found that referring patients with a two-year risk of kidney failure above 1% would identify those at highest median risk.
A recent study found that introducing new airline routes leads to a 7.3% increase in kidneys sent to transplant centers across the US, while also reducing the discard rate of kidneys. This improved transportation infrastructure facilitates broader organ sharing and can help match supply and demand.
A USC-led study has mapped the developmental blueprint of human kidneys, shedding light on how cells interact to form filtering units. The research provides a foundation for creating synthetic mini kidneys and could lead to new treatments for kidney diseases.
A large study found that people with hypertension or diabetes often lack a simple urine test for protein in the urine, despite being at high risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers suggest widening albuminuria testing to detect early chronic kidney diseases and emphasize the importance of treatment.
Ongoing acute kidney injury in deceased donor kidneys is linked to lower long-term graft survival. Notably, abnormal serum creatinine values during procurement also negatively impact graft outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified 182 genes likely responsible for kidney function and 88 genes for hypertension. The study provides a clearer picture of the genetic underpinnings of chronic kidney disease, paving the way for potential treatments.
Research finds that immunocompromised dialysis patients who received the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine have higher levels of neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta. A third dose of an mRNA vaccine is recommended to protect this vulnerable group.
A pooled analysis of three clinical trials found that roxadustat boosts hemoglobin levels and reduces the need for red blood cell transfusions. The treatment also showed no increased risks of mortality, heart attacks, or strokes.
A recent clinical trial found that vitamin D supplementation had no significant effects on kidney outcomes in adults with pre-diabetes. However, among those not taking any vitamin D, the supplement was associated with a lower amount of urine protein over time, suggesting potential benefits for kidney health.
A recent study published in Transplant Infectious Disease found that COVID-19 vaccination provides strong protection against the virus for solid organ transplant recipients, with an almost 80% reduction in symptomatic cases. The study examined data from over 2,150 transplant patients and showed that nearly 70% of vaccinated patients re...
Researchers compared various race-free equations and found that removing race adjustments increases eGFR values for Black patients, leading to more chronic kidney disease stage reclassifications. Blending or direct removal of race coefficients resulted in decreased eGFR estimates.
A study of 924 kidney transplantations reveals that natural killer cells play a major role in organ rejection, leading to improved risk assessment and potential new treatments for kidney transplant rejection. The findings suggest genotyping donors and recipients for MHC and KIR proteins can help predict rejection.
Researchers found five aspects underlie feelings of repugnance: moral outrage, regulation desire, monetary value translation, exploitation concern, and seller risk exposure. Transactions triggering strong repugnance often require policy interventions to protect vulnerable individuals or address unknown risks.
The new allocation system could result in reduced access to kidney transplants and longer wait times for patients in South Carolina. Researchers argue that the current system unintentionally worsens inequities and recommend improving access to transplant care.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that COVID-19 can induce a strong immune response in patients, contributing to kidney injury. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also commonly found in kidney injury related to COVID-19, suggesting it may be a potential target for therapies.
A scoping review found that 80% of studies on acute kidney injury did not define recovery of kidney function, highlighting the need for clear application of standard definitions. Researchers recommend transparent reporting of how the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition is applied.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed an oral prodrug that delivers carbon monoxide via artificial sweeteners, showing promise in treating acute kidney injury. The study demonstrates the protective effects of CO against organ damage and suggests potential applications for transplantation and other conditions.
The DAPA-CKD trial found that dapagliflozin significantly reduced kidney function decline, cardiovascular events, and mortality rates in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. The study also showed similar safety profiles for dapagliflozin and placebo in this patient population.
The US physician-scientist workforce doing kidney research is shifting towards more women and international medical graduates. However, this trend is accompanied by an increasing age of the workforce, a decline in relative numbers, and a shift away from basic science research.
Researchers found that new direct airline routes can significantly increase the number of kidneys shared between regions, with a potential increase of over 7%. The study also showed that this increase in kidney sharing does not come with a decrease in kidney quality.
A recent study published in CJASN found that patients with kidney failure did not report better experiences with care from more frequent face-to-face visits with kidney specialists. In fact, more frequent visits were linked to slightly lower patient-reported experiences with kidney-related care.
Researchers discovered 47 lipids significantly different between rapid and slow kidney function decliners, providing a platform for risk stratification. The study's findings also suggest the underlying mechanism of progressive kidney disease, which could be a future target for therapeutic intervention.
A new study found that intensive blood pressure-lowering therapy may harm patients with decreased kidney function after a stroke, whereas those with normal kidney function showed similar outcomes. The study suggests considering renal function when deciding optimal blood pressure ranges for each patient.
A longitudinal study of 358 diabetics found that proteins ANGPT1, TNFSF12, and FGF20 are associated with slower kidney decline. These proteins may help identify individuals at higher risk of diabetic kidney disease, enabling earlier interventions and treatment.
Researchers identified three proteins - FGF20, ANGPT1, and TNFSF12 - that offer protection against progressive kidney decline in diabetes patients. Elevated levels of these proteins were found to reduce the risk of end-stage renal disease.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in treating and preventing kidney infections by utilizing the kidneys' own internal infection-fighting capabilities. The study found that intercalated cells can consume bacteria and secrete acid, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Research led by University of Bristol scientists has shed light on the camel's kidneys, revealing a key role in helping it cope with dehydration and rapid rehydration stresses. The study suggests that cholesterol levels play a crucial role in water conservation, allowing camels to produce highly concentrated urine and minimize water loss.
Researchers examined family voucher-based kidney donations and found that timely kidney transplants are possible through voucher redemption. The study aims to provide a new option for individuals waiting for a transplant, improving outcomes for those in need.
Researchers found that damaged proximal tubule cells can promote disease progression by showing activity in genes that support survival and programmed cell death. These cells may contribute to the transition from acute to chronic kidney disease, affecting 9.1% of the world's population.
Patients waiting for a kidney transplant who experienced various symptoms had a higher risk of dying while on the waitlist. However, those who underwent transplantation saw an improvement in symptoms, with overall 10% reduction and significant declines in fatigue and itchy skin.
A new study highlights the high risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome, particularly those with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Adults with this condition are 19.63 times more likely to develop kidney failure over a median follow-up period of 4.5 years.
A new study reveals that many patients with high-priority kidney transplants are not being placed on the transplant waiting list, despite having long expected post-transplant survival. African Americans, uninsured individuals, and those living in lower-income communities face significant barriers to expedited waitlist placement.
A study published in Hypertension reveals that vasopressin receptor stimulation leads to the short-term secretion of uromodulin into the urine in mice. Higher levels of uromodulin are associated with lower rates of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
Scientists at USC have created rudimentary kidney structures, known as organoids, that resemble the collecting duct system. These organoids can be used to study kidney disease and test potential therapeutic drugs.
Researchers discovered that zinc slows down calcium oxalate crystal growth while also altering surfaces, creating defects for new crystals to form. The study offers a resolution to conflicting theories on zinc's role in kidney stone formation.
A study by National University of Ireland Galway found that nearly half of adults with diabetes attending a dedicated clinic have signs of established chronic kidney disease. The research suggests that careful medical management is not enough to prevent the development of kidney disease in people with diabetes.
Researchers found that COVID-19 virus can enter and replicate in human kidney cells, but does not typically cause cell death. However, infected cells with pre-existing injury are more susceptible to additional damage.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 vaccination leads to strong T cell responses against the virus in all patients on dialysis, and nearly 58% of kidney transplant recipients. However, low antibody responses were observed in kidney transplant recipients, raising concerns about their protection from COVID-19.
Researchers found COVID-19 causes a wide range of organs, including the kidneys, resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI) with significant mortality rates. Studies showed viruses were directly detected in kidneys of deceased patients, correlating with age and comorbidities.
Studies have shown that COVID-19-associated nephritis can predict disease severity and mortality, while early signs of kidney involvement are associated with worse outcomes. Chronic kidney disease is a risk for some patients, particularly those who experience acute kidney injury (AKI), which may not recover fully.
Researchers found dapagliflozin reduced the risk of progressive kidney disease by half in FSGS patients over a 2.4-year period, with good tolerability and safety. The medication stabilizes renal function and improves clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and concomitant kidney damage.
SGLT2 inhibitors like gliflozins reduce the risk of progressing to end-stage kidney disease in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The kidneys produce less erythropoietin as a result, which reduces anemia, resulting in reduced renal endpoint, cardiovascular events, and mortality
Climate change is linked to environmental factors causing 24% of global deaths, including chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. The healthcare sector contributes to climate crisis, producing 4.4% of the global carbon footprint. Nephrologists play a crucial role in addressing climate change.
A recent study led by Kyushu University reveals that chronic kidney disease induces heart inflammation through dysfunctional white blood cells. The researchers found that elevated levels of vitamin A disrupt the circadian clock in these cells, leading to increased expression of a protein called GPR68.
A study of 4,763 individuals found that those with frequent depressive symptoms were more likely to experience rapid kidney function decline over a median follow-up period of 4 years. The study suggests that high depressive symptoms may be an important modifiable risk factor for chronic kidney disease.
Researchers map kidney stone formation from tiny to troublesome, revealing microspherules merge to form larger crystals, and stones undergo multiple cycles of partial dissolution and growth. The new classification scheme and GeoBioCell device aim to accelerate research, diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment targets.
A novel AI tool predicts the grade of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in kidney biopsies, a known structural correlate of progressive and chronic kidney disease. This technology has the potential to increase efficiency in clinical practices.
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia are working on a synthetic version of the HLA-G molecule to protect transplanted kidneys from rejection. They hope this therapy will enable dose reduction of standard immunosuppressive drugs, reducing the risk of infections and other medical problems.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered how lipid droplets in kidney cells help prevent damage from excess dietary fats. The study found that lipid droplets act as a safe haven for storing excess fats, and boosting the ATGL enzyme can repair damage caused by a high-fat diet.
Researchers found that finerenone reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 30% in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their history with AFib. The study suggests that finerenone can delay the onset of heart rhythm disorder and protect the heart and kidneys from further damage.
A new study led by Kotaro Sasaki elucidates the early biological processes involved in the development of ovaries and testes in human embryos. Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptome data to understand gene expression at each developmental stage, providing insights into typical and atypical gonadal development.
Eliminating race-based adjustments in equations to estimate kidney function may lead to significant changes in medication prescribing practices for Black adults, according to a new study. The findings suggest that this change could result in lower eGFR values and potentially impact treatment outcomes for diabetic patients.
A large observational study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found a clear link between poor kidney function and increased risk of dementia. The study of over 325,000 individuals suggested that an eGFR score of 30-59ml/min was associated with a 71% increased risk of dementia.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that low-protein intake during pregnancy can lead to a significant decrease in the number of nephrons in offspring, resulting in hypertensive effects and kidney damage. The researchers discovered this effect by analyzing microRNA expression in rat embryos fed with a low-protein diet during ges...
Researchers found that people with reduced kidney function have an increased risk of developing dementia, with those with moderate chronic kidney disease having a 71% higher risk. The study highlights the importance of identifying and treating cases of kidney disease to reduce the risk of dementia.
Researchers studied age-related changes in kidney function, combining protein analysis with gene transcription. They found that aging kidneys have increased immune cells, inflammation, and decreased mitochondrial energy production. This suggests that therapies promoting protein building or slowing breakdown may help treat age-related k...
A team led by Iain Drummond, Ph.D. has identified the signaling mechanisms underlying podocyte formation, a crucial process in kidney function. The discovery could lead to new therapies to stimulate regeneration of these cells, vital for ridding the body of toxins and treating conditions like chronic kidney disease.
Researchers at UniSA identified an enzyme, NEDD4-2, that regulates sodium reabsorption in kidneys. Low levels of the protein are linked to chronic kidney disease progression, even without high blood pressure.
A simple device improved care after kidney transplantation by reducing swelling, hospital stays, and surgical site infections. Patients experienced a 31% reduction in swelling and a 60% decrease in wound infection rates.
A pharmacist-led smartphone app has been shown to significantly improve medication safety and reduce hospitalizations in kidney transplant recipients. The study found that participants who used the app were 61% less likely to experience medication errors and 45% less likely to experience serious side effects.