Research on kidney function and disease. Covers kidney-failure prevention, gestational diabetes links, environmental risks, and gum-kidney connections.
Researchers identified process and outcome indicators to monitor transplant center performance in evaluating potential living kidney donors. The study aims to improve efficiency and increase living kidney donations.
A new observational study reveals that COVID-19 patients with elevated suPAR levels are more likely to develop kidney injury and require dialysis. High suPAR levels were found in nearly three times the number of severe COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals.
A recent study found that COVID-19 patients with kidney damage are at a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality. The study analyzed data from 1,392 patients and found that kidney damage was associated with a 5-times higher odds of dying while in the hospital.
Observational study finds COVID-19 patients with high suPAR levels are at increased risk for acute kidney injury and death. Elevated suPAR levels were found in over a third of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, leading to a 20-fold increase in dialysis needs.
Researchers found that diabetes increases autophagy initially, but then decreases it due to the activation of tumor suppressor p53 and microRNA miR-214, leading to hypertrophy, scarring, and inflammation in the kidneys. This discovery offers a potential target for preventing or slowing kidney failure.
Researchers developed a tailored education system called 'Your Path to Transplant' that increases patient knowledge and readiness to pursue kidney transplant. The program, tested on over 800 patients, showed significant improvements in transplant preparedness and living donor transplant rates.
Researchers discover cancer drug improves kidney dysfunction in mouse model of Lowe syndrome and Dent disease 2, offering hope for first disease-modifying treatment. The study suggests that alpelisib could also help alleviate neurological symptoms.
Researchers found that prophylactic treatment with direct-acting antivirals prevented chronic hepatitis C virus infection in patients receiving kidneys from HCV-positive deceased donors. The approach has potential to shorten waiting times on the organ waitlist.
Researchers describe ways to achieve optimal patient advocacy for kidney recipients and donors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key areas include informing patients fully in their care decision process and honoring patient priorities in all care innovations and policies.
A systematic review of over 100 studies found that a more vegetable-rich diet, higher potassium intake, and reduced salt consumption can lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. Adhering to these recommendations could reduce the risk by 14-22%.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully treated hepatitis C-infected kidneys in transplant patients using glecaprevir and pibrentasvir. The study shows that early antiviral intervention can cure the virus without serious side effects, paving the way for a significant increase in organ availability.
Two randomized controlled studies demonstrate that SGLT2 inhibitors can slow CKD progression across all patient groups, not just those with diabetes. The DAPA-CKD trial found a significant reduction in kidney function decline and end-stage disease with dapagliflozin treatment.
A new study has found that measuring the ratio of two proteins in deceased donor urine can identify kidneys with a higher probability for successful transplantation and long-term survival. The researchers believe this biomarker could help reduce the number of discarded kidneys and increase the organ donation pool.
A new analysis by Children's National Hospital researchers found that reducing proteinuria in patients with FSGS significantly slows declines in kidney function and extends time before kidneys fail. The study showed that even modest reductions in proteinuria have a positive impact on kidney health.
Research highlights the link between Alport syndrome genotype and treatment effectiveness with ACE inhibitors and RAS blockers, showing varied responses to treatment depending on mutation type and age of progression to end-stage kidney disease.
A new online tool developed by Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute and the University of Minnesota helps transplant candidates find matching programs based on their donor type and medical profile. The website uses data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) to provide personalized decision support.
A new NIH study demonstrates that kidney transplantation between people with HIV can be done safely and effectively. The study found excellent graft survival rates, comparable to those of recipients receiving kidneys from HIV-negative donors, without significant differences in infection or adverse events rates.
Researchers at UConn Health have developed a non-invasive biomarker panel for diagnosing and monitoring infant urinary tract obstruction. The panel of five proteins can detect UPJO in infants and toddlers, reducing the need for expensive and invasive tests.
A new Northwestern University study in mice found ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers do not increase COVID-19 severity or fatality risk. The research dispels concerns about these widely used drugs in patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers analyzed patient preferences for waiting time, post-graft life expectancy, infection risk, and neoplastic risk. Including patient preferences in the algorithm improves patient satisfaction and expected graft survival rates.
A study of 9,029 adults found that cystatin C-based kidney function was associated with lower odds of frailty, falls, and cardiovascular disease events. The difference between cystatin C- and creatinine-based kidney function could be used to predict adverse outcomes in older adults.
A large international study found that starting dialysis early in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury did not reduce mortality after three months. The accelerated renal-replacement therapy strategy did not show significant difference in survival between the two treatment approaches.
A major multinational trial found that fast-tracking dialysis for critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury did not improve outcomes. The study included over 3,000 patients in 168 hospitals across 15 countries and suggested a more conservative approach to treatment may be warranted.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a new technique that can improve the function of 'marginal' kidneys, increasing urine production and improving blood flow to damaged cells. The treatment uses a type of stem cell called MultiStem to deliver anti-inflammatory molecules.
Researchers used a novel imaging agent to visualize inter-organ communication between the heart and kidneys via the immune system following acute myocardial infarction. The study found a systemic inflammatory response, suggesting a potential mechanism for disease progression and therapy response.
A new clinical trial from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that allopurinol did not slow kidney function in people with type 1 diabetes, despite reducing uric acid levels. The three-year study enrolled 530 participants and followed their glomerular filtration rate to assess kidney health.
A clinical trial found that reducing uric acid levels with the medication allopurinol did not slow the progression of kidney disease in people with type 1 diabetes. Despite a significant drop in uric acid levels, participants showed no improvement in their kidney function.
A new study found that certain medical terms used by physicians to describe kidney health may be distressing or too difficult to understand for patients with kidney disease. Using consistent and meaningful language can help improve patients' health and satisfaction.
A new study found that electronic medical records (EMRs) enhance the education of nephrology fellows, providing efficient access to patient lab and x-ray results. However, EMR data entry time demands contribute to work-hour violations, frustration, and burnout among fellows.
Researchers at the University of South Florida Health have identified a mouse model that mimics human heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) syndrome. The study found that mice deficient in a receptor needed to clear chronic inflammation develop obesity and heart failure, offering new potential targets for therapies.
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that mortality rates are higher for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to those with kidney failure due to diabetes or other causes. The risk is particularly high for women and minorities.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that a protein called AP-2 beta induces expression of KCTD1, which triggers kidney structure differentiation. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches to block reactivation of beta-catenin in the adult kidney to inhibit renal fibrosis.
Scientists have identified a substance called Neuropeptide Y (Npy) in the kidney's filtering unit, which sends harmful signals causing proteinuria. Blocking this pathway with medical intervention may lead to new treatments for chronic kidney disease.
Cystatin C provides a more accurate estimate of kidney function than traditional methods, reducing errors in diagnosis and treatment planning. The new cystatin-based eGFR estimation method has the potential to improve patient outcomes for those with cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that kidney function deteriorates with age, even in healthy individuals. The research, involving over 3,000 participants from Norway, Germany, and Iceland, suggests that kidney decline is a natural part of aging.
A minimally invasive procedure destroying cancer cells by freezing them is as effective as surgery for treating early-stage kidney cancer. Cryoablation offers similar 10-year survival rates with a lower rate of complications compared to traditional surgical options.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection led to renal Fanconi syndrome in 75% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, characterized by proteinuria, phosphate loss, and increased uric acid excretion. The condition often preceded severe acute kidney injury, and intensive care patients were more frequently affected.
Characterized by predominant tubulo-interstitial injury, the study highlights the importance of follow-up nephrological care to prevent long-term complications
A recent study found that SARS-CoV-2 can induce kidney injury in patients, particularly those with high blood pressure and APOL1 gene variants. The virus triggers an inflammatory reaction, leading to collapsing glomerulopathy and tubular damage, even in the absence of direct viral infection.
A recent study found that hospitalized NYC COVID-19 patients had higher rates of kidney complications and needed mechanical ventilation more frequently than other patient groups. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 patients treated at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center between March and April 2020.
Researchers analyzed EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial data to investigate impact of initial 'eGFR dip' on kidney outcomes. Diuretic use and higher KDIGO risk category were predictive factors for 'eGFR dip', but no significant impact on risk reduction
A recent analysis found that kidney transplant patients are at a higher risk of death from COVID-19, with advanced age being the most significant factor. The study, conducted on ERACODA database, showed that 21% of kidney transplant recipients died within 28 days, compared to 25% of dialysis patients.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a common cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, which may progress to end-stage renal disease. Researchers found that the protein MafB plays a protective role in FSGS, with increased levels of MafB reducing kidney damage and nephrotic syndrome.
A recent study found that COVID-19 patients with kidney disease have a poor prognosis and increased risk of in-hospital death. The study also showed that the kidneys are a target organ for the virus, with viral load detected in renal tubules and glomerular cells.
A unique microscope, called DIVER, uses phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to examine kidney tissue samples. The device can quickly analyze scarring in damaged kidneys, providing valuable insights for treatment decisions.
A new study found that patients with lower socioeconomic status and additional illnesses are less likely to be put on transplant waiting lists in the UK, despite universal healthcare. The study suggests that patient factors, such as age and health literacy, play a significant role in determining access to transplantation.
A novel technology that simulates human kidney functions could transform treatment options for those in the final stage of renal disease. The device, developed by University of Arkansas researchers, can filter blood and control chemistry using an electric field.
A new urine-testing system inspired by nature can identify metabolites that cause kidney stones to form, enabling patients to receive results within 30 minutes. The test is more cost-effective and simpler than current methods, making it a promising solution for managing urinary stone disease.
Researchers from University Hospital of Toulouse treated a severely ill patient with COVID-19 using tocilizumab, a biological agent targeting inflammatory cytokines. The patient showed dramatic improvement in respiratory outcomes, suggesting potential benefits for patients with the most severe forms of COVID-19.
A study examining factors affecting racial disparities before kidney transplantation found that socioeconomic status and comorbidities explain up to 58% of the disparity in listing. Black patients with kidney failure are more likely to be waitlisted than white patients, despite similar rates of transplant receipt.
Researchers have identified ROBO2 as a potential therapeutic target for treating kidney diseases, including glomerular diseases and chronic kidney disease. High ROBO2 protein levels are found in injured kidney models and can lead to reduced podocyte adhesion, making it a promising area of investigation.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that high plasma suPAR levels are associated with worse lung outcomes and increased risk of intubation. The study suggests that measuring suPAR could help identify patients who may need ventilatory support, enabling earlier intervention and potentially improving outcomes.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to visualize damage in donor kidneys using photoacoustic imaging. This technique allows for accurate assessment of kidney scarring and can potentially revolutionize transplantation protocol by matching organs with patient life expectancy, reducing costs and improving outcomes.
A study of patients with glomerular disease and their caregivers reveals that they highly value kidney function, mortality, and need for dialysis or transplant. They also stress the importance of addressing factors related to life participation, fatigue, anxiety, and family impact.
Researchers developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic test that screens for cytomegalovirus, BK polyomavirus, and CXCL9 mRNA in urine samples to monitor kidney transplant patients. The assay is highly accurate even at low target concentrations, offering a promising alternative to traditional blood tests and biopsies.
A Yale-led study found that a cancer therapy drug can slow T cell infiltration and reverse damage in kidney tissue damaged by lupus. The findings suggest the therapy might be beneficial for patients with lupus nephritis.
A study from Kumamoto University predicts Alport syndrome severity by examining the causative protein genotype, providing a new tool for precision medicine. The researchers developed a system to analyze type IV collagen trimer formation and secretion, which helps identify pathogenic mutations and predict disease severity.
A study found housing insecurity is associated with a 3.2-fold higher odds of albuminuria, a sign of kidney disease, but not rapid kidney function decline. Housing insecurity was linked to delayed healthcare visits and compromised health in urban-dwelling adults.
A study of Southeastern US patients found that living far from a transplant center did not affect referral and evaluation initiation. Key findings indicate that other factors like travel time or transportation options may have a larger impact.
Kidney stone disease is associated with impaired lipid metabolism and downregulation of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP) 4. FABP4 plays a key role in kidney stone formation and may be a therapeutic target for prevention.