Articles tagged with Kidney
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.
A new study found that hospitalized pregnant women have a significantly higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), with black and Native American women at increased risk. The study also suggests that awareness and detection of AKI may be contributing to the rising rates of kidney damage in pregnant women.
A new study aims to identify molecular fingerprints of progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes, while also exploring the development of targeted therapies. The Transformative Research in Diabetic Nephrology (TRIDENT) study is a $5 million collaboration between Penn Medicine and over 20 institutions nationwide.
A newly discovered blood marker has been linked to a patient's subsequent risk of kidney transplant failure in a study of 284 kidney transplant recipients. The composition of immune cells called CD8+ memory T cells 1 year after kidney transplantation was found to be a critical factor in predicting organ rejection.
Researchers found that young, first-time sugarcane workers with even slightly lower than average kidney function were at a greater risk for rapid onset of kidney injury. The study highlights the importance of routine blood pressure and renal function screenings for workers in high-risk occupations.
A recent study found that exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with a higher degree of albuminuria and a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The study suggests that efforts to improve air quality may yield health benefits, including reducing rates of chronic kidney disease.
A new study published in NDT found that elderly patients (older than 75 years) who received kidney transplants from similarly aged donors remained dialysis-free for the rest of their lives. The study's results suggest that transplantation is beneficial for this age group, with excellent graft survival rates.
Researchers at SKI Vascular Center in Arizona have pioneered a minimally invasive procedure, Ellipsys, which provides easier access to a patient's bloodstream for dialysis treatments. The new technology shows promise in reducing complications and improving quality of life for patients with kidney failure.
Two studies demonstrate that penKid is the most accurate surrogate for assessing true GFR and predicting AKI in critically ill patients with severe burns. It can complement current diagnostic standard methods to provide timely diagnosis of impaired renal function.
Using HCV-infected donor kidneys can reduce average wait time for dialysis patients from four years to 1.56 years and improve quality of life. Patients receiving transplants with HCV-infected kidneys gain nearly 10 months in quality-adjusted life expectancy compared to those who waited longer.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that more than half of existing kidney disease quality metrics are of middle or low quality, which hampers efforts to improve patient care. The team advocates for shifting focus to metrics that matter most to patients and accurately reflect kidney health or disease progression.
Survival rates have improved significantly for children who received kidney transplants, with a 72% lower mortality risk among those transplanted later than earlier periods. This improvement is primarily attributed to reduced deaths from cardiovascular causes and infections.
A comprehensive evaluation of existing quality metrics for kidney disease reveals that less than half are highly valid, with nearly half related to dialysis management. The study proposes refinements and new metrics to better reflect the spectrum of kidney care delivery, aiming to improve the accuracy of quality measurement.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new method to preserve donated kidneys using a drug that generates S-nitrosothiols, restoring flow-through and reducing resistance. This could extend the number and quality of kidneys available for transplant, saving more people with end-stage renal disease.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are using APOL1 genotyping to identify high-risk African American donors and reduce their chances of developing kidney disease. The study aims to optimize the health of organ donors by protecting them from genetic factors that increase their risk of kidney disease.
Researchers find that free radicals produced by immune cells in the kidneys contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension. By targeting these ROS-producing immune cells, effective therapies may be developed to alleviate blood pressure and kidney damage.
A recent analysis estimates that kidney transplant failure incurs significant medical costs of $78,079 per patient and a loss of 1.66 quality-adjusted life years. The total incremental lifetime costs are $1.38 billion, highlighting the urgent need for reducing graft failure rates.
Researchers have successfully isolated kidney stem cells from urine, expressing markers similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and renal stem cell markers. The isolated cells can differentiate into various kidney cell types, including proximal- and distal-tubules and podocytes.
Scientists at the University of Freiburg created nanoparticles with polysaccharides, which allow them to pass through the kidneys and be excreted in urine. This breakthrough enables the combination of tumor accumulation and kidney clearance in a single nanoparticle, paving the way for safer nanomedicine administration.