Articles tagged with Kidney
Researchers from MDC have discovered a novel molecular signaling pathway in the kidney that regulates epithelial barrier function and lumen expansion. The Grhl2 transcription factor teams up with Ovol2 to control genes essential for forming an impermeable barrier.
HIV+ kidney transplant recipients who are not infected with HCV have similar 5-year and 10-year kidney survival rates as uninfected recipients. Patient survival among mono-infected HIV+ recipients is also comparable to uninfected recipients, while co-infected patients experience inferior outcomes.
Researchers identified high blood pressure, protein loss, and anemia as predictors of disease worsening in children with mild to moderate CKD. Intervening on these modifiable risk factors may change the long-term course of the disease, preventing kidney failure and delaying dialysis or transplantation.
A protein called MG53 is necessary for the repair of injured kidney cells, according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine. The discovery could lead to new preventive or therapeutic treatments for acute kidney failure, which affects over 30 million Americans.
A team of UK researchers has designed Arterio-Venous Fistulae with reduced failure rates using computational simulation software from the aerospace industry. The new design aims to decrease blockages in dialysis connections, improving clinical outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Columbia University researchers have identified a unique set of patient-specific T cells that react to donor tissue, increasing in number before rejection but decreasing after acceptance. The study supports combining kidney and bone marrow transplants to reduce organ rejection and potentially eliminate lifelong immunosuppression.
Acute kidney injury affects 13 million people annually and contributes to 1.7 million deaths. Experts believe it can be nearly eliminated in 10 years with current treatments costing $150 per patient. The Lancet Commission proposes a three-pronged strategy to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and invest in sustainable infrastructure.
A new study reveals that at least 2.3 million people may have died prematurely from kidney failure in 2010 due to lack of access to life-saving treatment. The researchers predict that the number of patients needing dialysis or transplantation will more than double to 5.4 million by 2030.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that even mild stages of chronic kidney disease during pregnancy can increase risks of preterm delivery, neonatal intensive care, and hypertension. In contrast, risks of intrauterine death or fetal malformations were not significantly higher in women wi...
A Yale-led study found that donated kidneys with acute injury are associated with delayed graft function but not poor long-term transplant outcomes. The research suggests that injured kidneys could be used for transplants, potentially increasing the number of available organs and improving survival rates for patients on dialysis.
A urine test can predict the risk of kidney injury in heart failure patients, allowing clinicians to identify those at high risk and take preventive measures. The study found that urinary angiotensinogen levels can accurately predict acute kidney injury and patient rehospitalization or death within one year.
A Yale University study found that electronic alerts for acute kidney injury did not improve outcomes, despite increasing interventions such as dialysis. The study suggests that the tool was ineffective due to inadequate training of clinicians on its proper use.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests that a diet high in animal proteins, especially red meat, can increase the risk of developing kidney failure in people with chronic kidney disease. Conversely, consuming diets rich in fruits and vegetables may protect kidney function.
A recent study found that patients with advanced kidney disease have been initiating dialysis progressively earlier over time. Despite no measurable differences in patient sickness or reasons for dialysis, the trend suggests a shift towards embracing higher levels of kidney function as acceptable for dialysis initiation.
As of January 1, 2016, Elsevier will publish the flagship journals Kidney International and Kidney International Supplements from the International Society of Nephrology. These journals are highly regarded for their original research in nephrology and kidney disease.
A new study has discovered how the enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) regulates immune cells in response to kidney injury. The research found that HO-1 directs a specific subset of myeloid cells to and from the kidney, which helps protect against poor recovery after acute kidney injury.
Patients with chronic kidney disease who consume high acid diets are 3-times more likely to develop kidney failure than those on low acid diets. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect kidneys.
A simple test using furosemide and urine output can predict which patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) are at risk of developing serious kidney problems. The Furosemide Stress Test (FST) improved predictions of outcomes in patients with early AKI, paving the way for robust clinical diagnostic tools.
A new BU study finds a decline in kidney function among Nicaraguan sugarcane workers, suggesting heat stress and dehydration may play a role in the high rates of chronic kidney disease. The research team recruited 284 workers performing different tasks and found that those with longer employment duration had worse kidney function.
A recent study found that women with kidney transplants in childhood and adulthood have comparable live birth rates, premature birth rates, and small-for-gestational-age babies. The findings suggest that early onset of kidney failure and longer periods of immunosuppression do not negatively impact pregnancy outcomes.
A new review highlights techniques to provide optimal dosing recommendations for patients with kidney disease. Mathematical modeling tools can help analyze clinical program level data to inform dosing decisions.
A study found that high-salt intake accelerates kidney scarring in rats with chronic kidney disease by activating the brain-kidney connection called the renin-angiotensin axis. Targeting this nerve reduced salt-induced kidney scarring, providing new strategies for protecting patients' kidney health.
A study found that people with recurrent kidney stones have more calcification in their arteries, increasing their risk for heart disease. Additionally, kidney stone formers tend to have less dense bones, elevating their risk for osteoporosis.
Researchers discovered that babies born with smaller kidneys are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure as adults. The study found enhanced nerve activity and an inability to respond to nitric oxide promote kidney injury.
High-dose atorvastatin therapy has been linked to reduced blood levels of creatinine and lower incidence of acute kidney injury in heart surgery patients. This finding comes from an analysis of 14 randomized controlled clinical trials involving 1689 patients.
A UK hospital performed the world's first successful organ donation from a newborn, involving kidney and liver cell transplants. The donor was just over 3 kg at birth and had poor brain oxygenation, leading to her death; however, her parents agreed to donate her organs for other patients in need.
A Pitt study links biomarkers to long-term kidney damage and death in critically ill, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Researchers found that tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and IGF-binding protein-7 (IGFBP7) can identify patients at increased risk for adverse outcomes.
A study by Penn Medicine found that many patients with type 2 diabetes are being discouraged from taking metformin due to an overly conservative FDA label. The authors recommend amending the label to reflect more modern guidelines, which could extend the drug's use to nearly 1 million additional patients.
A systematic review of the literature suggests that metformin is safe for patients with mild to moderate kidney disease, contrary to FDA guidelines. The risk of lactic acidosis is extremely low and comparable to those who do not take metformin.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover a new drug therapy that effectively lowers antibodies in kidney patients, paving the way for more successful kidney transplants. The study suggests this approach could benefit up to 10-20% of heart and pancreas transplant candidates who are currently ineligible due to high antibody levels.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that high-dose IV infusions of the antibiotic vancomycin to treat drug-resistant bacterial infections can cause an increased risk for kidney damage in hospitalized children. The researchers emphasize the need for careful dosing and monitoring of kidney function in pediatric patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that older kidney donors with hypertension had good kidney health after donation. After 6 months, hypertensive and non-hypertensive donors both maintained excellent blood pressure control and robust compensatory kidney responses.
A study by University of Houston researchers suggests that activating intrinsic antioxidant pathways, such as Nrf2, could protect the kidney dopamine system and maintain normal blood pressure. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding and treating hypertension and other diseases related to oxidative stress.
A genetic marker in the SHROOM3 gene has been found to be associated with increased fibrosis and function loss in kidney transplants. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to improved screening of potential donors and development of new drugs to prevent disease progression.
A US policy giving priority to prior organ donors has been shown to significantly reduce waiting times and improve the quality of organs received. Living donors who later need a transplant experience much shorter waits and receive higher-quality kidneys compared to those on the waiting list without donation history.
A study found that living kidney donors are at a higher risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy. Despite this, most women who become pregnant after donating a kidney have healthy pregnancies.
A study found that 80% of kidney dialysis patients were not adequately prepared for emergencies or natural disasters. However, after receiving individualized education from a multidisciplinary team, 78% of these patients became adequately prepared, according to a Loyola University Medical Center study. The educational sessions made a s...
Researchers developed a genetic test that can predict acute rejection up to three months in advance. The non-invasive test measures gene expression levels and can identify patients at high risk of rejection, allowing for tailored immunosuppressive therapy.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a gene in the kidneys that may contribute to high blood pressure in males. The study, led by Manoocher Soleimani, found that mice with a deficiency in this gene had significantly reduced blood pressure, suggesting its role in regulating salt absorption in the kidney tubule.
Researchers have identified a new protein, THSD7A, that turns the immune system against itself in kidney disease called membranous nephropathy (MN). This discovery enables the development of a blood test to diagnose MN, which can reduce the need for kidney biopsies by up to 85%.
Researchers discovered that fondaparinux, an anticoagulant, can protect transplanted kidneys from damage. Improved kidney function was observed both immediately after transplantation and months later, suggesting this strategy could augment the pool of available organs.
Researchers have identified a second protein, THSD7A, associated with membranous nephropathy, a common cause of kidney failure. This finding allows for the development of a new blood test to diagnose and monitor the disease, providing additional tools for clinicians to follow treatment response.
A recent study published in JAMA found that taking aspirin or clonidine before and after surgery did not lower the risk of acute kidney injury. The study involved over 6,900 patients and showed that major bleeding with aspirin increased AKI risk, while low blood pressure with clonidine had a similar effect.
Researchers found that peritoneal dialysis and high-frequency home hemodialysis can significantly reduce mortality risks. Patients receiving these treatments had 10-26% lower mortality rates than those with standard in-center hemodialysis.
Studies found significant disparities in access to pre-ESRD kidney care across the US, with certain geographic areas and racial groups receiving lower quality care. Disparities were more pronounced among black patients, who had a 10% to 54% lower odds of receiving care from a kidney specialist.
Studies found that a higher-quality diet reduces the risk of needing dialysis or dying from kidney problems by 16-23%. High potassium intake also shows promise in reducing future risk. Dietary modifications are considered a low-cost and simple intervention to reduce chronic kidney disease burden.
Researchers found that using two drugs was no more effective than a single drug in slowing disease progression in people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, rigorous blood pressure treatment did slow the growth of kidney cysts and preserve kidney function.
Recent high-impact clinical trials have yielded promising results in the fight against kidney disease, with several treatments showing significant benefits in reducing the risk of end-stage kidney disease. For example, intensive glucose control has been shown to lead to long-term reductions in the risk of developing end-stage kidney di...
A recent study has found a strong association between air pollution and the development of chronic kidney disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.1 million people in the US, revealed that even low levels of particulate matter can increase the risk of CKD.
A study found that sodium-reduced meat and poultry products contain significantly higher levels of potassium due to additives. This can pose a risk for patients with kidney disease who require low phosphorus and potassium diets.
A 3-month course of levofloxacin following kidney transplantation did not prevent BK virus from appearing in the urine, according to a study. The intervention was associated with increased risk of adverse events like bacterial resistance.
Late-breaking clinical studies presented at ASN Kidney Week 2014 highlight significant advances in kidney care, including the reduction of disparities in transplant referrals through a community-based intervention. Additionally, new treatments for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) have shown promising results, such as ferric citrate's abi...
A study found that perceived racial discrimination may contribute to disparities in kidney disease by increasing stress-related pathways. Among African Americans and whites, those who experienced 'a lot' of discrimination had higher systolic blood pressure but a lower prevalence of diabetes.
Exercise training slows kidney function decline and improves cardio-respiratory fitness in patients with progressive stages 3–4 CKD. A personalized, low-intensity home exercise program also improves physical performance in dialysis patients.
For the first time, clinicians have successfully provided hemodialysis to a patient with Ebola virus disease, resulting in recovery of kidney function. The protocol involved careful measures to maximize safety and minimize risk of secondary transmission, demonstrating that renal replacement therapies can be provided safely.
A study found that sleep apnea is associated with more rapid loss of renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Researchers identified high-risk scores for obstructive sleep apnea, which were common in non-dialysis CKD patients and linked to decreased kidney function.
Two new studies suggest that smartphones can be a key tool in improving medication adherence among teens and young adults with chronic conditions. Researchers found that patients who used cell phones for reminders were more likely to have 100% self-reported medication adherence, while those involved in a dedicated Young Adult Service h...
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that a single high level of lithium can cause significant decrease in kidney function, which remains affected for up to nine months. The research emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring, supporting current UK guidelines.
A study found that 55% of the US population is not eligible to donate a kidney due to preventable health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The majority of individuals with lower incomes are less likely to donate due to financial difficulties and immigration status.
A study found that weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with increased kidney function and decreased albuminuria, a marker of kidney dysfunction. This suggests a beneficial impact on kidney health for patients with and without baseline kidney disease.