Articles tagged with Kidney
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 26.3% of dialysis patients missed sessions after Hurricane Sandy, while 95% were interested in learning about emergency preparedness. Another study showed a positive effect of distributing an 'emergency information packet' to patients.
A new multi-center study has confirmed that specific gene variants in African American kidney donors are associated with a higher risk of organ failure after transplantation. The findings suggest that rapidly genotyping deceased donors for these variants could help inform organ allocation and consent processes.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine has developed a 17-gene set to analyze peripheral blood samples and determine which patients are at risk of acute rejection after kidney transplantation. The test, called kSORT, was found to be highly accurate and clinically applicable, with an area under the curve of 0.93.
Lori O'Brien, a USC postdoctoral research associate, has received the first Broad Fellowship to investigate how epigenetic regulation affects kidney stem cells. The fellowship will support her research on Phf19, an epigenetic regulator that encourages embryonic stem cell self-renewal.
A study found that an endothelin-A antagonist can enhance renal recovery in patients with renovascular disease. The medication, already used for pulmonary hypertension, promotes kidney function and improves responses after renal angioplasty.
A study found that maternal obesity increases the risk of congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract in children. Being overweight was not linked with an increased risk. The research highlights the importance of addressing obesity as a public health concern.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing daily fluid intake to at least two liters to reduce kidney stone recurrence. Additionally, medication with a thiazide diuretic, citrate, or allopurinol can effectively reduce stone recurrence in patients with calcium stones.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing fluid intake to at least two liters per day to prevent kidney stone recurrence. A new guideline also suggests dietary changes, including reducing oxalate and animal protein consumption, to help prevent stone formation. Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir has shown promise in re-treating H...
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that frailty significantly increases the risk of premature death in kidney transplant recipients. The study analyzed data from 537 patients and found that those who were classified as frail had a mortality rate twice that of non-frail patients.
A Mediterranean-style diet is associated with a 17% decreased likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease, while dietary patterns resembling the diet reduce risk by 50%. More than 20 million US adults have chronic kidney disease.
A recent study found that home blood pressure monitors can be inaccurate, with systolic readings off by as much as 5mm Hg and diastolic readings off by as much as 10mm Hg in up to 30% of patients. The American Society of Nephrology recommends that all patients with home monitors get them validated with their healthcare providers.
A study of 51,785 individuals with kidney stones found a significant link between the condition and an increased risk of bone fractures. The excess risk was greatest in males during adolescence and women during middle age.
A blood test can help doctors predict which patients with an autoimmune disease are at risk of relapse, potentially preventing kidney failure. Researchers found that autoantibody increases were linked to an 11-fold increased risk of relapse in patients with kidney involvement.
A new blood test has been identified as a potential predictor for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a devastating form of kidney disease. The test, called FAST, uses high-density protein tests to detect antibodies against specific antigens that are significantly increased in patients at risk for FSGS.
A study of over 600 patients with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery found that fenoldopam did not decrease the need for dialysis or mortality rates. Instead, it was associated with a higher incidence of low blood pressure.
Kidney transplant recipients infected with BK virus are more likely to develop donor-specific antibodies, which can lead to organ rejection. The study found a significant association between persistent BK infections and the development of these detrimental antibodies.
Researchers developed a math model that can predict the progression from nephritis to interstitial fibrosis in lupus patients. The model can also gauge the effectiveness of experimental treatments for inflammation and fibrosis, reducing the need for invasive biopsies.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that CT scans are no more accurate than ultrasound exams in diagnosing painful kidney stones. The study suggests that ultrasound should be used as the first step in diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center developed a new method to coat blood vessels in lab-grown kidneys, allowing them to remain open for four hours. The breakthrough could potentially be applied to other complex organs, such as the liver and pancreas.
A study finds that older adults, women, and less educated individuals have more concerns about kidney transplantation. These concerns can lead to lower chances of getting listed for a transplant. The study aims to address these barriers to improve access to transplantation.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a successful method to keep blood vessels in lab-built kidneys open and flowing, overcoming a major challenge in the quest for human transplants. The new approach has shown promise in keeping vessels open for four hours, paving the way for longer-term studies.
A large-scale study found that iodine-based contrast material used in CT scans is not linked to kidney damage or death in most patients. The research, conducted at the Mayo Clinic, analyzed data from over 21,000 patients and showed no significant difference in adverse events between those who received contrast and those who did not.
A recent study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that CKD patients who experience multiple heart failure hospitalizations are at a higher risk of developing kidney failure. The study's findings suggest that coordinated care between specialists is crucial in managing these patients.
A study of dialysis patients found that clinicians' reported discussions about transplantation did not increase patients' likelihood of being listed, despite patient-reported discussions being associated with a nearly 3-fold increased chance. The findings suggest the need for improved patient communication and informed consent.
Renal artery stenting may benefit patients with kidney artery blockages who were excluded from clinical trials. Expert panel recommendations suggest patients with cardiac disturbance or severe high blood pressure are good candidates for the procedure, while others may not be suitable due to mild or moderate blockages.
Using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) has increased the number of organs available for transplant after circulatory death by 20%. This technology improves organ viability, particularly for kidneys, livers, and pancreases, making more life-saving organs available for patients waiting for transplants.
A recent study found that black women are less likely to want to receive kidney transplants from living donors, despite receiving more unsolicited offers from family and friends. Women were also less likely to be evaluated for a transplant, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to alleviate existing disparities.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential new class of drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, that can dissolve kidney stones by reducing calcium and magnesium levels in the urine. The study shows promising results using small doses of two specific drugs, Vorinostat and trichostatin A.
Ashley Anh Vo, a transplant pharmacist at Cedars-Sinai, received the 2014 Clinician of Distinction award for her work on anti-rejection drugs. Her research identified IVIG as an effective therapy to reduce HLA antibody levels and prolong patient survival.
A new nomogram tool uses 11 questions to accurately calculate the probability of developing another symptomatic kidney stone at various time points. The tool helps determine whether preventive measures are needed, and can help patients avoid burdensome dietary restrictions or medications.
Researchers seek to reduce inflammation in kidney transplants by increasing regulatory T cells, either through infusions or pharmacologically. The goal is to maximize long-term organ survival and improve graft success rates, which have remained unchanged at 4% loss annually.
A meta-analysis of nine cohort studies found that children with fever over 102 degrees, infection with organisms other than E.coli, or abnormal kidney ultrasonography findings are at high risk for renal scarring. The study developed a clinical prediction model to identify nearly 45% of children who scar.
Scientists are developing 3D printing technology to create working tissues and organs on-demand, addressing the organ shortage. They discovered that adding more cells in bioinks reduces droplet size and dispensing rate, advancing the technology.
A new kidney transplant drug has been shown to halve the early risk of rejection, allowing a less toxic regimen of anti-rejection drugs to be used. The study, published in The Lancet, found that alemtuzumab-based induction therapy reduced acute rejection by 69% compared to basiliximab-based induction therapy.
A genetic screening test can predict which children with one of the most common childhood kidney diseases will respond to standard therapies, guiding treatment and improving clinical outcomes. The test was found to be more predictive than a kidney biopsy in identifying non-responders to immunosuppressive treatments.
A study published in Journal of Pediatric Urology found that for most children with antenatal hydronephrosis, continuous antibiotics are not needed. The research suggests that prophylactic antibiotics are only necessary for those with severe conditions, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified an enzyme called FBP1 that regulates metabolism and restrains energy production in cells. The enzyme is missing from all kidney tumor tissue, leading to rapid cell growth. This discovery may lead to personalized approaches for treating clear cell renal cell carcino...
A study found that lower income populations have consistently had lower rates of living donation compared to higher income populations. The difference in living donation rates between lower and higher income populations has become larger over time, implying a need for more effective strategies to overcome financial barriers.
A new study found that 27% of kidney donors experienced difficulty changing or initiating health insurance, with 7% being denied altogether. The study suggests that the nation's fragmented health insurance system is to blame for these problems, despite protections in place under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Researchers found that adding potassium supplementation to loop diuretics increases survival rates by 16 percent in patients receiving at least 40 mg/day of furosemide. The benefit is more pronounced with higher diuretic doses. While the study's findings are promising, further independent studies are needed to confirm these results.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that healthy living kidney donors often face pointless insurance hurdles after donation. Despite being heavily screened before approval, these donors are frequently denied or charged higher premiums for life insurance, highlighting the need for better support systems.
Chrysophanol alleviated hippocampal neuronal cytoplasmic edema and improved learning and memory abilities in lead-exposed neonatal mice. The compound also reduced oxidative stress markers and increased antioxidant defenses.
Lab studies reveal hydroxyethyl starch (HES) has direct toxic effects on kidney cells, with the total mass of HES molecules being a major factor. The study suggests that newer low-molecular weight HES solutions may not be safer than previous products.
USC Stem Cell scientists have created a transgenic mouse line called TRAP, which enables the detection of early signals of acute kidney injury. This breakthrough has the potential to improve patient outcomes by detecting kidney failure earlier, allowing for more effective treatment.
A study found a link between hot days and an increased risk of patients presenting with kidney stones over the next 20 days. Higher temperatures contribute to dehydration, leading to a higher concentration of calcium and other minerals in urine that promote stone growth.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that older kidney donors experience similar longevity and cardiovascular health as healthy individuals. The research, led by Dr. Peter Reese, suggests that donation does not significantly increase the risk of death or heart disease among older adults.
A new Penn Medicine study shows that older adults (55+ years) who donate their kidneys have similar life expectancy and cardiovascular health as healthy, non-donating peers. The research provides reassurance to older individuals considering kidney donation.
The ASN Foundation for Kidney Research has awarded $2.8 million in research grants to advance the understanding and treatment of kidney diseases. The grants support basic, translational, and clinical research to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at George Washington University call for improved follow-up care for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), who often present later in life with chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI and CKD are interconnected syndromes, both linked to cardiovascular disease.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are interconnected diseases sharing common risk factors and causes. The NIH study suggests that patients with either condition should be monitored for the other, as pre-existing CKD increases the odds of AKI by 10 times and vice versa.
Researchers developed a new big data analysis technique to predict kidney transplant patient outcomes, providing doctors with valuable time to intervene. The technique uses complex algorithms to analyze hundreds of thousands of variables from blood samples, allowing for more accurate prognosis and improved patient recovery periods.
A new data analysis technique uses big data to predict poor kidney function after transplant, allowing doctors to intervene earlier and improve recovery periods. The study analyzed blood samples from 18 patients before and after transplants, revealing vital clues in molecular level data.
A study suggests that small changes to US kidney allocation policies can help alleviate geographic disparities in transplantation. Implementing local sharing strategies like the Statewide Sharing variance adopted by Tennessee and Florida has been shown to significantly reduce disparities, while other states saw increased disparities.
A new study presented at ICE/ENDO 2014 found that adults with Type 2 diabetes who improve their physical fitness have a lower chance of getting chronic kidney disease. The study also showed that exercise can improve kidney function in people with existing kidney damage, providing hope for patients with progressive kidney disease.
A new study found that heart attack patients with kidney problems are less likely to receive recommended treatments, including angiograms and invasive procedures. However, recent studies suggest these risks may be overstated, and clinicians can ensure patient hydration reduces the risk of injury.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Stanford University discovered the multi-layered nature of kidney growth using a rainbow mouse model. The WNT signal was found to be responsible for renal cellular growth, allowing for potential therapeutic applications in human kidney regeneration.
A long-term observational study found that people with type 1 diabetes who have developed kidney complications can slow the progression of their complications by improving control of their glycemic levels over the long term. Those who lowered their HbA1C levels demonstrated a significantly lower risk of end-stage renal disease after a ...
Calciphylaxis occurs when calcium and phosphorus bind to form a biological cement that blocks and inflames small blood vessels. Risk factors include being over age 65, Caucasian, and diabetic.
Individuals with poor kidney function have a higher risk of developing kidney and urothelial cancers, according to a recent study. The study found that those with lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) had a significant increase in cancer risk, particularly for renal cell carcinoma.