Articles tagged with Kidney
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Research suggests that patients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) who undergo a kidney transplant may be less likely to develop cancer compared to those without PKD. The study found that PKD patients were 16% less likely to develop cancer than others who received a kidney transplant, and their overall cancer risk was 48% lower than ...
Italian scientists developed a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) machine to treat smallest babies and have successfully used it to treat a newborn with multiple organ failure. The CARPEDIEM device overcomes technical challenges of existing machines, allowing for accurate fluid management and treatment delivery.
A new study finds that kidney transplantation offers better treatment outcomes and increased survival rates compared to intensive home hemodialysis. However, patients on home dialysis still have good health outcomes, highlighting the need for further research.
A Canadian study found that kidney transplant recipients lived longer and had better treatment success rates than patients on intensive home hemodialysis. However, these patients were also at a higher risk of hospitalization within the first year after transplantation.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients who underwent ureteroscopy had fewer repeat treatments and lower costs compared to those who received shock wave lithotripsy. The researchers suggest that the decision to choose one procedure over the other should be carefully considered by both doctors and patients.
A new kidney allocation policy is expected to improve patient and transplant survival rates, with median organ survival increasing by 2.8%, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. The policy prioritizes highly sensitized patients while potentially reducing access for older candidates.
Excessive phosphate consumption stimulates the production of FGF23, leading to negative effects on the cardiovascular system, including high blood pressure and vascular calcification. The study provides new insights into the connection between renal disease, FGF23 levels, and cardiovascular disease.
A biomedical engineer at UH is studying a potential treatment for lupus nephritis by targeting the interaction between three specific molecules. The goal is to determine if blocking this pathway can prevent kidney inflammation and failure.
A new study shows that children with vesicoureteral reflux who receive antimicrobial prophylaxis have a substantially reduced risk of UTI recurrences compared to those receiving a placebo. The study found that prophylaxis was most effective in children with fever and bladder/bowel dysfunction at baseline.
A two-year clinical trial found that long-term use of a drug combination reduces the risk of recurrent urinary tract infection by up to 80% in children with vesicoureteral reflux. Children with bladder and bowel dysfunction saw the greatest reduction, up to an 80% lower risk of recurrent infections.
Researchers investigated the role of atrogin-1 in cardiac homeostasis and found that its deficiency promotes cardiomyopathy and premature death via impaired autophagy. Additionally, endothelial HIF-2 was shown to protect kidney from hypoxia-induced damage. These findings highlight the importance of protein turnover regulation and HIF-2...
A study of over 93,000 patients found that complications from kidney stone treatments require hospitalization or emergency care for one in seven patients. The procedures were shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with costs ranging from $32,000 to $47,000.
A study of 67 transplant patients found those with naturally high levels of HLA-G dimer, a powerful immune molecule package, had the lowest risk of rejecting their transplanted kidney. High HLA-G levels also correlated with lower inflammation and higher expression of HLA-G receptors.
Researchers have developed a novel method to help doctors diagnose and treat kidney stones more effectively. By analyzing the behavior of nanocrystals and crystallites under different chemical conditions, they found that certain methods can reduce stone size and change its shape, improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that nearly one-third of pediatric kidney cancer cases are linked to the Lin28 gene, which holds promise for regenerating damaged kidneys. The study's findings suggest that controlled expression of Lin28 can promote kidney development and may lead to new therapeutic targets for treating Wilms tumors.
Atrasentan has been shown to lower albuminuria by 36% without major side effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. The drug also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suggesting a potential benefit for patients at high risk of serious medical problems.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients have a 1 in 4 chance of developing chronic kidney disease over a 20-year period, compared to the general population's 1-in-5 risk. Patients should work to keep blood pressure under control and avoid medications damaging to the kidneys.
Henry Ford Hospital has implemented a kidney transplant technique using new patient safety standards coordinated by the University of Oxford. The IDEAL framework was used to develop and test the minimally-invasive procedure, which successfully transplanted kidneys in 50 recipients.
Dr. Ira Kurtz's research aims to understand the molecular processes affecting kidney function, with a focus on designing specific drugs targeting disease-causing proteins. The goal is to reduce side effects and costs associated with current treatments, which affect millions of people worldwide.
A recent study found that individuals with diabetes who experience major depressive symptoms are at a significantly higher risk of developing kidney failure. In contrast, minor depressive symptoms were not found to have a significant association with kidney disease development.
A new project, ATHENA, is developing four human organ constructs that mimic the response of actual human organs. The system, which includes a liver, heart, lung, and kidney, aims to provide a realistic and cost-effective way to screen new drugs and toxic agents.
Researchers discovered that stem cells from a fatty fold of tissue, called the omentum, can help heal diseased kidneys when fused to the organs. This innovative approach uses the patient's own stem cells to treat chronic kidney disease, potentially alleviating the need for external cell sources.
A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that dialysis for acute kidney injury (AKI) is potentially hazardous for frail patients with lower creatinine concentration levels. In contrast, more robust patients experience increased survival and reduced mortality when receiving dialysis. These findings highlight ...
Duke University engineers developed a modified lens for shock wave machines, improving lithotripsy efficiency by 89% while reducing tissue damage. The new design uses a groove near the lens's perimeter to optimize pressure distribution and cavitation bubble formation.