Articles tagged with Kidney
Chronic kidney disease is common among the elderly and linked to cardiovascular disease. The study found that different formulas for estimating kidney function yield varying prevalence rates, emphasizing the need for a gold standard.
A new biomarker called NGAL in urine or blood detects early subclinical AKI and its adverse outcomes in critically ill patients, allowing for earlier conventional medical interventions. The study's findings justify redefining what defines AKI and recommend using NGAL-based testing to improve prognosis.
A population-based retrospective study found that taking statins before major elective surgery reduces potentially serious kidney complications and premature death. Statin use was associated with lower incidence of acute kidney injury, dialysis need, and mortality.
A new study published in American Journal of Transplantation found that progressive damage to kidney transplants is less common and less severe than previously reported. The study, involving 797 patients, showed that 87% of patients had mild or no signs of progressive scar damage at one year after transplant.
An intensivist-led approach to caring for brain dead donors can lead to a greater likelihood of recovering organs for transplant. This team-based care involves monitoring and managing donor bodies to optimize organ function and increase the pool of available organs.
A study of Joslin Medalists reveals that some individuals with diabetes for decades exhibit remarkably few complications, pointing to the presence of protective molecular mechanisms. The researchers identified a link between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and both disease progression and protection.
Research reveals significant increases in ESRD incidence among patients with lupus nephritis, particularly in younger populations and African Americans. Despite advances in treatment, outcomes have not improved over a decade, highlighting the need for further research to identify modifiable risk factors and interventions.
The current US kidney allocation system prioritizes wait time over post-transplant survival, leading to higher repeat transplantation rates. Researchers propose ranking kidneys by potential post-transplant survival and matching them with candidates who have the longest expected survival.
The 20th anniversary of the first laparoscopic nephrectomy celebrates a groundbreaking achievement in surgical technique. Dr. Ralph Clayman's pioneering work paved the way for modern endourology and minimally invasive procedures, revolutionizing urologic surgery.
A four-year study aims to develop drugs that inhibit the degradation of protective metabolites in the kidneys, which are damaged by diabetes. Researchers hope these inhibitors could halt the progression of diabetic nephropathy and slow the rise of end-stage renal disease.
A study found that depression is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease and rapid decline in kidney function. Depression was also linked to increased hospitalizations due to acute kidney injury, even after adjusting for other medical factors.
A study found racial disparities in kidney transplantation rates, with non-Hispanic whites and Asians receiving transplants at higher rates. Barriers to transplantation vary among racial and ethnic groups, including socioeconomic factors and regional organ availability.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that kidney transplant recipients who engage in little physical activity face increased risks of dying prematurely. The research suggests that patients need to exercise to fend off an early death and maintain heart health, which is crucial for these indi...
Robotic surgery shows comparable or superior results to traditional laparoscopic procedures for treating kidney disease, benefiting more patients due to reduced learning curve. More surgeons may master the technique, expanding access to minimally invasive treatment.
Despite significant advances in kidney care, type 1 diabetes patients with kidney dysfunction continue to face increased risks of kidney failure and heart-related death. New therapies are needed to retard progression to end-stage renal disease.
Sharing educational materials with kidney transplant recipients increased their likelihood of performing self-examinations and detecting skin cancers, according to a randomized controlled trial. The intervention also improved knowledge and attitudes towards skin cancer risk, leading to more follow-up appointments with dermatologists.
Researchers have identified a new cellular mechanism underlying hydronephrosis by studying kidney development in mice. Genetic mutations in the Hedgehog signaling pathway impaired urine flow from the kidney to the bladder, leading to hydronephrosis.
Researchers found that Klotho hormone levels are low in patients with chronic kidney disease, which can lead to serious side effects. Restoring adequate Klotho levels improved renal function and reduced vascular calcification in mice with CKD.
Researchers found that transplanting autologous renal progenitor cells into rats with kidney damage from pyelonephritis improved kidney structure and function. The study demonstrated benefits for a disease characterized by severe inflammation, renal function impairment, and scarring.
A multi-cultural study highlights low awareness of kidney risks in diabetes patients, particularly from South Asian communities. Many patients expressed surprise and regret upon learning about the connection between diabetes and kidney disease.
Patients with large kidney tumors benefit from nephron-sparing surgery, which preserves more kidney tissue and reduces chronic kidney disease risk. Researchers found that this approach resulted in better long-term kidney health outcomes compared to radical nephrectomy.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a progenitor cell in adult zebrafish kidneys that can be transplanted to generate new nephrons. This finding offers hope for improving kidney function and treating renal disease.
A team of researchers has created a 'reporter mouse' that can detect kidney damage in real-time by generating light, offering a potential solution to current diagnosis methods. The technique uses the NGAL protein, which can report toxic cellular stresses, and meets the criteria for a true biomarker.
A recent study found significant disparities between the race of kidney disease patients and physicians who care for them. Increasing diversity among kidney specialists could improve patient trust and care. Recruiting more African Americans into nephrology training programs may alleviate health disparities in ESRD patients.
Researchers have found that rt-PA can help prevent both catheter malfunction and blood stream infections in hemodialysis patients. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a significant reduction in complications among patients who received rt-PA.
Researchers found vasopressin in brain prevents neuronal swelling by maintaining neuron size, contrasting with kidney function. This discovery may aid in treating cerebral edema conditions, such as those caused by brain trauma or infarction.
A DNA sequence variant, impairing kidney function channels, is associated with an increased risk of heart failure. The variant may be treated with drugs used for high blood pressure.
Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio have discovered that sodium handling in the distal nephron is controlled by a local regulatory system. This system helps set blood pressure and its dysfunction leads to hypertension.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that home-based peritoneal dialysis can be just as effective as hemodialysis for patients returning to dialysis after a kidney transplant failure. The research showed similar mortality rates for both types of dialysis, providing hope for patients who may have previously been...
A recent heart attack study found that patients with lower kidney function have poor medication adherence, with only 50-60% of prescribed medications taken over three years. This highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve medication adherence in this high-risk population.
A study found that patients with lower kidney function had lower long-term adherence rates for three major heart medications, increasing the risk of hospitalization and death. Medication non-adherence was significantly lower for patients who had lower levels of kidney function at the beginning of the study.
A study found that most primary care physicians and kidney specialists prefer shared care for patients with progressive chronic kidney disease, but their preferences on how and when to collaborate differ. Effective collaboration is crucial in slowing CKD progression or preparing patients for dialysis or transplantation.
Researchers found that cystatin C is more accurate than creatinine in predicting serious complications of kidney disease, including death and cardiovascular disease. A new test using cystatin C may be used to confirm or stage chronic kidney disease.
A new blood test has been identified as an effective way to measure individuals at increased risk of developing kidney disease complications. The study found that measuring cystatin C can accurately identify those with impaired kidney function and distinguish them from those with low risk.
A new national program using Carnegie Mellon University's computer algorithm successfully matched transplant candidates with living donors, enabling the first kidney transplants. The program aims to increase the number of kidney paired-donation transplants by creating a national pool of mismatched donor-recipient pairs.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment option for dialysis-related anemia using FG-2216, which increases erythropoietin (EPO) production in both healthy individuals and patients with end-stage renal disease. The study's findings suggest that the kidneys of dialysis patients retain significant EPO production capacity.
Researchers analyzed over 920,000 adults and found that a faster kidney filtration rate and higher protein levels in the urine increased the risk of acute kidney injury. The study suggests using both kidney function data and proteinuria to identify individuals at risk.
A new study found that low amounts of albumin in the urine, even at clinically insignificant levels, strongly predict faster cognitive decline in older women. This association was strongest for verbal fluency scores, suggesting albuminuria may be an early marker of diffuse vascular disease.
Research highlights disparities in kidney donation, particularly among low-income individuals and black patients. Efforts are needed to minimize barriers and increase access to transplant care for underrepresented groups.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables can help maintain kidney function in patients with reduced kidney function due to high blood pressure. Conversely, melatonin has been shown to improve short-term sleep quality in dialysis patients but does not provide long-term benefits.
Research shows that moderate drinking can help prevent diabetes and premature death in kidney transplant recipients, but excessive weight may be detrimental. On the other hand, low dialysis calcium levels have been linked to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest among patients on dialysis.
Researchers analyzed data from a nationwide study of over 5,200 adults and found that African Americans have faster rates of decline in kidney function compared to white Americans. Hispanic participants also showed faster declines, but with varying effects by country of origin.
A study by Elizabeth Hedgeman and colleagues found that earlier nephrologist care is associated with lower ESRD incidence and improved patient outcomes. Patients who received recommended care were in better health, more prepared for dialysis, and had a 40% lower risk of death during the first year after developing ESRD.
A recent study found that patients who started dialysis at higher levels of kidney function had an increased risk of premature death. In contrast, home-based hemodialysis was shown to be cost-effective and provide potential benefits for kidney disease patients.
The Symplicity HTN-2 trial shows that deactivating nerves in the kidneys using radiofrequency energy can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. The study found a large reduction in systolic blood pressure, and the technique was applied without major complications.
Scientists have discovered how kidney filters become damaged in renal failure, leading to increased permeability and protein loss in the urine. A new class of drugs called endothelin A receptor antagonists shows promise in reducing protein levels, promising relief for patients with diabetes and high-salt diets.
A national pilot program utilizing a Carnegie Mellon-developed algorithm is matching living kidney donors with medically compatible transplant candidates. The initial run of the computer matching process successfully matched seven people in need of a kidney transplant with suitable donors, expanding kidney paired-donation transplants.
Researchers found that hormone therapy has no effect on prostate size in middle-aged men, while a study on presumed consent policies suggests it may increase deceased kidney donation rates but lower living donor rates. Additionally, high co-pay costs are linked to increased prescription abandonment rates, highlighting the need for affo...
A new urine test has shown promise in detecting acute kidney injury (AKI) by identifying specific markers in the urine. Elevated levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and its mRNA were found in urine samples from both mice and human patients with AKI, suggesting a potential diagnostic marker.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is convening a Summit on the Nephrology Workforce to address the growing crisis in kidney care. The summit aims to increase interest in nephrology careers, particularly among underrepresented minorities and women.
The VITAL study found that paricalcitol reduced residual albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy, particularly those with high dietary sodium intake. The study suggests that paricalcitol could be an important adjunctive treatment for kidney protection in resistant diabetes patients.
Scientists at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine identified a key transcription factor, Grhl2, that regulates the expression of cell junctional molecules E-cadherin and claudin 4. This discovery sheds light on the development of diseases such as spina bifida and potentially impacts kidney function.
Kidney failure affects nearly half a million US individuals, with 48% being 60 years or older. Elderly patients are now more likely to receive a kidney transplant due to increased access to organs from living and deceased donors, as well as improved survival rates while waiting.
Researchers found that high erythropoietin levels are associated with increased mortality in older adults. High levels were linked to higher mortality rates independently of other factors, highlighting the hormone's potential prognostic value.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that airbags significantly reduce the risk of kidney injury in car crashes. The research analyzed over 2,800 records and found a 45-52% reduction in renal injuries with airbag deployment.
A study found that measuring three biomarkers in a single blood sample can improve physicians' ability to identify patients at high risk of developing CKD. The biomarkers included homocysteine, aldosterone, and B-type natriuretic peptide.
Research highlights that kidney disease patients' blood pressure management needs are not one-size-fits-all, with age, race, and diabetes affecting mortality risk. The rate of kidney function decline also significantly impacts patient prognosis, suggesting a need for tailored strategies to protect kidney function.
Researchers at NYU have developed a method to prevent the growth of crystals that form cystine kidney stones by using a synthetic inhibitor. This breakthrough may lead to a new approach to preventing cystine stones and offers hope for individuals affected by this disease.
Postmenopausal women taking estrogen therapy are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones, according to a study. The research found a significant increase in kidney stone development, with a fivefold greater risk in women with a history of kidney stones.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital developed a therapy concept to treat high-risk patients with sensitized kidneys, achieving comparable transplant survival rates as non-immunized patients. After one year, 95% of transplanted kidneys were still functioning.