Articles tagged with Kidney
Recent guidelines call for lower target blood pressure levels in CKD patients, but a critical review finds the data is not definitively supported by scientific evidence. The author suggests that doctors should make individualized decisions about blood pressure control for their patients with kidney disease.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine successfully treated acute kidney injury in laboratory experiments using genetically reprogrammed cells producing a protein that aids kidney development. The treatment, administered intravenously, showed significant improvements in kidney function and reduced physical damage.
A new study found that living kidney donors with metabolic syndrome experience a decline in renal function more than twice as fast as those without the condition, highlighting the need for corrective measures before donation.
Researchers found a new complication of stem cell therapy: angiomyeloproliferative lesions at injection sites, which can lead to kidney failure and death. The study highlights the need for further research to determine the circumstances that cause these masses to form and strategies to avoid them.
A study found that patients living in predominantly black areas are less likely to receive pre-dialysis kidney care from a specialist, despite having declining kidney function. The researchers investigated the effect of residential area racial composition on access to and quality of kidney-related care before starting dialysis.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found a protein, CLC-5, that plays a crucial role in treating Dent's disease, a rare genetic disorder causing kidney stones and failure. The study reveals that faulty CLC-5 delivery impairs endocytosis, leading to vitamin and hormone loss.
A Mayo Clinic study found that interrupting blood flow for more than 20 minutes during kidney cancer surgery increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. Limiting ischemia time can help avoid this complication.
A study found that bevacizumab increases the risk of severe urinary protein loss by more than four-fold in patients, highlighting the need for monitoring kidney health when prescribing this cancer drug. Patients with kidney cancer or receiving high doses of bevacizumab are at greatest risk.
The study reveals that Wilms tumor cells share epigenetic characteristics with normal kidney stem cells, highlighting the critical role of chromatin in tumor development. This discovery may provide new avenues for therapy and shed light on other pediatric cancers.
A UNC study finds that most kidney dialysis patients are unprepared for emergencies like hurricanes, which could disrupt life-saving treatment. The survey of North Carolina patients highlights the need for better disaster preparedness education and awareness.
Radiofrequency ablation proved as effective as surgical removal of tumors in curbing cancer recurrence rates for up to five years after treatment. The minimally invasive procedure showed superior preservation of kidney tissue, leading to improved quality of life and length of life for patients.
Researchers discovered that activated basophils cause kidney damage in a mouse model of lupus nephritis, potentially leading to new treatments with an asthma medication. The study found increased IgE responses and activated basophils in people with SLE, strongly associated with disease activity.
Researchers identified biomarkers associated with stable kidney graft function in patients without immunosuppressants and a molecular signature indicative of future organ failure. These findings may help design personalized treatment regimens for kidney transplant recipients.
Two teams of researchers identified biomarkers that predict excellent graft function in kidney transplant recipients who stop taking immunosuppressive drugs. A molecular signature indicative of future organ failure was also found. The signatures may help physicians design personalized treatment regimens for kidney transplant recipients.
Researchers have identified a unique gene pattern in white blood cells of tolerant kidney transplant recipients, which may enable them to stop taking immunosuppressive drugs. The study found that B cell genes play a crucial role in maintaining tolerance to transplanted organs.
Researchers have discovered a distinct gene expression pattern in kidney transplant recipients who didn't reject their transplanted kidneys despite stopping immunosuppressive therapy. The finding may help identify other transplant recipients who can safely reduce or end their use of anti-rejection drugs.
A study analyzing 2,575 Dutch transplant candidates found that kidneys from donors after cardiac death provided a 56% higher chance of survival for patients. While the initial failure rate was higher, long-term benefits outweighed the risks, suggesting an expansion of available organs.
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that girls with vesicoureteral reflux are at higher risk of new renal damage. Boys also showed signs of renal damage, although at lower rates. The study suggests that preventing febrile urinary tract infections is crucial for kidney health.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that a low kidney-to-recipient-weight ratio increases the risk of transplant failure, inadequate filtration, and other complications. The research suggests that matching kidney weight to recipient weight could improve transplantation success rates.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered gene signatures that explain the biology of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a common and difficult-to-treat kidney cancer. They identified master genes lost in ccRCC that likely drive its development, as well as stem cell-like properties that contribute to its resistance to treatment.
A meta-analysis of over 1 million people found that both low kidney filtration rate (GFR) and high albumin: creatinine ratio independently predict mortality risk in the general population. Low GFRs were associated with increased risks, with those below 60 mL/min/1•73 m² experiencing a 57% increased risk of death.
A new study published in The Lancet found that common blood tests for kidney function and urine protein levels can predict mortality risk. People with high levels of albumin in their urine were at a higher risk of mortality, with an increased risk of nearly 50% at certain thresholds.
A study found that sirolimus halts cyst growth and increases healthy kidney structures in ADPKD patients. The treatment may provide a promising long-term option for patients with the genetic kidney disease.
Researchers found that anti-inflammatory drugs can preserve kidney function in hypertensive rats by regulating blood pressure on tiny filters called glomeruli. The study aims to understand how kidneys autoregulate pressure and explore the role of inflammatory factors in arteriole dysregulation.
Elderly patients with localized kidney cancer may benefit from conservative care, such as observation or treatments that spare the noncancerous parts of their kidneys. The study found no significant difference in survival rates between those who had their entire kidney removed and those who received active monitoring.
Researchers found post-transplant patients off steroids have similar graft-function outcomes as those on steroids but with fewer cardiovascular events. This study contributes to a reduction in patient exposure to corticosteroids during post-transplantation treatment, improving graft survival rates and reducing early mortality.
Mayo Clinic researchers discovered chronic mild kidney injury in the kidneys of healthy adults, increasing with age. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, highlights the need for new tests to detect mild kidney disease more accurately.
The experimental immunosuppressive drug belatacept has been shown to better preserve kidney function and prevent graft rejection in kidney transplant recipients. A two-year study of the BENEFIT trial found that patient and graft survival rates were similar among the belatacept, cyclosporine, and control groups.
Patients with hypertension who excrete slightly increased amounts of protein in the urine, known as microalbuminuria, have an elevated risk of developing heart and kidney problems. Microalbuminuria is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular complications in non-diabetic patients with hypertension.
A randomized clinical trial found that Octreotide slowed the growth of cyst-filled livers in patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD) caused by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The treatment also improved kidney function and health perception in these patients.
A study published in JAMA found that high-dose vitamin B therapy worsened kidney function and increased heart attacks and strokes in people with diabetes and kidney damage. However, the treatment did lower homocysteine levels, a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
Patients with acute kidney injury admitted on weekends have a higher risk of dying compared to those admitted on weekdays. The disparity was most evident in smaller hospitals, where the risk of death was even greater.
Early recognition and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are vital for all settings. CKD is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, even at mild reductions in glomerular filtration rate. Implementing interventions can reduce cardiovascular events or progression to kidney failure.
Researchers investigate stem cells and adult tissue in the kidney, suggesting a possible mechanism for regeneration. The study suggests that ACE inhibitors may be used to aid repair and regeneration of injured kidney tissue.
Many kidney diseases are caused by single gene defects, providing opportunities for diagnosis and treatment. The discovery of causative genes enables personalized medicine and the development of targeted therapies.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital developed a mouse model of vesicoureteral reflux, a condition that can lead to chronic kidney disease. The study found that these models lacked the protein fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (Fgfr2), which is involved in tissue and organ development.
A Johns Hopkins study found that more than half of donor kidneys infected with hepatitis C are discarded, despite the need among hepatitis C patients who may die waiting for an infection-free organ. The study suggests that using hepatitis C-positive kidneys could help those with hepatitis C and expand the organ supply.
A new clinical prediction index can calculate survival for patients with end-stage kidney disease, helping clinicians and patients decide between transplantation or dialysis. The index has been proven to accurately predict mortality among eligible patients.
The study found that 58.9% of kidney transplant candidates would accept a kidney from a donor at increased risk of viral infection under some conditions, while 17.7% always accepted them. Patients on dialysis and older patients more commonly accepted such kidneys.
A new study found that automated laboratory reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was associated with a significant increase in first-time visits to a kidney specialist, especially among older or female patients and those at increased risk of late detection of kidney disease. The rate of visits increased by 68% for pa...
A study found that most kidney donors (86%) and recipients (80%) want to share personal health information that may influence transplant success. However, healthcare professionals are more conservative, with only 61% in favor of sharing donor info in incompatible exchanges.
Researchers found a persistent excess risk of death after hip fractures, especially in men, which does not return to pre-fracture levels even after 10 years. Additionally, an empirical study explored the ethics of payment for kidney donation, finding no association between price and willingness to donate across income levels, but highl...
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that gastric bypass surgery can increase the risk of developing kidney stones in patients. The researchers discovered significant changes in urine composition, including elevated oxalate levels and low citrate levels, which can lead to stone formation.
A large-scale US study found that live kidney donors have similar long-term survival rates as healthy individuals, contradicting previous concerns about increased mortality. The study, which analyzed over 80,000 donations, suggests that living kidney donation is a safe and reasonable option for addressing the organ shortage.
A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that live kidney donors suffer few ill effects from the procedure and are likely to live as long as those with both kidneys. The study analyzed data from over 80,000 live kidney donors in the United States.
Belatacept, a new transplant drug, preserves kidney function while avoiding toxicity in patients, with similar graft survival rates to standard immunosuppressive drugs. The drug's side effect profile is more favorable, with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics reveals Pycnogenol lowers urinary proteins and improves blood flow to the kidneys. Pycnogenol also reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as inflammatory markers.
Patients hospitalized with pneumonia who develop acute kidney injury are more likely to die after discharge than those whose kidneys remain healthy. The study also found a strong relationship between AKI and levels of inflammatory biomarkers.
A recent study found that insufficient vitamin C levels can be fatal to mice during pregnancy. The Slc23a1 protein plays a vital role in vitamin C absorption and tissue accumulation. Researchers identified key functions for this transporter, including renal reabsorption and perinatal survival.
A study found that 12% of Chinese children exposed to melamine-contaminated dairy products experienced kidney damage. The majority recovered, but long-term follow-up is needed to assess the impact on children's health.
Avosentan significantly reduces urinary protein loss in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, but also causes serious side effects such as pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Lower doses of avosentan may have a more favorable risk/benefit ratio for patients.
An international group of experts has developed a uniform classification system for diabetic nephropathy, categorizing the condition into four progressive classes to guide clinicians and researchers. The new system aims to standardize definitions of different classes and improve reporting of cases among medical centers.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that obesity in all forms increases the risk of developing kidney stones. The researchers found that obese individuals had a higher incidence of kidney stones compared to non-obese individuals, with no difference in risk between mild and severe obesity.
Belatacept demonstrates effective immunosuppression with fewer side effects and superior kidney function compared to cyclosporine. The study found a higher early rejection rate but better long-term graft survival rates.
A recent study at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that a high-fat ketogenic diet is both effective and safe for controlling seizures in the long term. The diet, which consists of high-fat foods and very few carbohydrates, has been shown to reduce seizure frequency by nearly 80% in patients treated for a minimum of 16 months.
Researchers identified a molecular repair pathway that involves white blood cells called macrophages responding to tissue injury by producing Wnt7b, leading to tissue regeneration and repair in injured kidneys. The study suggests the pathway may be important for tissue repair in other organs.
In this study, researchers discovered autoantibodies that target the natural protein Trib2 in narcolepsy patients with cataplexy, indicating that narcolepsy may be an autoimmune disorder. Additionally, a team of researchers identified a potential therapeutic target for neuroblastoma by studying human neuroblastoma cells and mice.
A third of seniors over 65 wait too long for lifesaving kidney transplants because their doctors don't list them for organs suitable for younger patients but not for themselves. Older adults have shorter life spans than younger recipients, but accepting older kidneys can increase survival rates.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a simple urine test for four proteins might be able to detect early kidney disease in people with lupus. The findings suggest the tests could pinpoint kidney disease better than existing tests, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A new FDA-approved stent graft keeps blood vessels open longer in dialysis patients, reducing the need for repeated invasive procedures and cost savings. The study found that patients with the stent were more than twice as likely to have open vessels after six months.