Articles tagged with Kidney
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patients with reduced kidney function and high proteinuria at increased risk of death, heart attacks, or progression to kidney failure. The study suggests that future guidelines for chronic kidney disease classification should incorporate information on proteinuria levels.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that acetaminophen can prevent oxidative damage and kidney failure after muscle injury in a rat model. The study's findings support further investigation into the drug's effects in patients with severe muscle injuries.
A study found that kidney transplant recipients with high levels of T-regulatory cells and low Natural Killer cells are at a higher risk for skin cancer, which can occur after ten years of immunosuppressive drugs.
Patients with type 2 diabetes who experience subtle brain damage may be at risk of progressive kidney disease and kidney failure, according to a new study. Diabetic patients with silent cerebral infarction were nearly five times more likely to develop serious kidney disease than those without.
A study of nearly 2000 healthy adults found that kidney abnormalities occur in at least 25% of the population. Most abnormalities were mild and not causing discomfort, but future research is needed to determine their impact on long-term health.
A study found that end-of-life care falls short for kidney disease patients, with many lacking adequate support and education. Patients expressed a desire for help planning for the future, pain management, and psychosocial support, but these services were not routinely integrated into their care.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that even small amounts of lead in healthy children's bodies can impair kidney function, with those having higher levels showing decreased kidney filtration rates. The researchers measured kidney function using two tests and found a link between higher lead levels and worse kidney function ...
Researchers identified a genetic cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a devastating kidney disease that forces children and young adults onto dialysis. The INF2 gene, which regulates actin in podocytes, may hold clues to developing treatments for the disease.
A study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who did not require dialysis had a significantly higher risk of death over two years compared to those without AKI. The risk was even higher for patients with more severe AKI and returned to normal after discharge.
A new study finds that West Nile virus can remain in the kidneys of infected individuals for years, potentially causing chronic symptoms and kidney failure. Researchers collected urine samples from patients with severe initial infections and detected viral RNA for at least six years following infection.
A new study reveals that sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke in kidney transplant patients. The condition was found to be present in one in four individuals and more than doubled the risk of cardiovascular complications.
A new study by Henry Ford Health reveals that heart failure patients developing kidney dysfunction in the hospital have a poor prognosis, with only 39% experiencing short-lived kidney issues. The research highlights the importance of understanding why kidney dysfunction persists in some patients and finding ways to prevent it.
A team of researchers from Emory University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Georgia Tech has developed a novel continuous renal replacement therapy device designed specifically for children. The device addresses safety concerns and size limitations associated with adult kidney dialysis equipment, which can lead to dehydration an...
African Americans are less likely to receive kidney/pancreas transplants than similar patients in other racial groups, despite increased Medicare coverage. Physician bias may be a contributing factor, with doctors assuming African Americans have type 2 diabetes when they may actually qualify for type 1 diabetes.
Declining kidney function increases the risk of heart failure and premature death. Treatments that slow kidney function decline may safeguard heart health by stabilizing it in the normal range before kidney disease develops.
Researchers have identified a new molecular pathway and class of molecules that can prevent potassium buildup in the bloodstream, which can cause fatal cardiac arrest. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to treat hyperkalemia, a condition affecting 8% of hospitalized patients.
A new study found that switching to a newer type of immunosuppressant drug, sirolimus, reduced the rate of skin cancer in kidney transplant patients by 25%. Nearly half of patients stopped treatment due to side effects. The researchers believe this could offer a new option for reducing skin cancer risk in transplant recipients.
Women with chronic kidney disease are more likely than men to be undiagnosed, according to a new study. The study found that primary care physicians need more education on diagnosing CKD, which could lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savings.
A new study published by the American Society of Nephrology suggests that having a history of lupus does not significantly increase the risk of developing lupus nephritis in recipients of a kidney transplant. The study found that lupus nephritis occurred in just 2.44% of patients, and was associated with only a 7% risk of organ loss.
Researchers found that oral activated charcoal lessens atherosclerotic lesions in experimental mice with kidney damage. This effect appears to be related to reduced inflammation in the blood vessels, regardless of treatment timing or changes in blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
A new study presents evidence that high sodium intake and artificial sweetener consumption are associated with a faster rate of decline in kidney function. The research, conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital, analyzed data from over 3,000 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study.
A recent study published in the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition found that kidney transplant survival rates vary by donor race, with non-black recipients experiencing lower survival rates when transplanted with black donors.
Recent medical school graduates are more likely to refer CKD patients for preemptive kidney transplantation, which can improve patient outcomes. The study suggests that educating veteran physicians about the benefits of preemptive transplantation may increase early referrals.
Researchers found that patients with higher kidney function at the time of transplant did not have a significant advantage in terms of long-term health. However, they did require less dialysis and were less likely to experience kidney rejection after transplantation.
A study found that kidney transplant consent forms are written at a 12th-grade reading level, but should be prepared at a 5th-8th grade reading level to ensure all patients can provide informed consent. This disparity may lead to unequal access to treatment and health outcomes among different patient populations.
Group education of patients' relatives and friends can improve their willingness to consider kidney donation. The study found that group discussions increased the number of potential donors among participants.
Long-term steroid abuse in bodybuilders led to severe kidney damage, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The condition causes scarring within the kidneys, similar to that seen in morbidly obese patients but with more severe effects.
A study has found that coronary angiography does not harm kidney function in advanced chronic kidney disease patients, enabling better transplant decisions. The test detected coronary artery disease in some patients, making them unsuitable for transplantation until their heart complications were addressed.
Researchers have tested various cell-based therapies in mice with Alport syndrome, a genetic kidney disease. Stem cell treatments may repair kidney defects associated with the disease, offering promise for patients.
Researchers from Stanford University and colleagues have discovered a gene associated with human kidney aging, revealing new insights into the aging process. The study used sequential transcriptional profiling and eQTL mapping to identify genetic variants linked to kidney aging.
A new study suggests that invasive procedures may not be necessary for all patients with narrowed arteries in and around the kidneys. The researchers found that only a small percentage of cases progress to a dangerous blockage, and progression does not always predict severe kidney function decline.
Researchers have developed a reliable way for doctors to filter MEDLINE for relevant kidney patient information, improving treatment and outcomes. The new tool has high performance, exceeding 97% sensitivity and specificity, making it available for all healthcare professionals.
For kidney disease patients, regular physical activity may prolong life and reduce mortality risk. A recent study found that active patients were 56% less likely to die than inactive counterparts.
A new study reveals that kidneys recovered from deceased donors with acute renal failure can function just as well as those from healthy donors, opening up a significant expansion of the donor kidney pool. This could lead to an additional 1,000 kidneys or more per year being made available to patients waiting for a transplant.
A Monash University study has identified the role of microscopic antennas in the kidney's repair process, shedding light on a potentially fatal disease. The research, led by Dr. James Deane, showed how hair-like structures called cilia change their length in response to injury, amplifying signals that turn off the repair process.
A new study links impaired kidney function to faster cognitive decline in older adults, especially in episodic, semantic, and working memory. The researchers found that poor kidney function accelerated cognitive decline equivalent to seven years of age at baseline.