Articles tagged with Kidney
A new laboratory test called urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been found to help predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care patients. NGAL levels are also higher in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy, a complication of HIV affecting African Americans and black Africans.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a protein called NGAL that can help diagnose kidney disease caused by HIV. High levels of the protein in urine may indicate the presence of HIV-associated nephropathy, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially preventing kidney failure.
A daily supplement of potassium citrate has been found to prevent kidney stones in children on the high-fat ketogenic diet, a common treatment for epilepsy. The study, published in Pediatrics, showed that those who received potassium citrate twice daily were seven times less likely to develop kidney stones.
A daily dose of sodium bicarbonate slows the decline of kidney function in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, reducing the rate of progression by about two-thirds. Patients taking baking soda also experience improvements in nutrition and are less likely to develop end-stage renal disease.
A new procedure called CESA combines endovascular and surgical approaches to treat high-risk aortic aneurysms. The technique has shown excellent results in the first 20 high-risk patients with complex aortic pathology treated with CESA, with a cumulative survival rate of 76% at two years.
Researchers have found that the circadian clock protein Period 1 regulates expression of the renal epithelial sodium channel in mice, leading to decreased sodium loss in urine. Additionally, a study on gene therapy revealed that TLR9-MyD88 pathway is critical for adaptive immune responses to AAV vectors. Another study on kidney repair ...
A treatment that significantly slows the progression of eye injury in people with type 1 diabetes has been found. The treatment uses an antihypertensive medication commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, and was shown to slow diabetic eye damage in over 65% of participants.
Scientists have identified PLA2R, a protein found in normal human glomeruli, as the target antigen in idiopathic membranous nephropathy. This discovery holds promise for developing a blood test to replace kidney biopsies and determining which patients are most likely to benefit from immunosuppressive treatment.
A recent study found that contrast-induced kidney damage from medical imaging procedures increases the risk of having a stroke or heart attack over the next year or two. Patients who developed this damage had twice as many long-term negative health effects compared to those whose kidneys were not damaged.
Almost half of older kidney transplant candidates (over 60) will die before receiving a transplant due to increased wait times. Researchers urge these patients to consider live-donor options to improve survival chances.
A new study projects that nearly half of older patients currently on the kidney transplant waiting list will die before receiving an organ from a deceased donor. The study found significant variations in mortality rates across different transplant regions and patient groups, including African Americans and those aged 70 or older.
A new study reveals that medical insurers' reimbursement documents can provide insights into the long-term health of kidney transplant patients. The research found that combined use of Medicare billing claims from both Part A and Part B accurately documented cardiovascular events after transplantation, with a high sensitivity rate.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that Roux-en-Y weight loss surgery nearly doubles the risk of developing kidney stones, with an overall risk of around 8 percent. The researchers suggest that doctors can help prevent kidney stones through calcium supplements and other interventions.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a peptide that preserves and improves kidney function during heart failure, potentially reducing the risk of kidney damage. The new compound has been tested in laboratory and animal models and is expected to move into clinical trials next year.
A new DNA vaccine using IL-10 has been shown to prevent kidney damage in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by inducing antigen-specific tolerance. The study found lower levels of anti-Sm antibodies and significant proteinuria were less common in the vaccinated group compared to the control group.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of eculizumab in preventing antibody-mediated rejection in positive crossmatch kidney transplant patients. The treatment, which blocks the immune system's activation of the complement system, showed promising results with none of the treated patients developing antibody-mediated rejection.
Researchers identified microRNAs that can predict transplant rejection with high accuracy. Additionally, a new gene-based urine test has been developed to diagnose common kidney transplant complications. The study also explores increasing transplantation through donor chains and transplanting single kidneys from pediatric donors.
Researchers at MCG report breakthrough in treating acute renal failure by blocking mitochondrial fragmentation caused by vascular obstruction, trauma, chemotherapy, and toxins. This can prevent kidney cells from committing suicide and lead to acute renal failure.
A 3D kidney atlas has been created to help diagnose and treat renal diseases more effectively. The atlas, part of the European Renal Genome Project, will aid in understanding genes that play a key role in renal diseases and other data on anatomy.
Researchers have identified a potential genetic link to vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), a common cause of urinary tract infections and kidney failure in children. The study found that the VUR susceptibility gene is located on chromosome 12 and may be inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.
Even mild acute kidney injury is associated with reduced patient and graft survival, while the strictest definition linked to poor outcomes including cardiovascular events and end-stage renal disease.
A study of nearly 6,900 patients found that simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation resulted in a 89% long-term survival rate compared to 80% for kidney-only transplants and 65% for deceased donor transplants. SPK recipients were also more likely to die during the first year after transplantation.
A gene test can help predict patients' risk of shock and kidney failure after heart surgery by identifying genetic differences in the COMT enzyme. This knowledge can guide treatment to prevent complications.
A new study found that men with moderate kidney disease have a 39% increased risk of developing cancer compared to those with normal kidney function. The risk is highest for lung and urinary tract cancers, but not prostate cancer. Maintaining kidney function may help prevent cancer in the general population.
A new study found that donor-related risk factors, yet to be identified, contribute measurably to the success or failure of kidney transplants. The study examined pairs of recipients who received kidneys from the same deceased donor and found significant correlations between unmeasured risk factors and delayed graft function and kidney...
A recent study by Marcello Tonelli and colleagues found no correlation between remote or rural residence and increased time to kidney transplantation in the US. The likelihood of receiving a transplant from a deceased or living donor was similar among patients dwelling farther away, suggesting disparities may not be solely due to location
UT Southwestern researchers have discovered a link between immune cell malfunction and kidney damage in lupus patients. They also found that certain genes, such as kallikreins, appear to protect the kidneys from immune attack, suggesting potential new treatments for the disease.
A study of 298 black and 945 white male patients found that blacks with moderate and advanced chronic kidney disease lived longer than whites once they reached later stages. Blacks had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease, which contributed to their better survival rates.
A study suggests that combining glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin levels can predict which patients with chronic kidney disease will develop end-stage renal disease. This combination test could help identify patients at high risk of serious kidney trouble.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa slows kidney function decline in men with Fabry disease. The therapy showed promise when initiated early, particularly for those with higher initial kidney function.
A recent study found that distance from a patient's home to the nearest transplant facility has no bearing on whether an individual is placed on the transplant waiting list. However, the research identified neighborhood poverty as a key factor associated with disparities in waitlisting, particularly for black patients.
A novel hemodialysis procedure called high cut-off hemodialysis has been shown to restore kidney function and increase lifespan in patients with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that causes severe kidney failure. In a study of 19 patients who underwent the procedure while receiving chemotherapy, 70% became independent of dialysis.
A study from the American Chemical Society reports that proteins from garden peas show promise in fighting high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. The researchers found a 20% drop in blood pressure in rats with polycystic kidney disease when fed small daily doses of pea protein hydrolysate.
A study found that proteinuria levels are higher in children with low glomerular filtration rates and non-Caucasian race, suggesting genetic or environmental factors. The study also found that patients taking renin-angiotensin system antagonizing drugs had lower levels of proteinuria compared to those not on these medications.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a previously undescribed syndrome associated with seizures, developmental delay, and hearing loss. The syndrome, named SeSAME, is caused by mutations in the KCNJ10 gene, which affects potassium channels in the brain, inner ear, and kidney.
Researchers identify LIPG gene mutations that result in elevated HDL-C levels, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, a new study suggests intermittent IL-7 therapy may boost CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-infected patients.
A new risk score identifies patients who are likely to receive a survival benefit from combined heart and kidney transplants, based on factors such as peripheral vascular disease, age, and kidney function. The study found that low-risk patients with combined kidney failure and heart failure may benefit from combined transplantation.
A debate between world-leading experts reveals conflicting views on blood pressure control, with some arguing the kidneys play a key role and others pointing to the brain's influence. The discussion highlights major issues in blood pressure control and will guide future studies.
Researchers developed computer-generated chains of kidney transplantations that start with altruistic donors, providing a viable alternative to paired donations. The models assign values to donor characteristics, generating pairings based on similar scores and overcoming issues in the matching market.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found that chronic kidney disease independently increases the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Kidney function may provide an additional clue about how to best assess stroke risk and decide upon the best prevention strategy for patients with AF.
A new Clinical Research Chair in Transplantation has been established at the University of Western Ontario to improve organ transplant outcomes for patients like Pat Davis, who received a kidney transplant after being told it was impossible.
A new calculation eliminates obstacles in measuring kidney function in children, relying on various blood tests that can be performed in a clinical setting. The study's findings suggest an accurate estimate is crucial to properly treat children with acute and chronic kidney problems.
A new immune-system 'atlas' will improve doctors' ability to monitor transplanted organs and shed light on the mechanisms of gradual, cumulative kidney malfunction after transplant. The atlas allows for inexpensive, noninvasive blood tests that show whether a donated kidney is infected or accruing chronic injuries.
Marshall Lindheimer, a renowned expert in kidney function and blood pressure control during pregnancy, has made significant contributions to the understanding of preeclampsia. His research has led to the development of treatments for transient diabetes insipidus during pregnancy.
A new study found that patients waiting for a kidney transplant who receive care at centers with shorter wait times tend to live longer. The research analyzed data from nearly 109,000 patients and found that waiting time had the strongest effect on survival, with patients at centers with long waits having a higher risk of death.
Researchers found a specific gene mutation that increases the risk of adverse side effects from immunosuppressive drugs used in kidney transplants. The study suggests a genetic approach to personalized screening and drug dosing could reduce toxicity and rejection risk in pediatric patients.
Patients with mild to severe kidney dysfunction require lower warfarin doses and closer monitoring due to increased bleeding risk. Warfarin dose is significantly affected by kidney function, even after accounting for genetics.
Researchers found that aldosterone levels were directly correlated with blood pressure levels and related changes in blood vessel function. Higher aldosterone levels were also associated with lower kidney blood flow and greater extremity blood vessel stiffness.
A study found that individuals with high urinary protein levels are at increased risk of developing kidney disease. Screening for albuminuria in the general population or high-risk groups could help prevent kidney function loss and related health issues.
A recent study published in PLoS ONE found that women who drink two or more cans of soda per day are nearly twice as likely to show early signs of kidney disease. The study also did not find an elevated risk for men or diet soda consumption.
A study found that measuring NGAL in blood and urine can predict which patients with non-advanced chronic kidney disease will progress to a more serious form of the disease. High NGAL levels are associated with worsening kidney function, and both urinary and blood NGAL measurements predicted CKD progression.
Measuring glomerular filtration rates from routine blood work may not be a cost-effective way to identify people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The test can lead to 11,348 more false positive CKD cases than serum creatinine reporting.
Researchers have found that female hormones play a crucial role in the body's ability to regulate salt levels, potentially explaining why women are less prone to salt-sensitive hypertension. The study suggests that estrogen drives the beneficial action of ETA receptors, which increase sodium excretion without increasing blood pressure.
A Stanford study establishes a method for projecting future kidney function, which could improve transplant outcomes for older kidneys. The research found that older kidneys perform only 70% as well as younger ones and contain fewer functioning glomeruli.
Researchers developed nomograms to predict long-term kidney transplant success and refine patient selection for living donor transplants. The models analyzed over 20,000 cases and identified key donor and recipient characteristics impacting transplant outcomes.
A new formula estimates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using demographic variables and biochemical markers, providing a valuable tool for pediatricians to monitor kidney function. The equation was found to be comparable with more complicated tests and superior to other recently published equations.
A new urine test can detect polyomavirus nephropathy, affecting up to 9% of kidney transplant recipients, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. The noninvasive test measures viral aggregates in the urine, offering a faster and more affordable alternative to invasive kidney biopsies.
A study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that elderly people with damaged kidneys are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and stroke. Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems in these individuals.
A Johns Hopkins study found that HIV-positive kidney transplant recipients can achieve one-year survival rates comparable to those without HIV, provided key risk factors for transplant failure are recognized and controlled. The study's results reflect the impact of newer antiretroviral therapies on reducing HIV-related deaths.
A study found that women over 45 are significantly less likely to be placed on a kidney transplant list than their male counterparts, even though they have an equal chance of survival. The likelihood of being listed decreased incrementally with increasing age, from 3% for women aged 46-55 to 59% for those over 75.