Breakthrough in treatment for E. coli toxin
A polymeric drug developed by University of Alberta researcher David Bundle binds to the E. coli toxin, preventing it from affecting the kidneys and causing life-threatening damage.
Kidney
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Researchers propose new ultrasound screening criteria for diagnosing polycystic kidney disease
Researchers propose new ultrasound screening criteria to diagnose autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which may misdiagnose individuals with the milder form of the disease. The new criteria improve detection in individuals with mutations in either PKD1 or PKD2 genes.
Study shows steroid therapies following transplant can be eliminated
A new study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati shows that eliminating steroid therapy as early as seven days following a transplant surgery maintains kidney function. The study found reduction in steroid-related complications, even when prednisone was given in very low doses.
Obtaining kidney transplants abroad carries certain medical risks
A study found that US residents traveling abroad for kidney transplants experienced higher rates of acute rejection and severe infections. The study, which included 33 transplant tourists and 66 comparison patients, noted significant differences in infection types and severities.
Research suggests doctors should consider kidney-sparing surgery
A study of 1,500 kidney cancer patients suggests that tissue-sparing surgery may improve overall survival in patients with reduced kidney function. The finding highlights the underuse of this option and raises concerns about the potential harm of removing healthy kidney tissue.
Why kidneys from older donors do not last as long as those from younger individuals
Research found that kidneys from older donors exhibit a 32% depression in glomerular filtration rate, leading to shortened survival after transplantation. The study suggests that selecting organs with more functioning glomeruli could improve graft survival rates.
New laboratory technique improves success in 'highly sensitized' kidney transplants
Kidney transplant specialists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed innovative laboratory techniques to improve opportunities for highly sensitized patients. The new technology uses solid phase assays to predict patient risk and improve transplant success rates.
High blood pressure takes big toll on small filtering units of the kidney
Researchers investigate how high blood pressure affects tiny kidney filters, known as glomeruli. They believe that damaged kidney filters worsen hypertension and that inflammation plays a crucial role in the process.
Site used by sodium to control sensitivity of certain potassium ion channels
Scientists have identified a site where sodium regulates specific potassium ion channels, which could lead to new approaches in drug design. The findings may help understand the mechanisms involved in ion channel gating and its relevance to hypertension.
Penn researchers use honeybee venom toxin to develop a new tool for studying hypertension
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have created a highly specific inhibitor, TPNLQ, that selectively blocks potassium channels in kidneys, opening a new avenue for treating hypertension. This breakthrough could provide a potential new approach to reducing salt reabsorption and lower blood pressure.
Depressed dialysis patients more likely to be hospitalized or die, UT Southwestern researcher finds
Dialysis patients with depression are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized or die within a year compared to those without depression. The study found that more than 80% of depressed patients died or were hospitalized, while only 43% of non-depressed patients experienced these outcomes.
Comparison of angiography contrast agents finds little difference in certain outcomes
A study published in JAMA found that using sodium bicarbonate for hydration during coronary angiography does not reduce the risk of developing serious kidney problems compared to using sodium chloride. The results suggest that there is little difference in outcomes between the two hydration strategies.
Combination reduces proteinuria more than single drugs but causes more kidney damage
A new study found that combining two commonly used blood pressure medications, ACE inhibitors and ARBs, reduces urine protein levels more than taking either medication alone. However, it also causes more kidney damage and a higher risk of death among high-risk patients.
Targeted drug therapy found effective in patients with common form of immune-mediated kidney disease
A study found that rituximab significantly reduces kidney injury in patients with membranous nephropathy, reversing functional and biological abnormalities. The treatment achieved complete remission in 10 patients, including significant healing of kidney damage.
Revolutionary technique could reduce lifelong drugs for transplant patients
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking procedure using tailor-made regulatory cells to avoid lifelong drug use for transplant patients. The technique shows promising findings and has been tested in clinical trials on 17 kidney transplant patients, with encouraging results.
Nephrologists debate uses of estimated kidney function
The American Society of Nephrology discusses the merits of using eGFR for early detection and treatment of CKD, highlighting concerns about misclassification and universal screening. Experts emphasize the need for education and proper use of eGFR to ensure accurate diagnosis and management.
'Statins' linked to improved survival in kidney transplant recipients
A study found that patients receiving kidney transplants who took statin drugs had better survival rates compared to those who did not. Statin therapy was associated with a 36% lower risk of death in renal transplant recipients.
Kidneys donated after cardiac death could reduce disparities for black kidney transplant recipients
Black patients receiving kidneys from black cardiac donors showed better long-term survival compared to those receiving non-black donor kidneys. The study suggests that increased utilization of kidneys donated after cardiac death can help reduce racial disparities in kidney transplantation.
New protocol streamlines therapy that makes more kidney transplants possible
A new therapy developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center improves transplant rates and outcomes for patients awaiting living- and deceased-donor kidney transplantation. The combination of IVIG and rituximab offers superior benefits to IVIG alone, improving transplant rates to 80 percent of treated patients.
Kidney damage caused by iodinated contrast material thought to be overestimated, study shows
A recent study challenges previous findings on iodinated contrast material's effect on kidney function. It found that serum creatinine levels change frequently in patients without receiving contrast material, rendering prior studies' conclusions questionable.
More kidney stone disease projected due to global warming, predicts UT Southwestern researchers
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center predict that global warming will cause a 30% growth in kidney-stone cases by 2050, with an additional 1.6-2.2 million new cases. Dehydration is a major risk factor for kidney stones, and warmer temperatures are expected to exacerbate this effect.
Researchers design model for automated, wearable artificial kidney
A new design for an automated, wearable artificial kidney eliminates complications of traditional dialysis. The device functions continuously, providing cleansing and fluid balance on a continuous basis, and regenerates and reuses spent dialysate to minimize protein loss.
Male kidneys for men only?
A new analysis of kidney transplant data found that male kidneys function better in men than women, who have a higher risk of rejection. The study, based on almost 200,000 cases, suggests that gender should be considered when allocating donor kidneys.
Kidney disease linked to lower medication use after heart attack
A study found that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were less likely to use recommended medications after a heart attack, but 1-year adherence rates were similar for both groups. Rates of medication use varied significantly among different types of drugs.
Gender is an issue in kidney transplantation
A retrospective cohort study found complex gender interactions in kidney transplantation outcomes, with female donors having a higher rate of graft loss and female recipients experiencing a lower rate of graft failure. The study suggests considering sex in future studies and decisions on organ allocation to optimize transplant success.
Study suggests a little milk could go a long way for your heart
Researchers found that adults who consumed at least one serving of lowfat milk or milk products daily had 37% lower odds of poor kidney function linked to heart disease. A diet rich in lowfat milk and whole grains, fruits, and vegetables was also associated with a reduced risk.
Study links gastric bypass surgery to increased risk of kidney stones
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones as early as three months post-operation. The study suggests a possible link between the surgical procedure and changes in urinary electr...
Kidney transplant patients may benefit from going off of certain immunosuppressive drugs
Withdrawing calcineurin inhibitors after kidney transplantation can prolong survival, improve kidney function, and save money compared to lifelong medication use. The study found that treatment with sirolimus plus steroids may be more efficacious and less costly than regimens using calcineurin inhibitors.
Certain potato preparation guidelines for kidney dialysis patients ineffective
A new study found that boiling cubed or shredded potato samples reduced potassium levels by 50% and 75%, respectively. Leaching had little effect on mineral content. Boiling thinly sliced potatoes can help renal failure patients reduce their mineral intake while maintaining other nutritional qualities.
New kidney protein speeds/improves the diagnosis of failing kidneys
Researchers have discovered a new kidney protein, NGAL, that can diagnose sudden kidney failure days sooner than current tests. A simple urine test for NGAL can help emergency department physicians accurately diagnose kidney failure and make evidence-based treatment decisions.
Drug may prolong organ life in noncompliant kidney transplant patients
Researchers found that sirolimus can help protect against rejection in non-compliant kidney transplant patients, potentially extending their organ's lifespan. The study used an assay to measure immune function at 'trough' levels of immunosuppressive drugs.
Anti-rejection drug may increase risk of diabetes after kidney transplant
A large US study found that sirolimus increases the risk of new-onset diabetes in kidney transplant recipients. The risk is higher when combined with other anti-rejection drugs and appears to be independent of other factors.
Hidden heart condition increases the risk of death in patients waiting for kidney transplants
Patients with systolic dysfunction are nearly twice as likely to die than those without the condition, according to a study analyzing 2,718 kidney transplant candidates. This increased mortality risk is similar to that seen in patients with cardiac ischemia.
AUA 2008: Global warming may lead to increase in kidney stones disease
Researchers predict a rise in kidney stone disease due to global warming, with a potential cost of $1 billion annually by 2050. The southern US is expected to see an expansion of the
Bacterial slime helps cause serious disease
Leptospirosis is a major public health problem in South East Asia and South America, with over 500,000 severe cases every year. Researchers have discovered that bacteria can form biofilms, which protect them against harsh conditions and make them more resistant to antibiotics.
Genes for common heart condition and kidney problem identified
Researchers have identified genes that can cause enlarged hearts and kidney inflammation, leading to heart attacks and kidney failure. Understanding these genetic links may lead to new treatments for common heart diseases.
Tight blood pressure control not enough to temper kidney disease in African-Americans
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that African-American patients with chronic kidney disease continue to lose kidney function despite strict blood pressure control. The study suggests that treating CKD in this population may require a more comprehensive approach, considering other factors beyond just blood pressure.
Creatinine increase in elderly means increased renal disease, mortality
A 10-year retrospective study found that even small increases in serum creatinine levels during hospitalization raise the risk of end-stage renal disease and mortality in elderly patients. The study also identified that larger changes in creatinine levels were associated with higher risks.
Early exposure to common weed killer impairs amphibian development
Research by Tufts University biologists reveals that early exposure to atrazine leads to deformed hearts, impaired kidneys, and digestive systems in tadpoles. The study found a significant increase in abnormalities in organs after 48 hours of exposure, with 57% of tadpoles having smaller-than-normal hearts.
Acute kidney injury with sepsis -- a unique pathophysiology
Researchers found septic acute kidney injury (AKI) patients have higher acuity of illness, lower blood pressure, and worse pulmonary function compared to non-septic AKI. The study suggests septic AKI requires specific clinical interventions to reduce injury and promote kidney recovery.
Malfunctioning kidneys may raise risk of sudden death in women
Women with poor kidney filtering ability are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death, according to a new study published by the American Heart Association. The research found that those with advanced kidney dysfunction had a 3.16 times higher risk of SCD than women with normal kidney function.
Symposium to explore role nanoparticles may play in disease
Physiologists investigate nanoparticles' potential to cause diseases like atherosclerosis and kidney stones. Researchers are exploring how nanoparticles interact with cells and tissues to understand their role in these conditions.
Experiments point to new treatments for PKD
Researchers identified two classes of small-molecule CFTR inhibitors that slowed cyst growth by over 80% and preserved kidney function. In mouse models, these inhibitors reduced cyst expansion and kidney enlargement.
Iso-osmolar X-ray dye falters in PCI study
A new study found that an iso-osmolar X-ray dye did not reduce the risk of kidney damage during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic renal failure. The study compared two types of contrast medium and found no significant difference in rates of kidney injury or need for dialysis.
St. Jude study offers new hope for children with kidney tumors deemed inoperable
A new surgical approach, called bilateral nephron-sparing surgery, has shown promise in saving both kidneys of children with bilateral Wilms tumor. This procedure involves removing the malignant tumor while sparing as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
Uric acid may provide early clues to diabetic kidney disease
A study found that elevated uric acid levels can precede significant changes in urine albumin levels, suggesting a potential early sign of diabetic kidney disease. Higher uric acid levels are associated with lower kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes.
New lab test predicts risk of kidney injury after surgery
A simple laboratory test measures a biomarker called NGAL to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) risk up to three days before symptoms appear. The test has been shown to be highly accurate in identifying patients at risk of AKI and may enable timely treatment to prevent or improve outcomes.
Novel discovery by Einstein scientists could lead to much-needed kidney failure treatment
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that aberrant Notch signaling plays a role in diabetic nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, two major causes of end-stage renal disease. They discovered that gamma secretase inhibitors can protect against kidney disease, sparking hope for new treatment options.
NIH grant to Emory and pediatric partners aims to improve kidney transplants for children
Researchers at Emory and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are partnering with UCLA and Stanford hospitals to develop new ways to make kidney transplants more tolerable for children. The goal is to create a simple blood or urine test to inform doctors whether kidney rejection is 'revving up,' possibly avoiding painful biopsies.
Study finds bacteria may reduce risk for kidney stones
Researchers have discovered a link between the bacteria Oxalobacter formigenes and a reduced risk of recurrent kidney stones. The study found that O. formigenes can metabolize oxalate, reducing the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation by up to 70%.
'Renal Assist Device' reduces risk of death from acute kidney failure
A new device containing human kidney cells has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death from acute kidney injury. The device, called Renal Assist Device, was tested on 40 patients and found to improve recovery rates and reduce mortality by half.
Simple screening questionnaire for kidney disease outperforms current clinical practice guidelines
A new screening questionnaire, SCORED, has been shown to be more accurate and efficient in identifying individuals with silent chronic kidney disease than current clinical practice guidelines. The test correctly identifies patients at risk for CKD 88-95% of the time and defines high-risk individuals 25% fewer times.
Of mice and men ... and kidney stones
Researchers discovered that mice are more efficient at removing oxalate from the body, a crucial step in preventing kidney stones. This finding holds promise for developing improved treatments and paving the way for a mouse model of the disease.
Urine protein may be present before hypertension diagnosis in at-risk adolescents
Researchers studied 317 healthy teens aged 15-18 and found higher rates of albumin in the urine of black teens compared to their white counterparts, even with normal blood pressure. This suggests that kidney damage is apparent before hypertension develops in high-risk youths.
A rare diagnosis in the operation room: Kidney atrophy due to duplicated colon in an adult
A rare case of colon duplication was diagnosed in an adult patient with hydronephrotic atrophy of the right kidney. The mass was successfully removed during a laparotomy, revealing a continuum of the duplicated colon. This exceptional case highlights the importance of accurate pre-operative diagnosis and surgical expertise.
Kidney donor age linked to aortic siffening
A new study has found that kidney donor age is associated with increased aortic stiffness in recipients, which may explain higher rates of cardiovascular disease and death. The study suggests that targeted interventions after kidney transplantation could improve long-term results by reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality.
Study confirms cardiac surgery drug increases death rate
A large-scale study confirms that the cardiac surgery drug aprotinin increases death rates and damages kidney function. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 patients and found that those who received aprotinin had higher mortality rates and impaired kidney function compared to those who did not.
Different treatments for acute kidney failure appear to often have similar outcomes
A study of acute kidney failure treatments found that intermittent hemodialysis and continuous kidney replacement therapy have similar clinical outcomes. No significant difference was seen in the risk of death or chronic dialysis treatment between the two therapies.
Study: Before a CT scan or angiogram, many people should take inexpensive drug to protect kidneys
A new study suggests that taking N-acetylcysteine before a CT scan or angiogram can protect at-risk patients from kidney damage caused by iodine-containing contrast agents. The inexpensive drug, which is quick, convenient and widely available, appears to be the best choice for those with weakened kidneys.
$4 million award to improve detection of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery
Researchers at Yale University have received a $4 million NIH grant to study new biomarkers for detecting acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery. The goal is to develop an earlier and more accurate diagnosis, reducing mortality rates.