Articles tagged with Kidney
A quality improvement program increased pneumococcal vaccination rates from 53% to 70% in adults aged 18-64 years with stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease. The intervention, which utilized electronic best practice alerts within the electronic medical record, improved vaccination rates primarily among this high-risk group.
Researchers have discovered a molecule that can suppress the development of kidney fibrosis, a condition leading to kidney failure and devastating consequences. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new drug treatments for millions of people affected by chronic kidney disease.
Women tend to have lower kidney function than men in middle age, but their kidney function declines more slowly over time. This study provides important knowledge regarding age-related loss of kidney function and sex disparities in the prevalence of CKD.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic mutation that may lead to better diabetes treatments for patients, regardless of whether they inherited the mutation. The study found that carriers of the mutation had lower levels of adiponectin and higher levels of ceramides in their blood.
A new study published in Pediatric Transplantation found that pediatric kidney transplant patients have better long-term outcomes when their kidney comes from a living donor. The study analyzed data from the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network database and compared the rates of graft failure and death among children who received k...
Scientists aim to improve vein health for patients undergoing heart bypass surgery and dialysis. They discovered that two genes play a crucial role in smooth muscle cell differentiation, enabling veins to mature and function like arteries.
Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.
A 12-month exercise program improved physical functioning and aerobic exercise capacity in adults with CKD stages G3b-4. The program, which included resistance and aerobic exercise, showed no significant impact on cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers identified lipopolysaccharide-responsive and beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) as a crucial regulator of aquaporin-2 water channels in the kidneys. The study found that LRBA interacts with PKA to facilitate AQP2 activation, maintaining water homeostasis and preventing polyuria.
A new USC analysis found that the largest Medicare Advantage plans pay 27% more for outpatient dialysis treatment compared to traditional Medicare. This significant markup is attributed to the consolidation of the dialysis industry, with two large chains supplying over three-quarters of all dialysis services in the US.
A Mayo Clinic study found that diets rich in calcium and potassium can help prevent recurrent symptomatic kidney stones. Patients who experienced a first-time stone were more likely to experience recurrence if their diet was low in these nutrients.
Women are less likely to receive diagnostic codes related to CKD, be referred to a nephrologist, and have their kidney function monitored compared to men. Despite guidelines recommending equal care, women receive suboptimal management of chronic kidney disease, with lower rates of testing and guideline-recommended medications.
Adults with chronic kidney disease are more likely to have a low intake of fruits and vegetables compared to similar individuals without the condition. This study suggests that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption may be beneficial for overall health.
Pediatric kidney transplant recipients with high tacrolimus intrapatient variability are at increased risk of developing antibodies against the transplanted kidney. This variability can be identified through hospital electronic health records, allowing for early intervention to prevent rejection and improve graft outcomes.
A qualitative study highlights the importance of timely and balanced information exchange in shared decision-making for vascular access placement. This collaborative approach involves presenting choices, sharing personalized knowledge, and eliciting patients' values and preferences to strengthen treatment plans.
A new analysis led by University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health epidemiologists found that adults who undergo bariatric surgery are more than twice as likely to get married within five years. Conversely, married patients who receive bariatric surgery are more than twice as likely to get divorced.
A new clinical model predicts hospital mortality and major adverse kidney events in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. The proposed model exhibits good performance for outcome prediction, enabling timely interventions to promote kidney recovery.
Researchers analyzed electronic health records and found rosuvastatin associated with higher risks of hematuria, proteinuria, and kidney failure. High-dose rosuvastatin poses additional risk, especially for patients with advanced kidney disease.
Studies in rats have found that T-cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to preeclampsia complications. Researchers are exploring ways to dampen this response to reduce the risk of premature birth or worse outcomes for mother and child.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have discovered that combining anti-rejection medication with immune checkpoint inhibitors can significantly reduce the risk of organ rejection and eliminate cancer cells in a quarter of patients. The study involved 22 patients with renal transplants and incurable locally advanced or met...
Lumasiran, an RNA interference therapeutic, has been shown to reduce oxalate levels in patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) who have relatively preserved kidney function. In the ILLUMINATE-C study, lumasiran resulted in substantial reductions in plasma oxalate with acceptable safety in patients on hemodialysis.
A study found that widely-used kidney function tests are inaccurate for predicting kidney disease in African populations, suggesting a significant underestimation of kidney disease prevalence. The creatinine-based test was shown to be less effective due to unique biological characteristics in African populations, while the cystatin C t...
A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease in individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants with higher levels of fitness showed a significantly lower risk of developing the disease, even among those with low soc...
A recent study published in JASN uncovers a previously overlooked mechanism contributing to ADPKD, suggesting that the loss of polycystin-2 protein in the endoplasmic reticulum plays a crucial role. Activating TricB may be a promising treatment strategy for ADPKD.
Researchers generated simple kidney-like structures called organoids and used them to identify potential drugs for adult-onset polycystic kidney disease. They found nine compounds that inhibited cyst growth without stunting overall growth.
Research suggests that paternal genetic factors play a role in susceptibility to preeclampsia, but the impact of paternal phenotype and lifestyle remains unclear. The study found no significant differences in socioeconomic background or health history between fathers with preeclamptic pregnancies and those without.
Researchers have discovered that Schwann Cell Precursors are the origin of tuberous sclerosis complex tumours in the kidney. Lab-grown 'mini-kidneys' were used to create a genetic profile similar to TSC tumours, revealing the diversity in tumour size and cellular makeup within patients.
A study found that rates of serious complications associated with shoulder surgery are low, but one in 26 patients need further surgery within a year. The effectiveness of some shoulder procedures is doubtful at best, according to experts.
A case report highlights the dangers of excessive vitamin D intake, with symptoms including abdominal pain, leg cramps, and kidney abnormalities. Doctors warn that hypervitaminosis D is on the rise and can lead to serious health problems if not taken safely.
A cross-sectional study found significant differences between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and directly measured GFR (mGFR), highlighting the importance of considering uncertainty in eGFR calculations. Researchers suggest renaming eGFR as a population average GFR to improve accuracy.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a unique subpopulation of resident fibroblasts that produce erythropoietin, a hormone critical for oxygen delivery in the kidneys. This 'crack team' of kidney cells has been found to play a crucial role in disease recovery and may hold new avenues for treatment.
Researchers found that factory-calibrated continuous glucose monitors are sufficiently accurate for estimating blood-sugar levels in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. The devices showed 'clinical reliability', with almost 99% of readings accurate enough to be used without confirmatory fingerstick blood sugar readings.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients who received lactated Ringer solution instead of normal saline for IV fluids had a lower risk of kidney injury and death. The study, which included nearly 150,000 hospital patients, showed a 2.2% reduced risk of major adverse kidney events.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet has identified a key mechanism behind treatment resistance in a deadly form of kidney cancer. By increasing mitochondrial content in cancer cells, researchers found that these cells became susceptible to the cancer drug sorafenib. This breakthrough offers hope for more targeted cancer treatments.
A study found that over 60% of parents of children with kidney disease or hypertension are unsure or unwilling to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. Effective vaccines exist to protect children from COVID-19, and the findings highlight the need for clear communication to address parental concerns.
Researchers found that invasive therapy for non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients with CKD is associated with lower mortality and reduced risk of cardiac events. The study challenges the dominant practice of offering medical management instead of invasive therapy for this population.
Chronic kidney disease and glaucoma have been found to share common risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension, leading to a higher risk of developing both conditions. The study also reveals that patients with glaucoma are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease over time.
A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...
A new algorithm can analyze thousands of genomic variants to estimate a person's risk of developing chronic kidney disease, with the highest scores indicating tripled risk compared to the general population. Early detection may prevent many cases of kidney failure and reduce the need for transplant or dialysis.
A study found that US adults receiving hemodialysis with high air pollution exposure have more heart attacks and strokes compared to those with low exposure. The strongest associations were noted among patients who were Asian, older, or had chronic lung disease at dialysis initiation.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine may be essential for kidney transplant patients in Japan to prevent severe disease and infection. Researchers found that only a third of patients developed sufficient antibodies after two doses, highlighting the need for additional protection.
A recent study published in Kidney International Reports reveals that consuming at least one cup of coffee per day may reduce the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) by 15%. The largest reductions were observed in individuals who drank two to three cups of coffee daily, with a 22% lower risk.
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified blood biomarkers predicting heart disease in lupus patients and urine biomarkers for diagnosing kidney inflammation in children with lupus. These findings hold promise for early preventive measures and improved treatment outcomes.
A University of Queensland-led study found that millions of COVID-19 patients may have undiagnosed acute kidney injury (AKI), which can lead to serious illness or death. The true AKI diagnosis rates are likely double existing data, highlighting the need for improved detection and management strategies.
Patients with primary glomerular diseases have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events, including coronary artery disease and stroke. The study found that inclusion of kidney-specific risk factors improved the prediction of cardiovascular events.
Scientists have discovered that certain metals found in people's urine could be potentially useful clinical biomarkers for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI). The study, which was led by experts from the University of Nottingham, found that concentrations of these metals rose in urine within an hour after cardiac surgery ...
Researchers at Kyoto University identify a distinct subpopulation of fibroblasts responsible for producing the hormone erythropoietin (Epo), which stimulates red blood cell production. This discovery provides insight into renal anemia and may lead to novel treatment methods for patients with chronic kidney disease.
A recent study published in CJASN found that SGLT-2 inhibitors were not associated with an increased risk of fractures in adults with chronic kidney disease, regardless of their kidney function. The study included over 38,000 new users of the medications and compared them to those prescribed a different diabetes medication.
A study found that patients with IgD multiple myeloma have a worse prognosis than other types, with higher mortality rates and more kidney damage. The rare blood cancer produces excessive light chains that can damage the kidneys if left untreated.
A protocol-based potassium supplementation strategy resulted in a longer time to the first peritonitis episode and a lower hazard ratio of peritonitis compared to reactive supplementation. This approach also improved PD-related outcomes by significantly reducing the risk of peritonitis.
A large randomized controlled trial found that treatment with methylprednisolone reduces the risk of kidney function loss and failure in patients with IgA nephropathy. The study's results suggest a lower dose regimen may be effective while minimizing side effects.
A large study has found six predictors that can help determine the optimal lithium dose for patients with bipolar disorder. The predictors include age, sex, kidney function, and medication use. The researchers hope to develop a digital app to aid psychiatrists in finding the right dose.
A qualitative study of Black veterans with chronic kidney disease reveals feelings of anger and resentment towards racist encounters in healthcare. Participants expressed a strong sense of distrust in the healthcare system, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action to address racism.
Researchers created human mini-kidneys that mimic diabetic kidneys, finding increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and a critical role for the ACE2 receptor. The study provides new insights into the link between diabetes and COVID-19 disease.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that combining diuretics and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors with ibuprofen can lead to acute kidney injury in people with certain medical profiles. The combination may be a 'triple whammy' that exacerbates dehydration, which is a major factor in acute kidney injury.
Researchers have identified potential biomarkers in lupus nephritis through large-scale protein analysis, which may replace invasive tests. The study's findings could lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
State bans on affirmative action policies are associated with lower enrollment of underrepresented minority students in public medical schools. The study found a 5.5 percentage point decrease in enrollment of underrepresented students relative to control schools.
A team of researchers has identified two transcription factors, AP-2α and AP-2β, that regulate distinct segments of the distal nephron in the mammalian kidney. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying urinary concentration and its implications for treating kidney diseases.
A new study by the Mayo Clinic confirms that living kidney donor surgery via laparoscopic surgery is low-risk for most patients, with only 2.5% experiencing major complications. The study tracked over 3,000 donors and found that most complications occurred after discharge.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, can directly infect and damage specific types of kidney cells. The virus hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate, leading to structural damage and increased production of viral particles.