ASN Press Releases: 2020
Latest Release: RESEARCHERS SET THE STAGE TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF LIVING KIDNEY DONOR EVALUATIONS
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Certain indicators may be used to monitor and improve the performance of transplant centers in how efficiently they evaluate individuals interested in becoming living kidney donors.
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- STUDY REVEALS BENEFITS FROM VA PAYMENT REFORMS FOR DIALYSIS
Over the last decade, the Department of Veterans Affairs implemented payment changes to reduce spending on community dialysis treatments and to improve access to care for Veterans with kidney failure. The changes led to reduced costs for dialysis sessions and less variation in payments for dialysis. The changes led to improved access to dialysis care without change in the quality of that care.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020 - KIDNEY DAMAGE FROM COVID-19 LINKED TO HIGHER RISK OF IN-HOSPITAL DEATH
In an analysis of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, kidney damage associated with the infectious disease was linked with a higher risk of dying during hospitalization.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 - Nationwide Kidney Risk Campaign Relaunches by National Kidney Foundation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and American Society of Nephrology Are you the 33%?
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is joining forces with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), and actor, activist and entrepreneur Wilmer Valderrama to reach the 1 in 3 American adults at risk for kidney disease. "Are You the 33%?" is a nationwide public awareness campaign relaunching today timed for Hispanic Heritage Month. The campaign, originally launched in March 2020, was paused due to the national pandemic and will run through March 2021.
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 - GENETIC TESTING FOR KIDNEY DISEASES IN EMBRYOS FROM IN VITRO FERTILIZATION Analysis provides insights on 25-year trends
A recent analysis examines data from over the past 25 years concerning couples' use of genetic testing for kidney diseases in embryos from in vitro fertilization. The analysis provides the first report on the types of genetic kidney diseases tested in this way, how often these tests result in live births of unaffected children, and what reasons couples cite for not undergoing testing.
Thursday, August 27, 2020 - DO PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS BENEFIT FROM ROUTINE ASSESSMENTS OF THEIR SYMPTOMS?
An assessment of symptoms that was incorporated into routine care for patients undergoing hemodialysis successfully standardized symptom screening processes, improved patient and provider symptom awareness, and empowered patients to raise issues with providers. There was little, if any, improvement in the metrics used to assess symptom management, communication between patients and providers, and communication among different types of clinicians.
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 - STUDY UNCOVERS RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN FLU VACCINATION RATES AMONG U.S. DIALYSIS FACILITIES
Among US patients undergoing dialysis, those visiting dialysis facilities with higher proportions of minorities are less likely to be vaccinated against influenza, and the disparity seems to be increasing.
Thursday, August 13, 2020 - COULD A URINE TEST HELP ASSESS ASPECTS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS?
Studies conducted in mouse models, patients with cystic fibrosis, and different types of cells have helped to define how cystic fibrosis affects the kidneys. A urine test may help to assess aspects of cystic fibrosis in patients, which may be useful for testing the effectiveness of new medications.
Thursday, July 23, 2020 - HHS AND THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF $3 MILLION KIDNEYX REDESIGN DIALYSIS PHASE 2 PRIZE COMPETITION AT KIDNEYX SUMMIT
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) announced the six winners of the $3 million KidneyX: Redesign Dialysis Phase 2 competition during the virtual KidneyX Summit. Each recipient will receive $500,000, recognizing the transformative work and creativity these innovators have brought to reimagining dialysis care.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 - AIR POLLUTION FROM WILDFIRES LINKED TO HIGHER DEATH RATES IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY FAILURE
Exposure to higher amounts of fine particulate air pollution was associated with higher death rates among patients with kidney failure.
Thursday, July 16, 2020 - COVID-19 IN PATIENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS OR ARE UNDERGOING DIALYSIS
A recent study found that most kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 do not need to be hospitalized. Another study found that patients on dialysis who develop COVID-19 may have symptoms that are different from other patients with the infectious disease.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020 - KIDNEYCURE ANNOUNCES 2020 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Kidney diseases affect more than 850 million people worldwide. KidneyCure continues to propel positive change in public health, once again funding more than $3 million to support research that changes lives. This year's grant recipients, among the best and the brightest in the field, bring energy, innovation and expertise to areas undergoing rapid change: acute kidney injury and repair, home dialysis, and post-transplant care.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 - SHOULD PHYSICIANS RETHINK TERMS USED TO DESCRIBE KIDNEY HEALTH?
A new study has found that common terms used by physicians to describe kidney health may be distressing or too difficult to understand for patients with kidney disease.
Thursday, June 25, 2020 - HOW DOES THE ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD AFFECT PHYSICIAN EDUCATION?
Physicians who are training to become kidney specialists reported that the electronic medical record enhances their education, but the time demands of data and order entry can be a downside.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 - KIDNEY HEALTH INITIATIVE URGES INVESTIGATORS TO INCLUDE PEOPLE WITH KIDNEY DISEASES IN CLINICAL TRIALS FOR CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19) THERAPIES
Clinical trials often exclude people with kidney diseases. This practice could have significant consequences, if continued, during the Coronavirus – 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and for the 37 million Americans with kidney diseases who are at high risk of severe disease.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020 - MANY PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY FAILURE REGRET INITIATING DIALYSIS
In a study of adults with kidney failure treated with dialysis, 21% of patients reported regret that they decided to initiate dialysis. Certain factors were linked with a higher likelihood of experiencing regret.
Thursday, June 4, 2020 - INEQUITIES IN ACCESS TO KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION EXIST EVEN WITH UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE
In a study of patients with newly diagnosed kidney failure at 71 kidney centers in the UK, older age, additional illnesses, obesity, and lower socioeconomic status were associated with a lower likelihood of being put on transplant waiting list.
Thursday, May 28, 2020 - KIDNEY HEALTH INITIATIVE URGES THE ACCELERATION OF HOME THERAPY TECHNOLOGY IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19)
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the vulnerability of people with kidney failure who rely on in-center hemodialysis. People with kidney failure are at high risk of severe COVID-19 complications and are exposed to infection due to a kidney replacement therapy process that requires traveling to a dialysis facility multiple times a week.
Thursday, May 28, 2020 - SEDATIVE DRUG IN COMBINATION WITH OPIOIDS MAY BE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS
In an analysis of information on US adults initiating hemodialysis, 16% of patients were dispensed a short-acting benzodiazepine, and approximately one-quarter of these patients were also dispensed opioids. Among patients with an opioid prescription, being dispensed a short-acting benzodiazepine had a 1.9-fold higher risk of dying over a median follow-up of 16 months compared with patients without a short-acting benzodiazepine.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 - CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS LINKED WITH POOR KIDNEY HEALTH
In an analysis of blood and urine samples from 46,748 US adults, elevated levels of 7 environmental chemicals were associated with markers of kidney disease.
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Nation's Largest Kidney Patient and Professional Organizations Urge Action to Protect Patients During Reopening
The National Kidney Foundation and American Society of Nephrology join to advance the unique needs of kidney patients during COVID-19
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - STUDY EXAMINES FACTORS AFFECTING RACIAL DISPARITIES BEFORE KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
Among adults with kidney failure who were referred for transplantation, 60% of black and 66% of white patients were waitlisted within the first year. Differences in socioeconomic status and comorbidities between black and white patients could explain up to 58% of the disparity in listing. Fewer black patients on transplant wait lists received transplants compared with white patients, but differences in socioeconomic status and comorbidities did not explain this disparity.
Thursday, May 7, 2020 - WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO PATIENTS WITH GLOMERULAR DISEASE AND THEIR CAREGIVERS?
When considering treatments, patients with glomerular disease and their caregivers gave highest priority to the health outcomes of kidney function, mortality, and need for dialysis or transplant. They also highly prioritized patient-reported outcomes such as life participation and fatigue that are not typically reported in clinical trials.
Thursday, April 30, 2020 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY PROVIDES INSIGHTS ON COVID-19 AND KIDNEY DISEASE
The American Society of Nephrology has launched several initiatives to provide guidance on COVID-19 as it relates to the care of patients with kidney disease.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 - INSIGHTS FROM AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Two studies examine potential benefits of blood pressure monitoring outside of doctors' offices for patients with kidney disease.
Thursday, March 26, 2020 - DOES PATIENT'S DISTANCE TO TRANSPLANT CENTERS AFFECT LIKELIHOOD OF BEING CONSIDERED FOR TRANSPLANTATION?
In an analysis of information on adults who began treatment for kidney failure at any Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina dialysis facility, the distance from a patient's residence to the nearest transplant center did not appear to affect the likelihood of transplant-related referrals and evaluations.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - KIDNEY HEALTH INITIATIVE COMPLETES PROJECT FOCUSED ON CLINICAL TRIAL END POINTS FOR PRIMARY HYPEROXALURIA
Available evidence supports the use of marked changes in urine oxalate in CKD stages 1-3a and plasma oxalate in CKD stages 3b-5 as surrogate end points for clinical trials in primary hyperoxaluria. Worsening kidney function is considered an acceptable clinical trial end point; however in many patients with primary hyperoxaluria, kidney function is not lost at a rapid rate until very advanced stages of disease. Kidney stones are clinically meaningful, though lack sufficient standards for measurement and monitoring. Their role as a feasible clinical end point should be reconsidered as more data becomes available.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 - EARLY BLOOD MARKER MAY PREDICT FUTURE RISK OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANT FAILURE
In a study of kidney transplant recipients, the composition of certain immune cells in the blood 1 year after kidney transplantation was linked with a patient's subsequent risk of kidney transplant failure.
Thursday, March 12, 2020 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT NAMED PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF MEDICAL SPECIALTY SOCIETIES
Tod Ibrahim will lead board of forum representing more than 800,000 physicians.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 - Nationwide Kidney Risk Campaign Launched by National Kidney Foundation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and American Society of Nephrology Are you the 33%?
Society of Nephrology Are you the 33%? March 2, 2020, New York, NY — The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is joining forces with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), and actor Wilmer Valderrama to reach the 1 in 3 American adults at risk for kidney disease. "Are You the 33%?" is nationwide public awareness campaign launching today for National Kidney Month.
Monday, March 2, 2020 - FINE PARTICLE AIR POLLUTION LINKED WITH POOR KIDNEY HEALTH
Exposure to higher amounts of fine particulate matter air pollution was associated with a higher degree of albuminuria—a marker of kidney dysfunction—as well as a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease over time.
Thursday, February 27, 2020 - RACIAL/ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN STROKE-PREVENTION AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING DIALYSIS Study reveals that minorities are less likely to fill prescriptions for blood thinners
Among patients with kidney failure and atrial fibrillation, Black, Hispanic White, and Asian patients filled prescriptions of stroke-preventive medications less often than non-Hispanic White patients, and they were more likely to experience stroke. Equalizing the distribution of these medications would prevent 7%–12% of the stroke disparity among racial/ethnic minorities.
Thursday, February 20, 2020 - LOWER INCOME LINKED TO CERTAIN KIDNEY DISEASES
Researchers observed incremental increases in the incidence of 2 types of kidney disease—lupus nephritis and ANCA-related glomerulonephritis—with increasingly lower income.
Thursday, February 20, 2020 - HOW USEFUL ARE CURRENT TOOLS THAT ASSESS THE QUALITY OF KIDNEY-RELATED CARE IN THE U.S.?
This study examined the validity of national quality measures used to assess the quality of kidney-related care in the United States. Of 60 existing quality metrics related to kidney care, only half were rated as highly valid.
Thursday, February 13, 2020 - STUDY REVEALS IMPROVED SURVIVAL AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION DURING CHILDHOOD
Survival after kidney transplantation during childhood has improved over the last 40 years in Australia. Survival rates improved primality due to decreases in deaths from cardiovascular disease and infection.
Thursday, February 13, 2020 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY BRIEFING ON KIDNEYX: ACCELERATING THE FUTURE OF KIDNEY CARE
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY BRIEFING ON KIDNEYX: ACCELERATING THE FUTURE OF KIDNEY CARE
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 - STUDY EXAMINES QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE IN INDIA Even early stages of the disease can have negative impacts on mental and physical health.
Between 15 and 22 out of every 100 patients in India with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease had significant impairment in at least 1 of the 5 domains of quality of life. Quality of life scores were associated with sociodemographic factors (lower income, poor education, and female gender), with almost no major impact of medical- or disease-related variables.
Thursday, January 30, 2020 - KIDNEY PAIRED DONATION IS AN EXCELLENT OPTION FOR TRANSPLANT CANDIDATES
An analysis compared transplant recipients who received kidneys through national kidney paired donation and those who received kidneys from other living donors (such as relatives, friends or other paired exchange mechanisms). Despite a higher number of risk factors for poor outcomes in the kidney paired donation group, recipients in the two groups had similar rates of organ failure and mortality over a median follow-up of 3.7 years.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020 - KIDNEY STRUCTURAL FEATURES FROM LIVING DONORS PREDICT TRANSPLANT FAILURE IN RECIPIENTS
Subtle structural features of donated kidneys—which were observed through biopsies taken at the time of donation—were associated with the longevity of organs after they were transplanted.
Thursday, January 23, 2020 - STUDY EXAMINES RELIABILITY OF BIOPSIES FROM DONATED KIDNEYS PRIOR TO TRANSPLANTATION
In analyses of biopsies of deceased donor kidneys, a repeat biopsy often showed very different findings than the initial biopsy, calling into question decisions to decline an organ based on the initial biopsy findings. Although the first biopsy findings were not associated with post-transplant outcomes, findings from the second biopsies—which were performed in a relatively standardized manner at one organ procurement organization and read by the same group of pathologists—provided useful information about how well the organ functioned after transplantation.
Thursday, January 23, 2020 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY DEVELOPS KIDNEY CARE FIRST MODEL CALCULATOR FOR NEPHROLOGY PRACTICES
Calculator will help practices evaluate possible performance in new voluntary payment program.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 - HEART DISEASE LINKED TO A HIGHER RISK OF KIDNEY FAILURE
HEART DISEASE LINKED TO A HIGHER RISK OF KIDNEY FAILURE
Thursday, January 9, 2020 - HOW DO OUTCOMES FOR IN-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST DIFFER IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH LONG-TERM DIALYSIS?
How Do Outcomes for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Differ in Patients Treated with Long-Term Dialysis?
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 - HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUG COVERAGE, A KEY LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
Legislation would extend coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 - MEDITERRANEAN DIET MAY HELP PRESERVE THE KIDNEY HEALTH OF TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
Mediterranean Diet May Help Preserve The Kidney Health of Transplant Recipients
Thursday, January 2, 2020 - KIDNEY HEALTH INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Today, seven new members were named to the Kidney Health Initiative (KHI) Board of Directors. KHI is a public-private partnership between the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Thursday, January 2, 2020
