ASN Press Releases: 2017 Archives
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- CLINICAL TRIAL DOES NOT SUPPORT THE USE OF BORTEZOMIB FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
• In a trial of kidney transplant recipients with late antibody-mediated rejection, treatment with bortezomib, a type of proteasome inhibitor, failed to improve the function of transplanted kidneys and prevent immunologic tissue injury. • Bortezomib treatment was also linked with gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicity.
Thursday, December 14, 2017 - SURVIVAL RATES ARE IMPROVING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH KIDNEY FAILURE
• In the United States, the excess risk of kidney failure–related death decreased by 12% to 27% over any 5-year interval between 1995 and 2013. • Decreases in excess mortality over time were observed for all ages and both during treatment with dialysis and during time with a functioning kidney transplant.
Thursday, December 14, 2017 - ASN PARTNERS WITH VA CENTER FOR INNOVATION ON MY KIDNEY NUTRITION APP FEATURES CHALLENGE
Around 17% of American adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the rate of prevalence is higher for US Veterans. CKD, if not treated appropriately, can ultimately lead to kidney failure requiring either dialysis or a transplant.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - MANY DONOR KIDNEYS THAT ARE DISCARDED MAY BE SUITABLE FOR TRANSPLANTATION
• In an analysis of pairs of kidneys from the same donor in which 1 kidney was used but the other was discarded, the kidneys that were used tended to perform well. • The majority of discarded kidneys could have potentially been transplanted with good outcomes.
Thursday, December 7, 2017 - STUDY PROVIDES INSIGHTS ON IMMUNE CELLS INVOLVED IN KIDNEY DISEASE
• New research indicates that the role of dendritic cells in kidney inflammation is more complex than previously thought. Different types of dendritic cells communicate with each other to control the magnitude of the immune response. • The findings may lead to a better understanding of various types of kidney disease.
Thursday, December 7, 2017 - STUDY IDENTIFIES GENES INVOLVED IN TOLERANCE FOLLOWING KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
• In tissue samples from patients who received kidney transplants without the need for chronic immunosuppression, researchers found increased expression of many genes associated with the regulation of certain immune cells. • The findings provide an improved understanding of transplant organ acceptance and rejection.
Thursday, November 30, 2017 - AIR POLLUTION CAUSES MILLIONS OF CASES OF KIDNEY DISEASE EACH YEAR
The estimated global burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to fine particulate matter is more than 10.7 million cases per year.
Saturday, November 4, 2017 - NOVEL TREATMENT MAY BENEFIT PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC ACIDOSIS AND KIDNEY DISEASE
A new study demonstrated that TRC101, a hydrochloric acid binder for the treatment of metabolic acidosis associated with chronic kidney disease, provided a rapid and sustained average increase in serum bicarbonate.
Saturday, November 4, 2017 - A HISTORY OF KIDNEY STONES MAY CONTRIBUTE TO CERTAIN COMPLICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY
In young women, a history of kidney stones was associated with metabolic and hypertensive complications.
Saturday, November 4, 2017 - VA PATIENTS FACE DISPARITIES IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
From 2004 to 2016, VA patients had lower rates of transplantation compared with patients with Medicare or private insurance. VA patients also had a higher rate of mortality on the waiting list compared with privately insured patients.
Saturday, November 4, 2017 - REFLUX MEDICATIONS LINKED TO CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND KIDNEY FAILURE
In an analysis of published studies, individuals who used proton pump inhibitors had a 33% increased relative risk of developing chronic kidney disease or kidney failure when compared with non-users.
Saturday, November 4, 2017 - STUDY FINDS RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN LINK BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND EARLY DEATH IN KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS
In white patients with chronic kidney disease, those with depressive symptoms had a higher risk of early death than those without depressive symptoms. This risk was much lower after accounting for use of anti-depressants, however. In black patients, the presence of depressive symptoms was not linked to risk of death.
Saturday, November 4, 2017 - MARK D. OKUSA ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the world's largest organization of kidney health professionals, has elected Mark D. Okusa, MD, FASN, as the next ASN President. Dr. Okusa officially assumes his role as ASN President during the society's annual meeting, ASN Kidney Week 2017, the largest gathering of kidney care specialists in the world, and will begin his term on January 1, 2018
Saturday, November 4, 2017 - IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS, GREATER BLOOD PRESSURE DROPS MAY HARM THE KIDNEYS
In patients treated for hypertension, greater reductions in mean blood pressure were linked with reduced kidney function.
Friday, November 3, 2017 - NON-MEDICAL FACTORS AFFECT RACIAL DISPARITIES IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT WAIT-LISTING
In a recent analysis, African American patients were less likely to be wait-listed than White patients. This difference was influenced by factors including age, comorbidities, socio-economic status, being on dialysis, having a living donor, transplant knowledge, and social support.
Friday, November 3, 2017 - CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION MAY HELP KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS LIVE LONGER
In patients with chronic kidney disease, there was a dose-dependent inverse association between caffeine consumption and early death.
Friday, November 3, 2017 - NIGHTTIME BLOOD PRESSURE MAY PREDICT RISK OF KIDNEY FAILURE IN CHILDREN WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Among children with impaired kidney function, those with high blood pressure at night experienced a faster time to kidney failure than children with normal blood pressure. This decline was even more pronounced in patients with high blood pressure during both day and night when compared with children with normal blood pressure.
Friday, November 3, 2017 - INSOMNIA LINKED WITH EARLY DEATH AND KIDNEY DYSFUNCTION
Insomnia was linked with increased risks of early death, rapid kidney function decline, and kidney failure in a group of US veterans.
Friday, November 3, 2017 - RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY POTENTIAL AUTOANTIGEN IN AGGRESSIVE FORM OF KIDNEY DISEASE
• A particular protein is found in abundance in the kidneys of patients with an aggressive form of kidney disease called fibrillary glomerulonephritis. The discovery may improve diagnosis, and eventually, treatment. • The protein was identified by two research groups, working independently.
Thursday, November 2, 2017 - ADVOCATES IN FIGHT AGAINST KIDNEY DISEASES RECEIVE ASN PRESIDENT'S MEDAL AT KIDNEY WEEK 2017
Two longtime advocates for the 40 million Americans affected by kidney diseases recently received national recognition from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) during Kidney Week 2017 for ongoing efforts in the fight to end this serious public health crisis.
Thursday, November 2, 2017 - THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY HONORS LEADERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST KIDNEY DISEASES
• Five leaders in the kidney health community are being honored by the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the world's largest organization of kidney disease specialists. • The award winners will be honored at ASN Kidney Week, the world's premier nephrology meeting where more than 13,000 kidney health professionals from around the world will gather in New Orleans, LA from October 31–November 5.
Monday, October 30, 2017 - KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION MAY PROLONG THE SURVIVAL OF PATIENTS ON LONG-TERM DIALYSIS
• In a recent analysis of individuals on dialysis for at least 10 years, those who then received a kidney transplant lived longer than those who stayed on dialysis. • Transplant recipients were at higher risk of death for 180 days after transplantation, however, and they did not derive survival benefit until 657 days after transplantation.
Thursday, October 26, 2017 - ASN AND KERYX BIOPHARMACEUTICALS TEAM UP TO FUND KIDNEY CAREER DEVELOPMENT GRANT
• Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. has committed to contributing $1 million over five years to the ASN Foundation for Kidney Research Securing the Future Campaign • ASN has matched the donation to endow a Career Development Grant named for Joseph V. Bonventre, MD, PhD, FASN, Chief of the Division of Renal Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA
Tuesday, October 24, 2017 - GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY REPORT FINDS IMPROVING JOB OUTLOOK FOR NEW NEPHROLOGISTS
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the world's largest organization of kidney health professionals, released a new analysis of the future nephrology workforce, authored by George Washington University (GW) researchers. • GW details an improved job market for new nephrologists, although international medical graduates still face employment challenges. The report noted that lifestyle concerns are important to fellows and may be discouraging applicants to the specialty. More than 40 million Americans have kidney diseases, the 9th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Monday, October 23, 2017 - WHICH FACTORS ARE LINKED WITH WELLBEING AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH KIDNEY FAILURE?
In a study of young adults with kidney failure, poor wellbeing and lower medication adherence were both associated with psychological morbidity. Dialysis treatment (vs. kidney transplantation) was associated with poorer wellbeing and medication adherence.
Thursday, October 19, 2017 - WHICH FACTORS ARE LINKED WITH WELLBEING AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH KIDNEY FAILURE?
In a study of young adults with kidney failure, poor wellbeing and lower medication adherence were both associated with psychological morbidity. Dialysis treatment (vs. kidney transplantation) was associated with poorer wellbeing and medication adherence.
Thursday, October 19, 2017 - STUDY REVEALS HIGH HEALTHCARE COSTS LINKED WITH ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY
• In a study of hospitalized patients in Canada, the mildest forms of acute kidney injury (AKI) resulted in adjusted costs that were 1.2 to 1.3 times greater than those for patients without AKI. • More severe AKI were associated with costs that were 1.8 to 2.5 times greater. • The incremental cost of AKI in Canada was estimated to be more than $200 million (Canadian dollars) per year.
Thursday, October 19, 2017 - KIDNEY FAILURE'S EFFECTS ON THE PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE OF YOUNG ADULTS
• Compared with healthy peers, young adults with kidney failure needing renal replacement therapy had lower quality of life, worse for dialysis patients compared with transplant patients. • Young adults on renal replacement therapy were more likely to be unemployed and to live in the family home, and they were less likely to be married or have a partner.
Thursday, October 19, 2017 - FEW PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY RECEIVE RECOMMENDED FOLLOW-UP CARE
Most surveyed Canadian kidney specialists recommended follow-up kidney evaluations for the majority of patients hospitalized with acute kidney injury. • Real-world practice showed that only a minority of such patients in Alberta currently receive follow-up with a kidney specialist. Approximately 500 of every 100,000 adults are hospitalized with acute kidney injury each year in North America.
Thursday, October 19, 2017 - WHICH FACTORS ARE LINKED WITH WELLBEING AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH KIDNEY FAILURE?
In a study of young adults with kidney failure, poor wellbeing and lower medication adherence were both associated with psychological morbidity. Dialysis treatment (vs. kidney transplantation) was associated with poorer wellbeing and medication adherence.
Thursday, October 19, 2017 - CLINICAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY (CJASN) ANNOUNCES PATIENT VOICE INITIATIVE
Patient perspectives are often not considered by researchers and health care providers when making decisions that are inevitably going to influence the health and well-being of patients.
Thursday, October 19, 2017 - FEW PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY RECEIVE RECOMMENDED FOLLOW-UP CARE
Most surveyed Canadian kidney specialists recommended follow-up kidney evaluations for the majority of patients hospitalized with acute kidney injury. Real-world practice showed that only a minority of such patients in Alberta currently receive follow-up with a kidney specialist.
Thursday, October 12, 2017 - STUDY OFFERS INSIGHTS ON HOW TO DECREASE THE DISCARD RATE OF DONATED ORGANS
From 2008-2015, the number of kidneys donated after circulatory death that were obtained by the country's 58 donor service areas varied substantially. The outcomes associated with these organs were generally excellent. The use of these organs could be increased if "cold ischemia times" are limited.
Thursday, October 5, 2017 - WHY ARE MANY DIALYSIS PATIENTS READMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL SOON AFTER DISCHARGE?
Among hemodialysis patients admitted to the hospital, nearly a quarter of admissions were followed by an unplanned readmission within 30 days. Most readmissions were for a diagnosis different than the one for the initial hospitalization. A small proportion of patients accounted for a disproportionate number of readmissions.
Thursday, September 28, 2017 - Statement by Eleanor D. Lederer, MD, FASN, President, the American Society of Nephrology, Opposing the Graham-Cassidy Proposal
American Society of Nephrology (ASN) President Eleanor D. Lederer, MD, FASN, released the following statement today regarding the US Senate's consideration of the Graham-Cassidy health care proposal
Monday, September 25, 2017 - STUDY REVEALS HIGH RATES OF OPIOID PRESCRIPTIONS AND EXCESSIVE DOSING IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS
From 2006 to 2010, almost two thirds of US dialysis patients received at least one opioid prescription every year and >20% received chronic prescriptions. More than 25% of dialysis patients using opioids received doses exceeding recommendations Use of opioid medications was linked with higher risks of early death, discontinuation of dialysis, and the need for hospitalization in dialysis patients. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a clinical guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain.
Thursday, September 21, 2017 - AIR POLLUTION MAY HAVE DAMAGING EFFECTS ON THE KIDNEYS
In a study of US veterans, researchers found a linear relationship between air pollution levels and risk of experiencing kidney function decline and of developing kidney disease or kidney failure. Air quality remains suboptimal in many parts of the United States and in multiple regions around the world.
Thursday, September 21, 2017 - ASN and Advocates from 21 Other Health Care Organizations are on Capitol Hill Urging Congress to Support Kidney Disease Research and the Living Donor Protection Act
Advocates from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and the 21 other health care organizations listed below are meeting with their representatives and senators today. They will urge Congress to continue its historic support of research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and to cosponsor and pass the Living Donor Protection Act (H.R. 1270), no-cost legislation to eliminate barriers to living donation and increase access to transplants.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017 - IMPAIRED SLEEP MAY HAVE SERIOUS HEALTH CONSEQUENCES FOR KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS
• In individuals with chronic kidney disease, high sleep fragmentation was associated with an elevated risk of developing kidney failure. • Higher sleep fragmentation and shorter sleep duration were each linked with steeper declines in kidney function over time. • Subjectively measured daytime sleepiness was associated with an increased risk of early death from any cause.
Thursday, September 14, 2017 - HCV TREATMENT FOUND SAFE AND EFFECTIVE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
• In patients with chronic kidney disease and Hepatitis C virus infection, sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral therapy was safe and effective. • Patients with stage 3 kidney disease who were cured of infection experienced an improvement in their kidney function following treatment.
Thursday, September 7, 2017 - NEW FINDINGS MAY HELP PROTECT THE KIDNEY HEALTH OF INDIVIDUALS WITH OBESITY
• A particular receptor in kidney cells plays an important role in obesity-induced fat accumulation, dysfunction, injury, inflammation, and scarring in the kidney. • The receptor acts through a certain signaling pathway. • Targeting this receptor or the signaling pathway may help protect the kidneys of individuals who develop obesity. Structural and functional changes in the kidneys develop early in the course of obesity.
Thursday, August 31, 2017 - ASN Supports Hurricane Harvey Kidney Patient Relief Efforts
As Houston area residents fight to survive Hurricane Harvey's flood waters and wreckage, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) joins efforts by the American Kidney Fund (AKF) and the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) coalition to provide continuity of care for displaced kidney dialysis patients in need of treatment.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017 - CANCER DRUG MAY BENEFIT PATIENTS WITH INHERITED FORM OF KIDNEY DISEASE
A tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of certain cases of chronic myeloid leukemia slowed cyst growth in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Thursday, August 24, 2017 - STUDY EXAMINES WHETHER MARIJUANA AFFECTS KIDNEY FUNCTION
In a recent study of healthy young adults, marijuana use was not associated with change in kidney function over time or the appearance of albumin in the urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. Additional studies are needed to assess the effects of marijuana in older adults and patients with kidney disease.
Thursday, August 24, 2017 - REDUCED KIDNEY FUNCTION LINKED TO AN INCREASED RISK OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS
In a new study, individuals with poor kidney function had an increased risk of developing community-acquired infections. The relative proportion of lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and sepsis became increasingly higher as kidney function decreased.
Thursday, August 17, 2017 - WHAT'S THE BEST STRATEGY TO INCREASE LIVING KIDNEY DONATION?
There are very few high quality studies on strategies to increase living kidney donation. From the limited data available, educational interventions directed at potential recipients and their social networks are the most promising.
Thursday, August 17, 2017 - ATRIAL FIBRILLATION RISK RISES WITH DECREASING KIDNEY FUNCTION
Investigators observed a step-wise increase in the risk of atrial fibrillation with decreasing kidney function. Compared with patients without kidney disease, those with severe kidney disease had a two-fold higher risk for developing atrial fibrillation.. This link held even after accounting for a range of possible contributors, including measures of cardiovascular health, and it was consistent across subgroups of participants. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation has increased over time among patients with kidney failure.
Thursday, August 10, 2017 - SMELL LOSS MAY CONTRIBUTE TO MALNUTRITION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
A new study indicates that many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have some degree of smell loss, and that impairments in patients’ ability to smell are linked with worse nutritional status. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN), are significant because malnutrition is a well-known complication of CKD, and it can contribute to poor quality of life, poor overall health, and even premature death.
Thursday, August 3, 2017 - US TRANSPLANT CENTERS FREQUENTLY REFUSE DECEASED DONOR KIDNEYS
From 2007-2012, deceased donor kidneys in the United States were offered a median of 7 times before finally being accepted for transplantation. • Such refusals may have contributed to racial and ethnic disparities that exist in access to transplantation in the United States. More than 100,000 people are on the kidney transplant waiting list in the United States.
Thursday, July 27, 2017 - PATIENTS MAY BE AT RISK AFTER DISCHARGE FROM THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT WITH ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY
A new study indicates that patients discharged from the emergency department with acute kidney injury (AKI) remain at an increased risk of dying within 30 days. The findings appear in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN).
Thursday, July 20, 2017 - DETAILED ANALYSIS OF DONOR-RECIPIENT TISSUE MISMATCH MAY HELP PERSONALIZE TREATMENT AFTER TRANSPLANTATION
Researchers have found that a detailed examination of the degree of tissue type mismatch between donors and recipients can help determine how much medication an individual recipient will need after transplantation. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN), may help guide transplant physicians in choosing the appropriate doses for individual patients.
Thursday, July 20, 2017 - STUDY PROVIDES INSIGHTS ON PREECLAMPSIA
A new study indicates that patients discharged from the emergency department with acute kidney injury (AKI) remain at an increased risk of dying within 30 days. The findings appear in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN).
Thursday, July 20, 2017 - POOR THYROID FUNCTION MAY AFFECT DIALYSIS PATIENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE AND DAILY LIVING
In hemodialysis patients, hypothyroidism was linked with impairments across multiple areas of health-related quality of life, including lower energy and greater fatigue, poorer physical function, and greater pain.
Thursday, July 13, 2017 - BIOPSY TESTS MAY LEAD TO INAPPROPRIATE DISCARDS OF DONATED KIDNEYS
Kidney biopsy results had no impact on the function of kidneys transplanted from living donors. Outcomes following kidney transplantation using deceased donor kidneys were influenced by biopsy findings; however, even transplantation with kidneys with the worst biopsy findings would result in 5 additional years of life for a patient compared with remaining on dialysis. Most deceased donor kidneys with suboptimal biopsy results were still functioning 5 years after transplantation
Thursday, July 6, 2017 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY FOUNDATION FOR KIDNEY RESEARCH ANNOUNCES 2017 GRANT RECIPIENTS
• The ASN Foundation for Kidney Research announced the 2017 recipients of research grants to advance new understandings of—and treatments for—kidney diseases. • The Foundation will fund 40 leading researchers working to cure kidney diseases. These include 20 new projects and 20 others continuing from 2016. • Established in 2012 by the American Society of Nephrology, the Foundation funds research that improves the health of the more than 20 million Americans burdened by kidney diseases, the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.
Thursday, July 6, 2017 - CATHETERS LINKED TO MOST BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS
Most bloodstream infections in dialysis patients continue to occur in those with central venous catheters used to access their blood. The findings come from 2014 data from US dialysis facilities. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated pathogen that caused bloodstream infections, and in many cases they were antibiotic-resistant.
Thursday, June 29, 2017 - Statement of Eleanor D. Lederer, MD, FASN, President, the American Society of Nephrology, on the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) believes the Better Care Reconciliation Act’s passage would negatively impact millions of patients. ASN has written to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer to express its concerns.
Monday, June 26, 2017 - INTENSIVE BLOOD PRESSURE LOWERING BENEFITS PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
In individuals with chronic kidney disease, targeting a systolic blood pressure to <120 mm Hg resulted in lower risks of cardiovascular events and premature death, compared with standard targeting to <140 mm Hg. There was a slightly faster decline in kidney function in the intensive group, but no increase in rates of kidney failure or serious adverse events. Washington, DC (June 22, 2017) — Results from a recent clinical trial indicate that intensive blood pressure lowering reduces chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients’ risks of
Thursday, June 22, 2017 - Josephine P. Briggs, MD, to Lead the Journal of American Society of Nephrology’s Incoming Editorial Team
Josephine P. Briggs, MD, begins her term on January 1, 2018 as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of American Society of Nephrology (JASN), considered the leading specialty journal in nephrology.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 - CALCULATOR ESTIMATES SUCCESS OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS INVOLVING PARTICULAR DONOR-RECIPIENT PAIRS
A new calculator estimates the likelihood that a given patient who receives a kidney transplant from a particular living donor will maintain a functioning kidney. The calculator may be especially useful for kidney paired donation.
Thursday, June 8, 2017 - Statement of Eleanor D. Lederer, MD, FASN, President, the American Society of Nephrology, on the Extension of NIH Director Francis S. Collins’, MD, Ph.D., Tenure
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) applauds the Trump Administration’s decision to extend Francis S. Collins’, MD, Ph.D, tenure as the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Thursday, June 8, 2017 - KIDNEYS FROM DIABETIC DONORS MAY BENEFIT MANY TRANSPLANT CANDIDATES
Patients who received kidney transplants from donors with diabetes had better survival compared with those who remained on the waitlist. Patients at high risk of dying while on the waitlist and those at centers with long wait times may benefit the most from transplantation with kidneys from diabetic donors.
Thursday, May 25, 2017 - Statement from Eleanor D. Lederer, MD, FASN, President, American Society of Nephrology on Proposed FY 2018 budget
ASN Denounces Administration’s Proposed Massive Cuts for the National Institutes of Health – “Would Disrupt Medical Research”
Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - STUDY COMPARES DIFFERENT MEASURES OF BODY FAT FOR PREDICTING KIDNEY FUNCTION DECLINE BMI, waist circumference, and several different types of body fat were linked with the development of kidney disease.
In a new study, a higher amount of body fat was linked with an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Simple ways of measuring body size—such as waist circumference or body mass index—provided similar information on risk as more sophisticated methods, such as imaging scans, to measure different types of body fat.
Thursday, May 18, 2017 - CERTAIN MEDICAL DIAGNOSES MAY INCREASE HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS’ RISK OF DEVELOPING KIDNEY INJURY
Patients who were admitted to the hospital with sepsis, heart diseases, polytrauma, liver disease, and cardiovascular surgery were at elevated risk for developing acute kidney injury (AKI). The medical records of most patients who developed hospital-acquired AKI did not include the diagnosis code for AKI.
Thursday, May 11, 2017 - FLUID OVERLOAD LINKED TO PREMATURE DEATH IN PATIENTS ON DIALYSIS
Chronic fluid overload was linked with an increased risk of early death in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The magnitude of this risk was comparable to that of coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure.
Thursday, May 4, 2017 - STUDY QUANTIFIES KIDNEY FAILURE RISK IN LIVING KIDNEY DONORS
Researchers have developed a risk calculator that estimates the risk of kidney failure after donation. Overall risk was quite low, but black race and male sex were associated with increased risks of developing kidney failure in living kidney donors. Older age was associated with greater kidney failure risk in nonblack donors, but not in in black donors. Higher body mass index and a close biological relationship to the transplant recipient were also associated with increased risks of kidney failure.
Thursday, April 27, 2017 - HOSPITAL ACQUIRED COMPLICATIONS MAY BE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS FOR PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Potentially preventable hospital acquired complications were associated with increased risks of dying while hospitalized or within 90 days of discharge, as well as with a greater likelihood of staying longer in the hospital and needing to be readmitted. The magnitude of these associations was larger in patients with chronic kidney disease than in those with normal kidney function.
Thursday, April 27, 2017 - STUDY EVALUATES HOW WELL FELLOWSHIP TRAINING PREPARES KIDNEY SPECIALISTS
Most nephrology fellows rated overall quality of teaching in fellowships as either “good” or “excellent,” and over half of second-year fellows felt “fully prepared” for independent practice. Fellows indicated a desire for more education in several core nephrology topics, including peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis, ultrasound, and kidney pathology.
Thursday, April 20, 2017 - KIDNEY DISEASE IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEATHS
In 2013, reduced kidney function was associated with 4% of deaths worldwide, or 2.2 million deaths. More than half of these deaths were cardiovascular deaths. Maintaining kidney health may help prevent cardiovascular diseases and deaths.
Thursday, April 13, 2017 - LOW AMMONIUM LEVELS IN URINE MAY INDICATE SERIOUS RISKS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS
In patients with chronic kidney disease, low urine ammonium excretion identified individuals at high risk of kidney disease progression or death.
Thursday, April 6, 2017 - DONOR-RECIPIENT WEIGHT AND SEX MISMATCH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO KIDNEY TRANSPLANT FAILURE Weight and sex are not typically considered when matching donors and recipients.
Among deceased donor kidney transplant recipients, those who were >30 kg (66 pounds) heavier than the donor had a 28% higher risk of transplant failure compared with equally weighted donors and recipients. If the kidney was from a smaller donor of the opposite sex, the relative risk of transplant failure was further elevated to 35% for a male receiving a kidney from a female donor and 50% for a female receiving a kidney from a male donor.
Thursday, March 30, 2017 - ASN and AAKP Advocates are on Capitol Hill Urging Congress to Support Kidney Disease Research and the Living Donor Protection Act
Advocates from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) are meeting with Representatives, Senators, and their respective staffs today to urge Congress to continue its historic support of research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and to cosponsor and pass the Living Donor Protection Act (H.R. 1270), no-cost legislation to eliminate barriers to living donation and increase access to transplants.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 - ARE DIALYSIS PATIENTS BEING OVER-SCREENED FOR COLON CANCER?
Colonoscopies are being performed more often on healthier dialysis patients than on those with more limited life expectancies; however, overall, dialysis patients are being screened at a much higher rate relative to their life expectancy than their counterparts without kidney failure.
Thursday, March 23, 2017 - Statement of Eleanor D. Lederer, MD, FASN, President, American Society of Nephrology on Proposed FY 2018 Budget
Condemns the Administration’s Proposed Funding Cuts for the National Institutes of Health
Friday, March 17, 2017 - REDUCED DOSE OF WARFARIN ALTERNATIVE MAY HELP PREVENT STROKES IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS
In dialysis patients who took 2.5 mg of apixaban twice daily, blood concentrations of the drug were maintained at therapeutic levels.
Thursday, March 16, 2017 - SICKLE CELL GENE LINKED TO ELEVATED RISK OF DEVELOPING KIDNEY FAILURE
Sickle cell trait, a common hemoglobin variant in African Americans, was associated with a twofold higher risk of developing kidney failure requiring dialysis. Sickle cell trait conferred a similar degree of risk as APOL1 gene variants, which are currently the most widely recognized genetic contributors to kidney disease in blacks. Sickle cell trait, the inheritance of a single abnormal sickle hemoglobin gene, is found in 8-9% of African Americans.
Thursday, March 9, 2017 - TIMING OF ANTI-DONOR ANTIBODY RESPONSES AFFECTS THE SURVIVAL OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS
Kidney rejection initiated by antibodies that were present before transplantation is linked with a better outcome that rejection due to antibodies that arise after transplantation.
Thursday, March 2, 2017 - HIV+ KIDNEY FAILURE PATIENTS FACE HURDLES IN RECEIVING NECESSARY TRANSPLANTS
Efforts are needed to understand disparities in access to transplantation among HIV+ waitlist candidates From 2001 to 2012, HIV+ kidney failure patients on the transplant waiting list were 28% less likely to receive a transplant compared with their HIV- counterparts. They were half as likely to receive a kidney from a living donor. More than 30% of HIV+ individuals in the United States have kidney disease, which can progress to kidney failure.
Thursday, February 23, 2017 - LIMITING SALT CONSUMPTION LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Receiving advice on limiting salt consumption helped kidney disease patients lower their systolic blood pressure by an average of 11 mmHg. Limiting salt intake also reduced excess fluid retention that is common among patients with kidney disease.
Thursday, February 16, 2017 - DISCOVERY MAY HELP PREVENT TISSUE SCARRING AND REJECTION OF TRANSPLANTED KIDNEYS
During rejection of a transplanted kidney, certain immune cells transform into connective tissue cells, which produce collagen and other fibers.
Thursday, February 16, 2017 - LANGUAGE BARRIERS MAY INTERFERE WITH ACCESS TO KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
English language fluency may be an important predictor of patients’ status on the transplant waiting list Higher degrees of linguistic isolation were linked with a lower likelihood of transitioning from inactive to active status on the kidney transplant waiting list and with incomplete transplant evaluations. The association of linguistic isolation appeared to be most influential among Hispanic transplant candidates. Of the >100,000 candidates on the kidney transplant waiting list in the United States, approximately 30% are in “inactive” status.
Thursday, February 9, 2017 - THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY PARTNERS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO ADVANCE BEST PRACTICES AND APPROACHES TO KIDNEY DISEASE
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is pleased to partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to host the upcoming Kidney Innovation Summit. The Summit will take place at the Booz Allen Hamilton Center for Innovation in Washington, DC on February 9–10, 2017.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 - SKIN SODIUM CONTENT LINKED TO HEART PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Elevated sodium content in the skin correlates closely with left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with chronic kidney disease. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
Thursday, February 2, 2017 - American Society of Nephrology Statement on US President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order on Immigration
American Society of Nephrology (ASN) President Eleanor D. Lederer, MD, FASN, and the Society’s leadership issued the following statement regarding the January 27, 2017, Presidential Executive Order on Immigration.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 - DEPRESSION IS UNDER-TREATED IN PATIENTS RECEIVING CHRONIC DIALYSIS
Patients are often not interested in receiving anti-depressant treatment, and kidney specialists are often unwilling to prescribe it.
Thursday, January 26, 2017 - LOW LEVELS OF CIRCULATING PROTEIN LINKED TO KIDNEY FUNCTION DECLINE
Findings suggest potential treatment strategy to protect kidney health Decreased blood levels of a protein called soluble klothos were linked with an increased likelihood of experiencing kidney function decline in a group elderly well-functioning adults.
Thursday, January 19, 2017 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY WELCOMES GAO REPORT CONFIRMING URGENT NEED FOR GREATER RESEARCH FUNDING
Report Details Imbalance between Kidney Disease Research and Health Impact ASN Pledges $7 Million to Prize Competition for Innovative Therapy
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 - TRIAL FINDS ORAL IRON DRUG SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR TREATING ANEMIA IN KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS
In a phase 3 trial of patients with chronic kidney disease, 52.1% of patients receiving oral ferric citrate experienced a significant boost in hemoglobin levels (a reflection of red blood cell counts) compared with 19.1% of patients receiving placebo. A treatment effect was seen as early as 1-2 weeks after the start of treatment, and the response was durable.
Thursday, January 12, 2017 - RAJNISH MEHROTRA, MD, FASN TO LEAD THE CLINICAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY’S INCOMING EDITORIAL TEAM
Rajnish Mehrotra, MD, FASN, begins his 6-year team as Editor-in-Chief of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN) on January 1, 2017, alongside an incoming editorial team of 17 highly accomplished nephrology researchers whose expertise spans virtually the entire breadth of clinical research in Nephrology. Dr. Mehrotra and his editorial team will be featured in an #AskASN Twitter chat on February 21st.
Friday, January 6, 2017 - STRUCTURE OF KIDNEY FAILURE PATIENTS’ BLOOD CLOTS MAY INCREASE THEIR RISK OF EARLY DEATH
STRUCTURE OF KIDNEY FAILURE PATIENTS’ BLOOD CLOTS MAY INCREASE THEIR RISK OF EARLY DEATH
Thursday, January 5, 2017 - MANY KIDNEY FAILURE PATIENTS LACK ADVANCE DIRECTIVES NEAR THE END OF LIFE
Among nursing home residents in the last year of life, patients with kidney failure were far less likely to have advance directives that put limitations on treatments and designated surrogate decision makers compared with other nursing home residents with serious illnesses. Advance directives with these components were associated with a lower use of intensive interventions at the end of life. Nearly all kidney failure patients with an advance directive putting limitations on treatment received end-of-life care that was concordant with their preferences.
Thursday, January 5, 2017