ASN Press Releases: 2018 Archives
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- SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGE PATTERN LINKED TO HIGHER KIDNEY DISEASE RISK
In a study of African-American men and women with normal kidney function, a pattern of higher collective consumption of soda, sweetened fruit drinks, and water was associated with a higher risk of developing kidney disease.
Thursday, December 27, 2018 - PERITONEAL DIALYSIS TRIALS OFTEN DO NOT ASSESS PRIORITIES MOST IMPORTANT TO PATIENTS
Patients on peritoneal dialysis and their caregivers give high priority to clinical outcomes (such as infection and mortality) and many patient-reported outcomes (particularly fatigue and flexibility with time), which are absent in most trials in peritoneal dialysis.
Thursday, December 20, 2018 - STUDY COMPARES DIALYSIS REIMBURSEMENT AROUND THE GLOBE
Dialysis reimbursement policies in most countries are focused on conventional in-center hemodialysis, although home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis might contribute to quality of life and cost savings. The reimbursement for dialysis in low- and middle-income countries is insufficient to treat all patients with kidney failure and has a disproportionately high impact on public health expenditure in those countries
Thursday, December 13, 2018 - STUDY REVEALS FACILITY-LEVEL VARIATIONS IN DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE CARE WITHIN THE VA HEALTH SYSTEM
Concerning adherence to certain recommended measures of kidney disease care for veterans with diabetes within the Veterans Affairs Health Care System, there is modest facility-level variation for some measures and larger facility-level variation for others.
Thursday, November 29, 2018 - HOME-BASED VISITS BENEFIT RURAL PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
A pilot program delivered by community health representatives in the homes of patients with chronic kidney disease in Zuni Pueblo in rural New Mexico promoted patients' active involvement in their own care. The program also led to modest improvements in several clinical measures, including decreases in body mass index, blood glucose levels, and inflammation, and improved mental health quality of life.
Thursday, November 15, 2018 - STUDY POINTS TO INSURANCE-RELATED DISPARITIES IN TIMELY ACCESS TO GOLD STANDARD DIALYSIS PROCEDURE
Kidney failure patients without Medicare at the time of diagnosis experience delays in obtaining arteriovenous fistulas and grafts.
Thursday, November 1, 2018 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY ANNOUNCES 2019-2021 KIDNEY HEALTH INITIATIVE CO-CHAIR
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) today announced former ASN President Raymond C. Harris, Jr., MD, FASN, will serve as co-chair for its Kidney Health Initiative (KHI). Harris, a professor of medicine, molecular physiology, and biophysics, is Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Kidney Disease and former chief of the nephrology division of Vanderbilt University's Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.
Thursday, November 1, 2018 - MARK E. ROSENBERG TO BECOME NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY Dr. Rosenberg will lead an organization of more than 20,000 health professionals from 131 countries dedicated to leading the fight against kidney diseases.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the world's largest organization of kidney health professionals, has elected Mark E. Rosenberg, MD, FASN, as the next ASN President. Dr. Rosenberg officially assumes his role as ASN President during the society's annual meeting, ASN Kidney Week 2018, the largest gathering of kidney care specialists in the world, and he will begin his term on January 1, 2019.
Sunday, October 28, 2018 - FRAILTY MAY LOWER KIDNEY FAILURE PATIENTS' LIKELIHOOD OF RECEIVING A TRANSPLANT
Frailty is associated with decreased access at multiple stages in the pathway to kidney transplantation. Improvement in physical frailty may increase access to transplantation. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center
Saturday, October 27, 2018 - DOES THE US DISCARD TOO MANY TRANSPLANTABLE KIDNEYS?
An analysis reveals that many transplanted kidneys in France would have likely been discarded in the United States. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Saturday, October 27, 2018 - MORE FREQUENT HOME HEMODIALYSIS LINKED TO LOWER RISK OF DEATH COMPARED WITH TRADITIONAL HEMODIALYSIS
Within one year after initiating dialysis, patients on more frequent home hemodialysis were 23% less likely to die compared with patients receiving traditional in-center hemodialysis. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center
Friday, October 26, 2018 - RESEARCHERS EXAMINE PRESCRIPTION OPIOID USE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Individuals with kidney disease have a higher likelihood of using prescription opioids, and the prevalence of prescription opioid use in the chronic kidney disease population has increased in recent years. Certain factors are associated with opioid drug use in patients with chronic kidney disease. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center
Friday, October 26, 2018 - NEPHROLOGISTS MAY NEED MORE TRAINING IN WOMEN'S HEALTH ISSUES
Nephrologists often lack confidence in managing women's health issues that may be related to kidney disease. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center
Friday, October 26, 2018 - PROINFLAMMATORY DIET LINKED TO HIGHER RISK OF KIDNEY DISEASE PROGRESSION
Among patients with chronic kidney disease, individuals with pro-inflammatory diets had a higher risk of developing kidney failure. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center
Friday, October 26, 2018 - HIGH-IMPACT CLINICAL TRIALS YIELD RESULTS THAT COULD IMPROVE KIDNEY CARE
The results of numerous high-impact clinical trials that could affect kidney-related medical care will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23¬–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Friday, October 26, 2018 - CERTAIN PHYSICAL DISABILITIES MAY AFFECT OUTCOMES IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
Compared with kidney transplant recipients who did not report a disability, recipients with a visual disability were at higher risk of organ failure and recipients with a walking disability were at higher risk of early death. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, October 25, 2018 - ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY LINKED TO HIGHER RISK OF DEMENTIA
Patients with acute kidney injury had more than a 3-fold higher risk of developing dementia compared with those without acute kidney injury during a median follow-up time of 5.8 years. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, October 25, 2018 - STUDY REVEALS RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN PEDIATRIC KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION OUTCOMES
From 1995 to 2014, patient survival after kidney transplantation improved overall for pediatric recipients in the United States; however, racial/ethnic disparities in long-term survival worsened over time. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, October 25, 2018 - DOES OBESITY HAVE AN IMPACT ON KIDNEY TRANSPLANT OUTCOMES?
In a study of kidney transplant recipients, those with ideal BMI (18–25) had the best organ survival. There was no difference when comparing BMI 30–35 with >35. There were no significant differences in patient survival across different BMI groups. Results from the study will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018 October 23–October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, October 25, 2018 - CURRENT METHOD FOR DETERMINING DONOR KIDNEYS' SUITABILITY FOR TRANSPLANTATION MAY BE FLAWED
Results from biopsies taken when kidneys were procured from donors were not reliable for determining whether the organs were suitable for transplantation.
Thursday, October 25, 2018 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY'S KIDNEY HEALTH INITATIVE ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF "TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP" TO SPUR KIDNEY DIALYSIS INNOVATIONS
Kidney disease is an under-recognized epidemic affecting more than 850 million people world-wide, including approximately 40 million Americans.
Thursday, October 25, 2018 - STUDY QUESTIONS CERTAIN TREATMENTS FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS AT HIGH RISK FOR HEART DISEASE
In patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk for cardiovascular disease, targeting blood sugar to normal levels (HbA1c<6.0%) reduced the risk for macroalbuminuria (a high amount of protein excreted in the urine) over an average follow-up of 7.7 years, but it had no impact on more significant kidney outcomes such as serum creatinine doubling (a marker of worsening kidney function) or the need for dialysis or transplantation. Targeting low blood pressures (<120mmHg) or the use of fenofibrate to lower cholesterol increased the risk for doubling of serum creatinine, although it had no impact on the need for dialysis or transplantation.
Thursday, October 25, 2018 - HIGH-DOSE INFLUENZA VACCINE LINKED WITH LOWER HOSPITALIZATION RATES IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS
Receiving high-dose vs. standard dose influenza vaccine in 2016-17 was associated with lower rates of hospitalization in dialysis patients, although this association was not seen in 2015-16 (when few dialysis patients received the high-dose vaccine). There were no differences in rates of death between patients receiving the high-dose vs. standard dose influenza vaccine during either time period.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018 - NIDDK DIRECTOR GRIFFIN P. RODGERS, MD, MACP, TO RECEIVE THE ASN PRESIDENT'S MEDAL
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN), will bestow the President's Medal to Griffin P. Rodgers, MD, MACP, for his leadership in kidney research and advocacy. Rodgers will receive the society's highest civilian honor at a ceremony at ASN Kidney Week 2018 on Saturday, October 27, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA.
Monday, October 22, 2018 - THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY HONORS LEADERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST KIDNEY DISEASES
Educational innovators and preeminent researchers are among the five leaders to be honored at ASN Kidney Week 2018
Monday, October 22, 2018 - QUALITY OF PATIENT EXPERIENCE WITH DOCTORS MAY AFFECT HOSPITALIZATION RISK IN HISPANICS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Lower perceived quality of patient-physician interaction was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization in Hispanics with chronic kidney disease. Quality of patient-physician interaction was not associated with risk of developing kidney failure or dying.
Thursday, October 18, 2018 - 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 18, 2018 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY ANNOUNCES NEW JOURNAL: KIDNEY360
To further its mission of facilitating timely and broad dissemination of kidney science, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) today announced an addition to its journal portfolio, Kidney360. The journal will available online monthly beginning January 2020.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 - THE ASN FOUNDATION FOR KIDNEY RESEARCH ENDOWS FIVE CAREER DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
In 2016, the ASN Foundation for Kidney Research launched the Securing the Future Campaign with the goal to endow the Career Development Grants Program. The campaign has since raised more than $22 million through generous contributions from industry, individual donors, and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN).
Tuesday, October 16, 2018 - GW REPORT: SIGNS OF IMPROVING JOB MARKET FOR NEW NEPHROLOGISTS Increasing salaries reported for both US and international medical graduates
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the world's largest organization of kidney health professionals, released a new report on the annual survey of nephrology fellows authored by George Washington University (GW) researchers. GW's report finds an overall trend for a steadily improving job market and increasing salaries. Yet the job market was notably better for US medical graduates than for international medical graduates, who comprise a majority of nephrology trainees. More than 40 million Americans have kidney diseases, the 9th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Monday, October 15, 2018 - ULTRASOUND HELPS PREDICT THE SUCCESS OF ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULAS IN INDIVIDUAL DIALYSIS PATIENTS
Certain parameters measured by ultrasound helped predict the success of an arteriovenous fistula, the preferred type of hemodialysis vascular access, in individual patients.
Thursday, October 11, 2018 - HIGH BLOOD LEVELS OF INFLAMMATORY MARKER LINKED WITH KIDNEY FUNCTION DECLINE IN HEALTHY ADULTS Findings could lead to new insights on the causes of kidney disease.
In a multi-ethnic study of individuals without kidney disease, high blood levels of an inflammatory marker, sTNFR-1, were associated with greater kidney function decline over time. This association was independent of previously known risk factors for kidney disease progression and persisted across multiple sub-groups of participants.
Thursday, October 4, 2018 - PRACTICE SETTING A KEY FACTOR FOR EARLY CAREER NEPHROLOGISTS, GW REPORT DETERMINES Practice setting found to influence income and job satisfaction
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the world's largest organization of kidney health professionals, released a new analysis of early career nephrologists authored by George Washington University (GW) researchers. GW's report details significant differences between nephrologists beginning their careers in group practices compared to those starting in academic positions. The report noted the differences between these two groups of nephrologists included income, hours worked, job satisfaction, and whether they would recommend the specialty.
Monday, October 1, 2018 - CONGRESSIONAL KIDNEY CAUCUS HOSTS CAPITOL HILL BRIEFING
Participants from Congress, HHS, NIH, and the kidney community discussed greater coordination among public and private institutions to increase innovation in kidney care and research
Friday, September 28, 2018 - CERTAIN REFLUX AND ULCER MEDICATIONS LINKED WITH BONE FRACTURES IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS
Among patients with kidney failure on dialysis, use of proton pump inhibitors was associated with a 19% higher risk of hip fracture. The association remained within subgroups of low, moderate, and high use, yielding of 16%, 21%, and 19% greater risks, respectively. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists were not associated with hip fracture events
Thursday, September 27, 2018 - ASN, Kidney Health Organizations Ask Congress to Increase Investment in Kidney Disease Research, Support Innovations in Kidney Medicine
The prevalence of kidney diseases in the United States is at a record high. As such, members of "kidney community" healthcare groups, including the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), will meet with Congress on Capitol Hill to commend them for a $2 billion funding increase for the NIH with an at least proportional increase for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and advocate for increased innovation in kidney medicine, including the Kidney Innovation Accelerator (KidneyX), and passage of the Living Donor Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 1270).
Thursday, September 27, 2018 - CERTAIN FACTORS LINKED WITH KIDNEY FUNCTION RECOVERY IN CHILDREN ON DIALYSIS
Among children on dialysis for end-stage kidney failure, patients with vasculitis, ischemic kidney failure, and hemolytic uremic syndrome were most likely to regain kidney function and no longer need dialysis. Younger age and initiation on hemodialysis instead of peritoneal dialysis were also associated with recovery of kidney function.
Thursday, September 20, 2018 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY PARTNERS WITH RENAL FELLOW NETWORK BLOG
On the 10th anniversary of the Renal Fellow Network (RFN), one of the first nephrology blogs, the American Society of Nephrology has created a partnership with RFN to continue its legacy and forge new opportunities.
Friday, September 14, 2018 - CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS MAY CONTRIBUTE TO POOR KIDNEY HEALTH
In an analysis of all relevant studies, exposure to environmental toxins called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances was linked to worse kidney function and other signs of kidney damage.
Thursday, September 13, 2018 - ONLINE JOURNALS FOR AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY UPDATED TO IMPROVE USER EXPERIENCE
American Society of Nephrology (ASN) publications contribute to the improved health of more than 850,000,000 people worldwide affected by kidney diseases—including 40 million Americans.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 - ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS IN DIALYSIS CLINICS REDUCE INFECTIONS, COSTS
On a national level, implementation of antimicrobial stewardships in outpatient dialysis facilities would result in 2182 fewer infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridium difficile (a 4.8% reduction) per year. It would also lead to 629 fewer infection-related deaths (a 4.6% reduction) and a cost savings of $99,804,603 (a 4.7% reduction) per year.
Friday, August 24, 2018 - STUDY REVEALS HIGH RATES OF DEMENTIA IN OLDER ADULTS AFTER STARTING DIALYSIS
Older adults who initiate dialysis for kidney failure face a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Certain risk factors were linked this higher risk. Older hemodialysis patients with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease had a high risk of early death.
Thursday, August 9, 2018 - HOW SHOULD DOCTORS DISCUSS TREATMENT OPTIONS WITH OLDER KIDNEY FAILURE PATIENTS?
In an interview study of kidney specialists, 4 different approaches to discussing the option of dialysis versus conservative management for older patients with kidney failure were evident. Nephrologists should reflect on their approach and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Thursday, July 26, 2018 - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY FOUNDATION FOR KIDNEY RESEARCH ANNOUNCES 2018 GRANT RECIPIENTS
• The ASN Foundation for Kidney Research announced the 2018 recipients of research grants to advance new understandings of—and treatments for—kidney diseases. • The Foundation will fund 44 leading researchers working to cure kidney diseases. These include 25 new projects, 19 others continuing from 2016 and 2017. • Established in 2012 by the American Society of Nephrology, the Foundation funds research that will help improve the health of the more than 20 million Americans burdened by kidney diseases, the 9th leading cause of death in the United States.
Thursday, July 26, 2018 - STUDY REVEALS LONG-TERM EFFECTIVENESS OF THERAPY FOR COMMON CAUSE OF KIDNEY FAILURE
Among individuals with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, those who were treated with tolvaptan for up to 11 years had a slower rate of kidney function decline compared with historical controls. Annualized kidney function decline rates of tolvaptan-treated patients did not change during follow-up.
Thursday, July 19, 2018 - DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS LINKED WITH HIGHER BLEEDING RISK IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Compared with warfarin use, direct oral anticoagulant use was linked with a 23% higher risk of bleeding in patients with chronic kidney disease. There was no difference between direct oral anticoagulant and warfarin users in benefits from prevention of ischemic stroke.
Thursday, July 12, 2018 - CDC Awards ASN Contract for Continued Dialysis Bloodstream Infection Research
Contact: Christine Feheley • (202) 640-4638 • cfeheley@asn-online.org CDC Awards ASN Contract for Continued Dialysis Bloodstream Infection Research Washington, DC (July 12, 2018) ─ Bloodstream infections can be life-threatening to individuals undergoing kidney dialysis. Following infection control procedures is critical, yet best practices may not always occur at busy dialysis facilities. The American Society of Nephrology's (ASN) Nephrologists Transforming Dialysis Safety (NTDS) initiative has been awarded a contract by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to study barriers to implementation of recommended practices to reduce dialysis-related infections. The project, for which NTDS will partner with human factors researchers from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, will focus on four areas of patient safety: central venous catheter access and care, dialysis station disinfection, hand hygiene, and injection safety. This work expands current NTDS infection prevention efforts and will consist of human factors engineers observing six dialysis facilities. Dialysis facilities chosen for this project will include a diverse representation of size, location, company affiliation, central venous catheter rates and blood stream infection rates. Assessments will begin this summer and are set to conclude in mid-July 2019. "CDC has a strong interest in using human factors principles to help increase adoption of infection prevention practices in outpatient dialysis centers," said Priti Patel, MD, MPH, a medical officer with CDC's Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion and Director of the Making Dialysis Safer for Patients Coalition. "This new effort with NTDS is an important step toward advancing the safety of dialysis patients." NTDS Project Chair Alan S. Kliger, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Vice President, Medical Director of Clinical Integration, Yale New Haven Health System, said the organization is tremendously excited about this new opportunity to transform the dialysis environment and engage physician leaders in targeting zero infections. "Two years ago, the NTDS team initiated a partnership with the CDC in the critical arena of transforming safety in dialysis clinics," said Dr. Kliger. "Our work includes a successful series of educational webinars and Kidney Week symposia, a collection of journal articles by nationally-regarded physicians, the development of an infection prevention curriculum for fellows and pilot projects focused on effective leadership, culture change and its effect on blood stream infection reduction. We are excited to see where this research will lead." Since 1966, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge, and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has nearly 18,000 members representing 112 countries. For more information, please visit www.asn-online.org or contact 202-640-4660. # # #
Thursday, July 12, 2018 - American Society of Nephrology Peer-Reviewed Journals Continue Strong Impact
The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) maintains its prominent position in the field of nephrology in Impact Factor for 2017, with a score of 8.7 according to Journal Citation Reports® (JCR). This Impact Factor reflects the journal's influence, based on the average annual number of citations in 2017 to articles published in a journal during 2015 and 2016.
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 - RESEARCHERS DEVELOP GENE THERAPY METHOD TO TARGET KIDNEY CELLS Findings could lead to improved treatments for kidney diseases.
A synthetic adeno-associated virus was highly efficient at delivering genetic material to different kidney cell types in mice and humans. The viral vector was also successfully used in gene therapy strategies to treat mice with kidney scarring.
Thursday, July 5, 2018 - KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS' EXPERIENCE OF CARE AND ILLNESS CAN TAKE A LARGE EMOTIONAL TOLL
Patients with advanced kidney disease described feelings of isolation, abandonment, alienation, mistrust, and even self-blame that would likely be surprising to the clinicians taking care of them.
Thursday, June 28, 2018 - The hidden epidemic: Worldwide, over 850 million people suffer from kidney diseases
Kidney diseases have so far been underestimated in many respects: most people are not aware of their impaired kidney function. In general, kidney diseases are "silent diseases", most often there are no apparent early symptoms. Many people with kidney diseases are not aware that they have been living with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases, infections, hospitalizations, and of course kidney failure which requires dialysis or transplantation.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - REDUCTION IN PROTEIN IN THE URINE IS A TREATMENT GOAL IN CHILDREN WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
The blood pressure–lowering medication ramipril reduced protein excretion—or proteinuria—in children with chronic kidney disease. Greater reductions in proteinuria during the first months of treatment were linked with a lower risk of kidney disease progression.
Thursday, June 21, 2018 - MEDICAID EXPANSION HAS HELPED LOW-INCOME KIDNEY FAILURE PATIENTS GET ON THE TRANSPLANT WAITLIST BEFORE STARTING DIALYSIS
In states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to cover more low-income individuals, there was an increase in the number of Medicaid beneficiaries who were preemptively waitlisted to receive a kidney transplant. Medicaid expansion was associated with greater gains racial and ethnic minorities in being listed pre-emptively on the transplant waitlist compared with whites.
Thursday, June 21, 2018 - THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY ISSUES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE NIH FUNDING INCREASE IN THE DRAFT FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2019 SPENDING BILL
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) greatly appreciates the subcommittee's continued support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a key national priority with an increase of $1.2 billion, or 3.2%, in the FY 2019 Labor-HHS spending bill. ASN is also grateful for the proposed 1.2% increase for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), for a total allocation of $1.9 billion.
Friday, June 15, 2018 - STUDY UNCOVERS NEW INFORMATION CONCERNING CHILDHOOD KIDNEY DISEASE
Researchers have identified genetic variants linked to an increased risk of developing nephrotic syndrome, a pediatric kidney disease. The variants are found in genomic regions involved in regulation of the immune response.
Thursday, June 14, 2018 - IN KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS, ILLICIT DRUG USE LINKED WITH DISEASE PROGRESSION AND EARLY DEATH
Among individuals with chronic kidney disease, hard illicit drug use was associated with higher risks of kidney disease progression and early death. Tobacco smoking was associated with a higher risk of early death. Alcohol drinking was associated with a lower risk of early death.
Thursday, June 7, 2018 - STUDY EXAMINES CONCERNS OF LIVING KIDNEY DONORS
Among living kidney donors, the post-donation concern that was considered most important was kidney health, followed by the surgical, lifestyle, functional, and psychosocial impacts of donation. The hypothetical long-term risks associated with kidney removal—including mortality and cardiovascular disease—were of relatively lower importance. Living kidney donor transplants comprise nearly one-quarter of kidney transplants performed worldwide.
Thursday, May 31, 2018 - DELIVERING STANDARDIZED CARE MAY REDUCE RACIAL DISPARITIES IN DIABETES-ASSOCIATED COMPLICATIONS
A secondary analysis of a clinical trial has shown that when all patients with type 2 diabetes received comparable diabetes-related care, black race was not associated with accelerated kidney function decline, and fewer black participants developed chronic kidney disease. In the general population, blacks have a disproportionate burden of diabetes-related complications.
Thursday, May 24, 2018 - ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY DURING HOSPITALIZATION LINKED WITH HIGHER RISK OF HEART FAILURE AFTER DISCHARGE
Among hospitalized adults, those who experienced acute kidney injury were 44% more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure in the year after discharge. Acute kidney injury is one of the most common and serious complications of hospitalized patients.
Thursday, May 17, 2018 - ORAL ANTIBIOTICS LINKED TO INCREASED KIDNEY STONE RISK
Highlights • Use of oral antibiotics was linked with an increased risk of developing kidney stones. • Risk decreased over time but was still elevated several years after antibiotic use. • Risk was highest for young patients. Washington, DC
Thursday, May 10, 2018 - SLEEP DURATION MAY AFFECT KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS' HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE
A new study indicates that sleep duration may influence the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) experienced by individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The findings appear in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN).
Thursday, May 3, 2018 - ASN and US Department of Health and Human Services Sign MOU to Launch Kidney Innovation Accelerator (KidneyX)
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Kidney Innovation Accelerator (KidneyX). KidneyX will spur the development and commercialization of innovative technologies and therapeutics in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases.
Thursday, April 26, 2018 - OPIOIDS MAY CARRY UNIQUE RISKS FOR PATIENTS ON HEMODIALYSIS
Sixty-four percent of US patients undergoing hemodialysis in 2011 received opioids for pain, which is one of the most common reported symptoms in this patient population. Opioid use was associated with higher risks of altered mental status, fall, and fracture in a dose-dependent manner, and these risks were present even when patients were not prescribed high opioid doses.
Thursday, April 19, 2018 - DIALYSIS PROVIDERS' AWARENESS OF RACIAL DISPARITIES IN TRANSPLANTATION IS LOW
Among 655 healthcare providers at dialysis clinics in the United States, 19% were aware of racial disparities in waitlisting. Although a quarter of dialysis facilities had >5% racial difference in waitlisting within their own facilities, only 5% of the providers were aware of the disparity at their own facilities. Nearly 70,000 US patients have end-stage renal disease, and most would benefit from kidney transplantation.
Thursday, April 12, 2018 - FINNISH STUDY REVEALS LARGE DROP IN INFECTION-RELATED DEATHS FOLLOWING KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
The risk of death due to infectious causes after kidney transplantation in Finland has dropped by half since the 1990s. Common bacterial infections remain the most frequent cause of infection-related deaths among transplant recipients. Infections are the most common non-cardiovascular causes of death after kidney transplantation
Thursday, April 5, 2018 - ASN and AAKP Advocates are on Capitol Hill Urging Congress to Support KidneyX
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 support KidneyX, a new public-private partnership to accelerate innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 - EXPERTS ADDRESS THE URGENT NEED TO PREVENT INFECTIONS IN HEMODIALYSIS FACILITIES
Kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis are vulnerable to infectious threats, many of which may be life-threatening and spread to others in dialysis facilities New articles provide important information on infections and their prevention in patients undergoing hemodialysis and transmission in dialysis facilities. In the first year of hemodialysis, infection is the leading cause of death. In the prevalent hemodialysis population, it is a very close second most frequent cause.
Thursday, March 22, 2018 - STUDY ADDRESSES BARRIERS TO KIDNEY DISEASE SCREENING AMONG BLACK AMERICANS
In a study of Black Americans who participated in focus group sessions, certain participant factors—such as knowledge of kidney disease and spiritual and cultural influences—and logistical factors—such as convenience and awareness of scheduling—were identified as barriers that may prevent Black Americans from being screened for kidney disease. Black Americans are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
Thursday, March 15, 2018 - MOST LIVING KIDNEY DONORS ARE WOMEN, AND MEN ARE DONATING LESS THAN BEFORE
Between 2005 and 2015, the unadjusted rate of living kidney donation in the United States was 30.1 and 19.3 per million population in women and men, respectively. After adjusting for differences in age, race, the incidence of kidney failure, and geographic factors, the incidence of donation was 44% higher in women. Over time, the incidence of donation was stable in women but declined in men. The decline was most marked in men from lower income groups.
Thursday, March 8, 2018 - ASN CELEBRATES WORLD KIDNEY DAY AND ITS THEME OF "KIDNEYS & WOMEN'S HEALTH"
In celebration of the World Kidney Day 2018's theme of "Kidneys & Women's Health: Include, Value, Empower," the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is highlighting several articles in its journals, Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN) and Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN), that are focused on women's kidney health.
Monday, March 5, 2018 - NEW RESEARCH MAY EXPLAIN THE LINK BETWEEN HEMODIALYSIS AND BRAIN FUNCTION DECLINE Hemodialysis causes decreased blood flow to the brain.
In a group of older patients undergoing hemodialysis, cerebral blood flow declined by 10%, from before the start to the end of hemodialysis. Cerebral blood flow declined in all brain regions that were examined, including the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes; cerebellum; and thalamus.
Thursday, March 1, 2018 - ANALYSIS FINDS LOWER IQ IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
An analysis of published studies indicates that children with chronic kidney disease may have lower intellectual functioning compared than children in the general population. Compared with children with mild-to-moderate stage kidney disease and with kidney transplants, children on dialysis had the lowest IQ scores. Deficits were evident for attention, memory, and executive function domains.
Thursday, February 22, 2018 - RESEARCH COMPARES MOUSE AND HUMAN KIDNEY DEVELOPMENT
Three new research articles compare human and mouse kidney development to identify shared and novel features. The studies provide new detailed molecular data to guide future research. The studies revealed deep conservation of certain processes, but also significant differences in gene expression during kidney development, as well as in the timing, scale, organization, and molecular profile of key cell types and cell structures.
Thursday, February 15, 2018 - BLOOD SODIUM LEVELS MAY AFFECT COGNITION IN OLDER ADULTS
In generally healthy older men, slightly lower sodium levels in the blood were related to both cognitive impairment and declines in cognitive function over time. Additional studies are needed to determine whether correction of lower serum sodium may influence cognition in older adults.
Thursday, February 8, 2018 - METHOD ASSESSES HOW WELL DIALYSIS CLINICS REFER PATIENTS FOR TRANSPLANTATION
A new method may be useful for assessing dialysis facilities' performance concerning referrals to transplant centers. The method, which is described in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN), may help improve patients' chances of receiving potentially life-saving kidney transplants.
Thursday, January 25, 2018 - STUDY EXAMINES EMPLOYMENT TRENDS AMONG PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY FAILURE
• Among working-aged adults who started dialysis between 1996 and 2013, employment was low throughout the study period at 23-24%, and 38% of patients who were employed 6 months prior to being diagnosed with kidney failure stopped working by the time they initiated dialysis. • After accounting for differences in patients over time, the probability of employment in kidney failure patients increased slightly over time.
Thursday, January 18, 2018 - EXPERTS CALL FOR ACTION TO ADDRESS PHYSICIAN BURNOUT IN NEPHROLOGY
Kidney specialists face increasing work demands, high rates of burnout, and declining interest in nephrology as a career. A group of articles publishing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN) sheds light on how that these factors threaten to reduce job satisfaction and impair the delivery of high-quality care to patients with kidney diseases.
Thursday, January 11, 2018