ASN: STUDIES AGREE ON THE BEST BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS FOR DIABETICS WITH KIDNEY FAILURE

Diabetics with kidney failure shouldn’t lower their blood glucose as much as diabetics without kidney failure

Highlights

• Diabetic patients with kidney failure benefit the most when their hemoglobin A1C levels, which reflect blood glucose levels, are between 7% and 8%.
• For diabetics who need dialysis, hemoglobin A1C levels of 8% or greater or less than 7% put them at increased risk of dying prematurely compared to patients with levels between 7.0% and 7.9%.
  
  Author Interview: Sylvia Ramirez, MD, MPH, MBA, FASN
  
• Hemoglobin A1c levels and Mortality in the ESRD Population: Findings from the DOPPS Study

DIET AND SUPPLEMENTS: WHAT’S GOOD AND BAD FOR KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

Pomegranate juice helps manage blood pressure
Many kidney disease patients take potentially harmful supplements

Highlights

APOL1 Genetic Variants in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis and HIV-Associated Nephropathy.

Kopp JB, Nelson GW, Sampath K, Johnson RC, Genovese G, An P, Friedman D, Briggs W, Dart R, Korbet S, Mokrzycki MH, Kimmel PL, Limou S, Ahuja TS, Berns JS, Fryc J, Simon EE, Smith MC, Trachtman H, Michel DM, Schelling JR, Vlahov D, Pollak M, Winkler CA
J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011 Oct 13. [Epub ahead of print]

Author Interview: Dr. Navdeep Tangri

Both Patient and Facility Contribute to Achieving the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Pay-for-Performance Target for Dialysis Adequacy

Navdeep Tangri, Hocine Tighiouart, Klemens B. Meyer, and Dana C. Miskulin
JASN Oct 24, 2011 ASN.2010111137; published ahead of print October 24, 2011, doi:10.1681/ASN.2010111137

ASN American Society of Nephrology Press Release
COMMON INVASIVE TEST NOT NECESSARY FOR KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS
Clinicians can monitor kidney function with a simple equation

Highlights
· 60 million people globally have chronic kidney disease
· Early detection and treatment of poor kidney function can help prevent kidney failure  
· Equations that estimate a patient’s kidney function work as well as direct, invasive
measurements

Hemodialysis.com Author Interview: Chi-yuan Hsu, MD, MSc

Measured GFR Does Not Outperform Estimated GFR in Predicting CKD-related Complications

Acne-treating antibiotic cuts catheter infections in dialysis patients
Among the major findings:

• Patients were less likely to get a bacterial infection with minocycline-EDTA locks compared to heparin locks.
• During a 90 day period, bacterial infections developed in the catheters of 19 patients in the heparin group compared with only five patients in the minocycline-EDTA group.
• The catheters in the two groups functioned similarly well.

ASN: Three biomarkers predict Acute Kidney Injury after surgery

Washington, DC (August 12, 2011) — Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common – but preventable -- complication after surgery that can lead to other complications or even death. The use and development of biomarkers will help physicians diagnose and treat acute kidney injury. Three protein measurements indicate who has a high risk of developing kidney injury after heart surgery, according to two studies appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Attend the 3rd annual ASN Renal Week In-Depth Nephrology Course
Improving Design & Conduct of Clinical Studies including Pragmatic Trials in Nephrology
November 8-9, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
In collaboration with the Kidney, Urology & Hematology (KUH) Division of the
National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
www.asn-online.com 
Contact: kamkal@ucla.edu 

MANY DIALYSIS PATIENTS MAY NOT UNDERSTAND IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION

Improving Health Literacy Could Benefit Patients 

Washington, DC (April 28, 2011) — Many patients on dialysis may not understand
medical information critical to their wellbeing, according to a study appearing in an
upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). The
results suggest that clinicians must understand and address the limited health literacy of
patients with kidney disease. 

US MEDICAL STUDENTS ARE REJECTING KIDNEY CAREERS

Can America stop the kidney brain drain? 

Washington, DC (May 4, 2011) — Kidney disease affects 1 in 9 US adults, and by 2020
more than 750,000 Americans will be on dialysis or awaiting kidney transplant. Despite
this growing health problem, every year fewer US medical students adopt nephrology as
a career, according to a review appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of
the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). 

REDUCING RISK OF RENAL FAILURE IN OBESE PATIENTS

Washington, DC (April 22, 2011) — The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
drug, ramipril, is particularly effective in lowering the risk of end-stage renal disease
(ESRD) in obese patients, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).

KIDNEY DISEASE COUPLED WITH HEART DISEASE COMMON PROBLEM IN ELDERLY    

Gold standard is needed for accurately assessing kidney disease prevalence in
elderly individuals  

Washington, DC (April 15, 2011) — Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common and
linked with heart disease in the very elderly, according to a study appearing in an
upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN).

CENTRAL CATHETERS EXPLAIN HIGHER RISK OF DEATH FOR PATIENTS ON HEMODIALYSIS COMPARED TO PERITONEAL DIALYISIS

Washington, DC (April 18, 2011) — Patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) typically have a
higher early survival rate than patients on hemodialysis (HD). New data suggest that this
difference may be explained by a higher risk of early deaths among patients undergoing
HD with central venous catheters, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue
of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).

ASN Press Release
ANTIBODY RESPONSE MAY LEAD TO NARROWED ARTERIES AND ORGAN REJECTION

Washington, DC (April 12, 2011) — Kidney transplant recipients who develop
antibodies in response to receiving new organs can develop accelerated arteriosclerosis,
or narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidney, according to a study
appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology
(JASN). The results indicate that arteriosclerosis resulting from such donor-specific
antibodies may play an important role in organ rejection following transplantation.

ASN Press Release:
STATINS MAY PROTECT AGAINST KIDNEY COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING ELECTIVE SURGERY

The cholesterol-lowering agents may prevent kidney injury and death that can
occur soon after procedures

Washington, DC (April 11, 2011) — Taking a statin before having major elective
surgery reduces potentially serious kidney complications, according to a study appearing
in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN).

DAILY HOME DIALYSIS MAKES 'RESTLESS LEGS' BETTER

Short Daily Hemodialysis Reduces Common Symptom in Dialysis Patients

Washington, DC (March 11, 2011) — For dialysis patients, performing daily dialysis at
home can help alleviate sleep problems related to restless legs syndrome (RLS),
according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the
American Society of Nephrology (CJASN)

DEPRESSION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF KIDNEY FAILURE

Washington, DC (March 7, 2011) — Depression is associated with an increased risk of
developing kidney failure in the future, according to a study appearing in an upcoming
issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). Approximately
10% of the US population will suffer from depression at some point during their lifetime.

ASN PARTICIPATES IN WORLD KIDNEY DAY

Washington, DC (March 8, 2011) —The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is pleased to join the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), and other kidney-related organizations worldwide in recognizing the fifth annual World Kidney Day (WKD) on Thursday, March 10. ASN leaders will visit Capitol Hill and meet with members of Congress to advocate on behalf of patients with kidney disease.

ASN Press Release: Barriers differ among racial and ethnic groups

Washington, DC (February 28, 2011) — Not all racial and ethnic groups have equal
access to kidney transplantation, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue
of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN). The results indicate that the
reasons for these disparities are varied and that more focused efforts are needed to
address them.

Patients who engage in little physical activity face increased risks of dying prematurely 

Washington, DC (February 25, 2011) — Low physical activity increases kidney
transplant patients’ likelihood of dying early, according to a study appearing in an
upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN).
The results suggest that patients need to exercise to fend off an early death.

ASN Opposes Proposed Cuts to Medical Research

Proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget for 2011 will limit the nation’s ability to advance patient care and public health.

Position: The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) strongly opposes the proposed $1.6 billion reduction to the NIH budget included in the continuing resolution (fiscal year 2011) being debated in the House of Representatives. The nation’s longstanding commitment to better health has established the United States as a world leader in medical research and innovation. This leading position will be endangered should the 5.2 percent decrease in the NIH budget be implemented.

DISPARITIES IN PHYSICIAN DEMOGRAPHICS LINKED TO PATIENT DISPARITIES

Few Kidney Specialists are African American

Washington, DC (January 24, 2011) — Significant disparities exist between the race of
kidney disease patients and that of the physicians who will care for them, according to a
study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society
Nephrology (CJASN). The results suggest that efforts are needed to increase minority
recruitment into kidney specialty programs to more closely balance the racial
background of physicians and patients.

GENE MUTATION PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN ONE CAUSE OF KIDNEY FAILURE

Screening may be warranted when the disease runs in families

Washington, DC (January 14, 2011) — Mutations in a gene called INF2 are by far the
most common cause of a dominantly inherited condition that leads to kidney failure,
according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American
Society Nephrology (JASN). The results may help with screening, prevention, and
therapy.

MAMMOGRAMS: DETECTING MORE THAN BREAST CANCER, MAY HELP ASSESS HEART RISK IN KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

Routine Mammograms Can Show Arterial Calcium Deposits—Which May
Contribute to Heart Disease Risk

Washington, DC (January 14, 2011) — Routine mammograms performed for breast
cancer screening could serve another purpose as well: detecting calcifications in the
blood vessels of patients with advanced kidney disease, according to a study appearing
in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
(CJASN).

Mammograms show calcium deposits in the breast arteries in nearly two-thirds of
women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), according to the study by W. Charles
O'Neill, MD (Emory University, Atlanta). "Breast arterial calcification is a specific and
useful marker of medial vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its
prevalence is markedly increased in ESRD and advanced CKD," the researchers write.

A POUNDING HEART MAY BE DANGEROUS FOR SOME KIDNEY PATIENTS

Heart Rhythm Abnormality Linked to Increased Risk of Death 

Washington, DC (January 10, 2011) — The abnormal heart rhythm, atrial fibrillation, is
increasingly common in patients on dialysis and is linked to a sharp rise in death, in an
already at-risk population, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).

WHEN A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT FAILS, HOME-BASED DIALYSIS IS AN OPTION

Dialysis at Home is Just as Effective as in the Clinic 

Washington, DC (January 10, 2011) — Patients returning to dialysis after kidney
transplant failure present unique challenges compared with other dialysis patients: they
have been exposed to very powerful immunosuppressive medications and have been on
dialysis for a longer period of time than other dialysis patients. This puts them at
particularly high risk for various complications and death. According to a study
appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society
Nephrology (CJASN), despite complications, these patients can choose to undergo
dialysis in the comfort of their own homes.

IT’S COMPLICATED: DESPITE THE CHALLENGE,
COLLABORATION IS KEY IN KIDNEY DISEASE CARE

Both Primary Care Physicians and Kidney Specialists Prefer Shared Care of
Patients with Kidney Disease 

Washington, DC (January 3, 2011) — Most primary care physicians (PCPs) and kidney
specialists favor collaborative care for a patient with progressive chronic kidney disease
(CKD), but their preferences on how and when to collaborate differ, according to a study
appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society
Nephrology (CJASN). PCPs and kidney specialists need to partner more effectively to
optimize care for patients with CKD.

WHY DOES DIALYSIS ACCESS FAIL?

MCP-1 May Be 'Critical Contributor' to Problems with AV Fistulas

Washington, DC (December 22, 2010) — A protein implicated in the development of
vascular diseases may also contribute to the failure of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas created for vascular access in dialysis patients, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).

CUTTING DIETARY PHOSPHATE DOESN’T SAVE DIALYSIS PATIENTS’ LIVES 

Doctors’ Recommendation Needs Reconsideration 

Washington, DC (Monday, December 6, 2010) — Doctors often ask kidney disease
patients on dialysis to limit the amount of phosphate they consume in their diets, but this
does not help prolong their lives, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue
of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). The results even
suggest that prescribing low phosphate diets may increase dialysis patients’ risk of
premature death

ASN WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT DURING RENAL WEEK 2010
Washington, DC (December 7, 2010) — The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) welcomed its new president, Joseph V. Bonventre, MD, PhD, FASN of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, as well as its new president-elect, Ronald J. Falk, MD, FASN, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, during its recent 43rd annual meeting, which was part of Renal Week 2010, in Denver, CO.

Dr. Bonventre has a long history with ASN. He first attended an ASN annual meeting in 1981, and served as a Council member for four years and as president-elect the past year. He also recently led the efforts to rebrand the Society, with the development of a new logo and related materials.

ASN LEADS EFFORTS TO ADDRESS GROWING CRISIS IN KIDNEY CARE

Washington, DC (Wednesday, November 10, 2010) — An estimated 26 million people,
13% of the United States population, are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and
this number continues to grow. If current trends continue, there will not be enough
doctors to serve this expanding patient population.

To help address this crisis, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is convening a
Summit on the Nephrology Workforce during its upcoming ASN Renal Week 2010 in
Denver, Colorado, on November 17. Participants will discuss this crisis, its implications,
and strategies to increase the number of kidney disease doctors in the United States.

NEW URINE TEST COULD DIAGNOSE ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY

Silent Condition Might Be Detected Early


Washington, DC (November 5, 2010) — The presence of certain markers in the urine might be a red flag for acute kidney injury (AKI), according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN). The results suggest that a simple urine test could help prevent cases of kidney failure.

Read the press release
Read the study

Hemodialysis.com Editor's note:

This study reports elevated levels of MCP-1( monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) as well
as its mRNA (the template for protein synthesis) in urine samples from both mice and
human patients with AKI (acute kidney injury), furthering the search for biomarkers of kidney disease.

HEALTH REGISTRY COULD TRANSFORM CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE CARE
Model Registry is Based on Electronic Health Care Records
Washington, DC (November 1, 2010) — A registry of health care information on patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) could help physicians improve care for affected individuals, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). The results suggest that officials could use such a registry to develop a national surveillance system to identify and track various aspects of CKD.

Read the press release || Read the study (download PDF)

How a decade of Research is helping LUPUS PATIENTS
Patients Have Better Treatment Options than Ever Before
Washington, DC (November 1, 2010) — Today, individuals with lupus nephritis benefit from better treatments than a decade ago, according to a review appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN). The article suggests that patients with the disease can now live full lives without suffering from many treatment-related side effects that plagued them in the past. In the future, patients will likely experience additional benefits from treatment strategies currently being explored in clinical trials.

Read the press release || Read the study (download PDF)

SIMPLE BLOOD TEST HELPS PREDICT CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Three Biomarkers Provide Clues about How Kidney Disease Develops 

Washington, DC (October 15, 2010) — Measuring three biomarkers in a single blood
sample may improve physicians’ ability to identify patients at high risk of developing
chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of
the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Not All Advanced Kidney Disease is the Same

Rate of Kidney Function Decline Affects Risk of Premature Death

Studies that have taken a snapshot of chronic kidney disease (CKD) indicate that the condition increases one’s risk of premature death, but in reality, kidney disease is dynamic and changes over time. A recent study by Ziyad Al-Aly, MD (Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center) and his colleagues indicates that a patient who has experienced rapid kidney function decline has a higher risk of dying prematurely than a patient whose kidney function decline was mild.
Read the release

FLEXING THEIR MUSCLES HELPS KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS LIVE LONGER

Patients with Large Upper Arm Muscles Gain Improved Health and Survival 

Washington, DC (October 8, 2010) — Kidney disease patients are healthier and live
longer if they’ve beefed up their muscles, according to a study appearing in an
upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). The results suggest that patients may benefit from pumping iron or taking medications to boost their lean body mass.

ASN American Society of Nephrology Press Release

ETHNICITY: A REASON FOR HEART PROBLEMS POST KIDNEY TRANSPLANT IN SOUTH ASIANS

Washington, DC (September 27, 2010) —Ethnicity is a contributing risk factor of
cardiovascular problems in kidney recipients of South Asian origin post-transplant,
according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the
American Society Nephrology (CJASN). 

September 24 2010

Depression Symptoms and Low Physical Activity May Keep Dialysis Patients from Working

Efforts to Improve Mood and Activity Might Help Patients Remain Employed

September 24 2010
Modifying Blood Access Reduces Kidney Disease Patients’ Risk of Hospitalization

Patients Benefit by Switching from Catheters to Arteriovenous Access 

African Americans face kidney disease–related disparities, according to two upcoming studies in CJASN.

Among HIV-Infected Kidney Disease Patients, African Americans are More Likely to Develop Kidney Failure and Die Prematurely
Genetic, Social, and Other Clinical Risk Factors May Be to Blame

Washington, DC (September 17, 2010) — Because of improved antiretroviral therapies in recent years, HIV-infected individuals are living long enough to develop chronic conditions.

PHYSICIANS BEWARE: CHOLESTEROL COUNTS IN KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

Findings Identify Malnutrition and Inflammation as Key to Understanding Effects of
Cholesterol in Kidney Disease Patients

Washington, DC (September 20, 2010) — To understand the health effects of high
cholesterol levels, doctors first need to assess malnutrition and inflammation status in
their chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, according to a study appearing in an
upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN). 

LACK OF ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD MAY CONTRIBUTE TO HEALTH DISPARITIES IN KIDNEY DISEASE 

Processed Foods with Phosphorus Additives May Contribute to Chronic Kidney Disease

Washington, DC (September 10, 2010) — Processed and fast foods enriched with phosphorus additives may play a role in health disparities in chronic kidney disease, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). Previously, genetics was considered the leading reason blacks are four times more likely to progress to end stage renal disease than whites and have much higher rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality in early chronic kidney disease (CKD).

HEALTHY DIET ROCKS WHEN IT COMES TO FIGHTING KIDNEY STONES

Foods the Lower Blood Pressure Benefit the Kidneys as Well

Washington, DC (September 13, 2010) — Certain key ingredients of a diet designed to
prevent high blood pressure can ward off kidney stones, according to a study appearing
in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology
(CJASN). The results suggest how low-fat dairy products and/or plants may have potent
kidney stone–fighting properties.

NEW WARNING SIGNS MAY PREDICT KIDNEY TRANSPLANT FAILURE

Routine Biopsies Necessary to Identify Transplants at Risk 

Washington, DC (August 30, 2010) — Kidney transplants that show a combination of fibrosis (scarring) and inflammation after one year are at higher risk of long-term
transplant failure, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).

OCCURRENCE OF INCREASED KIDNEY TRANSPLANT LISTINGS IN PATIENTS WITH PRIOR NON-KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS

Non-Kidney Organ Transplanted Patients More Likely to be listed Preemptively for
a Kidney Transplant than Individuals without Prior Transplants

August 28, 2010

RED BLOOD CELL VARIATIONS NOT AN INDEPENDENT PREDICTOR OF ADVERSE OUTCOMES FOR EUROPEAN KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

New Research Could Alleviate Clinician Concerns that Fluctuations Might Cause
Premature Death

August 23, 2010

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