THE POSITIVE association between obesity and kidney disease (KD) is strongly supported by results of a recent meta-analysis by Wang et al (Kidney Int. 2008;73:19-33) that demonstrate a significantly increased risk for people with BMI greater than the normal range of 18.5-25 kg/m2. Along with CKD, the study also examined the occurrence of renal calculi and kidney cancer. According to the authors, 24.2% and 33.9% of KD cases among American men and women, respectively, could be prevented if overweight and obesity were eliminated.

Men with CKD stage 4 have an elevated risk of hip fracture comparable to that of men on dialysis, data show.

Elevated plasma levels of urotensin II (UTN) predicts a lower risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular causes in CKD patients, Italian researchers conclude.

Periodontal disease is independently associated with CKD, a study found.

Roche announced that the FDA has approved Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) for the treatment of anemia associated with CKD in adults, including dialysis patients and patients not on dialysis.

SAN FRANCISCO—Medicaid patients are less likely to have seen a nephrologist or kidney dietitian prior to starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) compared with patients covered by Medicare or employer group health insurance, data show.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in CKD patients is an independent predictor of cardiac event risk, researchers say.

SAN FRANCISCO—Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in CKD patients is an independent predictor of cardiac event risk, data suggest.

SAN FRANCISCO—Medicaid patients are less likely to have seen a nephrologist or kidney dietitian prior to starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) compared with patients covered by Medicare or employer group health insurance, data show.

DESPITE regular dietary instruction, patients undergoing dialysis have a poor knowledge of dietary phosphorus compared with other nutrients important in CKD, according to researchers at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison.