Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

No Increased Fracture Rate with Decreasing eGFR

Rosemary Frei, MSc May 16, 2012

ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND—A new analysis suggests there is no association between lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and non-traumatic hip-, vertebral- or wrist-fracture rates. This contradicts earlier studies showing a four-fold higher fracture rate with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Novel Formulation Corrects Vitamin D, Lowers iPTH

Jody A. Charnow May 13, 2012

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—An investigational treatment safely and effectively lowers elevated plasma intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease and vitamin D deficiency, researchers reported at the National Kidney Foundation 2012 Spring Clinical Meetings.

SHPT Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency in CKD Patients

Jody A. Charnow May 12, 2012

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—Vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to data presented at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) 2012 Spring Clinical Meetings.

Renal Ultrasound Use for CKD Patients Unchanged Despite Guidelines

Jody A. Charnow May 12, 2012

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—Renal ultrasound use for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not changed significantly since the release of guidelines in 2002 recommending imaging studies for patients with CKD or who are at risk for it as a result of urinary stones, infections, and other factors.

CKD Elevates Risk of Post-Op AKI

Jody A. Charnow May 12, 2012

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) before undergoing surgical procedures are at increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) post-operatively, researchers reported at the National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings.

CKD Patients May Need Higher 25D Levels

Jody A. Charnow May 11, 2012

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) higher than 20 ng/mL would be required to normalize intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in patients with stages 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) with vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism, researchers concluded in a study presented at the National Kidney Foundation 2012 Spring Clinical Meetings.

Renal Function Can Improve Despite CKD, Study Finds

Jody A. Charnow April 29, 2012

Data from 12 years of follow-up provides strong evidence that renal function can improve in some patients with hypertensive CKD.

PTH Rise in CKD Greater in Blacks

Jody A. Charnow April 26, 2012

Changes in calcium, phosphorus, and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D explain only part of this racial difference

Fibrates May Impair Renal Function in Elderly Patients

Jody A. Charnow April 19, 2012

Study reveals a twofold greater likelihood of being hospitalized for a rise in serum creatinine level

Normoalbuminuria Does Not Always Mean Normal Kidney Function

Jody A. Charnow April 16, 2012

Many patients with diabetes have significant renal dysfunction despite having normo- or microalbuminuria, according to researchers.

With ESAs, Let Your Patient Be Your Guide: An Interview with Alan S. Kliger, MD

Delicia Honen Yard April 11, 2012

When using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to correct anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, focus less on hitting a given hemoglobin target and more on improving patient-perceived quality of life in such areas as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, advises Alan S. Kliger, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer for the Saint Raphael Healthcare System in New Haven, Conn.

Endothelial Dysfunction in CKD Patients Linked to Calcitonin

Jody A. Charnow April 05, 2012

Serum calcitonin is independently related with endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), data suggest.

Oral Adsorbents, Probiotics an Inexpensive Way to Eliminate Uremic Toxics in CKD Patients

Alison Steiber, PhD, RD, LD April 01, 2012

Patients on a traditional renal diet often find that they are consuming a relatively "unhealthy diet," meaning the diet is low in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain, and dairy products.

Physician Reminders Fail to Increase ACE/ARB Use

Jody A. Charnow April 01, 2012

Treatment reminders fail to increase the rate at which primary care physicians (PCPs) prescribe ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Part II: Clinical Challenges and Renal Considerations in Managing Gout

By James W. Lohr, MD April 01, 2012

A case study involving a 65-year-old man with chronic kidney disease and acute attacks of pain, swelling, and erythema in the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Benefits of Automated eGFR Reporting Unclear

Rosemary Frei, MSc March 28, 2012

Having laboratories automatically provide an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) along with serum creatinine results does not appreciably increase the proportion of appropriate compared to inappropriate nephrology referrals, evidence suggests.

Obesity Does Not Affect CKD Progression Rate

Jody A. Charnow March 22, 2012

Although obesity is known to increase a person's risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), it has no effect on CKD progression, a study found.

Arteriovenous Fistulas May Increase Heart Failure Risk

Jody A. Charnow March 21, 2012

Pre-emptive placement of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in pre-dialysis patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) may increase their risk of congestive heart failure (CHF), a study found.

Current and Future Approaches to Renal Protection through Blood Pressure Control

Rajiv Agarwal, MD, George L. Bakris, MD, FASN, Vito Campese, MD March 14, 2012

This is the title of a scheduled May 11 session (8:30-10:00 a.m.) at the National Kidney Foundation's 2012 Spring Clinical Meetings.

Less Strict BP Goal for CKD Patients May Be More Realistic

John Schieszer March 09, 2012

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, say treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients' blood pressure to 140/80 rather than the recommended level of 130/80 may be more realistic.