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Clinical Trial Results in Early Success for Wearable Artificial Kidney

2024-03-28T21:05:59-04:00November 23rd, 2015|Categories: eNews, News & Events, Treatment|

A portable dialysis machine called the Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK) is now on the fast track for FDA review within a few years. The status is the result of a clinical trial involving seven ESRD patients undergoing dialysis using the WAK for 24 hours. The device is worn like a tool belt and attached to the patient with a catheter. Researchers say the WAK successfully cleaned the patients’ blood while keeping the fluid and electrolyte levels in a safe range. Patients did not experience any adverse side effects. Since the WAK works continuously, patients were also able to eat a non-restricted diet in [...]

Report Connects High Intakes of Salt And Potassium To Quicker CKD Progression

2024-03-28T21:06:00-04:00November 23rd, 2015|Categories: Early Intervention, eNews, Nutrition|

An increased intake of salt and potassium could lead to an increased chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, according to a study out of the Tulane University in New Orleans. Scientists studied urinary sodium and potassium levels from 3,900 4 CKD patients over a period of three years. CKD progression was defined as developing End State Renal Disease (ESRD) or experiencing a decreased renal function. Results found that CKD patients with the highest salt levels were 54 percent more likely to experience CKD progression and a 45 percent chance of early death. For those with high potassium levels, 59 percent were more [...]

Drug Candidate Offers Treatment for Chronic Itch Condition Without Side Effects

2024-03-28T21:06:02-04:00October 29th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Medication, News & Events, Treatment|Tags: |

“Chronic irritable itch” is defined as a constant itchy sensation that’s difficult to treat, and is a common medical condition among dialysis patients. A study from the Florida campus of the Scripps Research Institute focused on a medication that could treat the condition without the adverse side effects normally associated with medicating the condition. Researchers tested the compound, a combination of opioids and other chemicals, on mouse models to determine effectiveness. The drug compounds target receptors in the central nervous system that moderate pain perception and stress responses. It was found that the combination was successful in stopping the itch [...]

Tips to Prepare for Flu Season

2024-03-28T21:06:03-04:00October 29th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Immunizations, Staying Healthy|

With flu season starting, it’s important to protect yourself and others from getting sick. The Kidney Community Emergency Response Program (KCER) offers a few tips for influenza preparedness. Suggestions include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying home if you are ill and practicing proper hygiene to prevent the spread of germs. More information can be found on the KCER website.

Drug Trial Focuses on Potential Hepatitis C Cure for ESRD Patients

2024-03-28T21:06:05-04:00October 29th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Medication, News & Events, Treatment|Tags: |

Nearly 8 percent of ESRD patients have Hepatitis C. Medications like Sovaldi have offered a chance to cure Hepatitis C, but are unavailable to ESRD patients due to chemical contents. However, a recent new drug combination has shown potential in curing the Hepatitis C virus in ESRD patients. The drug combination, developed by Merck, was the focus of a recent study involving 224 ESRD patients. The participants were divided into two groups; 116 took a single pill with the two drugs for 12 weeks, while the rest received the placebo. Results showed that 99 percent of the group who took the real [...]

Report Finds Longer Interval Between Treatments Leads to Increased Hospitalization

2024-03-28T21:06:06-04:00September 25th, 2015|Categories: Dialysis, eNews|

The two-day treatment gap between in-center hemodialysis patients is associated with more hospital admissions and an increased mortality rate, according to a report published in Kidney International. Researchers looked at 5,800 hemodialysis patients in Sheffield, United Kingdom. They found that hospitalization was more likely for patients who had a 2-day interval between treatments than those with a 1-day interval. Health officials attributed this to a build-up of fluid and toxins. The study also offered potential solutions, such as more frequent dialysis treatments and a lower fluid removal goal.

Study Examines the Effects of Kidney Donations on Patients

2024-03-28T21:06:08-04:00September 25th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Kidney Transplant|

A study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases found that the health of kidney donors did not decline after a three-year period when compared to healthy non-donors. Researchers studied cholesterol levels, blood pressure and protein levels. Two sets of groups, kidney donors and healthy volunteers, participated in follow-up checkups for three years. Scientists found the levels of protein, cholesterol and blood pressure did not differ between the two groups. It was also found that kidney functions in the donor group improved over time, while the healthy group experienced age-related kidney function issues. While the area needs more research, [...]

Report Links Hypertension Medication to Increased Likelihood of Fall Injuries

2024-03-28T21:06:09-04:00August 26th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Medication, What Causes Kidney Disease|Tags: |

A recent study finds that elderly patients can have an increased risk of falling after starting a blood pressure medication. Researchers at the University Medical Center in New York studied 90,000 Medicaid patients who experienced fall injuries. Data indicated that patients who began taking hypertension medication had a 36 percent increase in the likelihood of falling within two weeks. Those who were already on blood pressure drugs had a 16 percent chance of falling after starting a new class of medication. The report mirrors another study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, although data in Hypertension contradicts the findings. [...]

Experts Offer Tips on Care Coordination

2024-06-07T12:38:33-04:00August 26th, 2015|Categories: eNews, News & Events, Treatment|Tags: |

Managing health care for a patient with multiple health conditions can involve many medications and specialists. A recent article by Sumathi Reddy in the Wall Street Journal features suggestions for both physicians and patients on how they can help coordinate care. For physicians, suggestions include considering a patient’s other conditions when prescribing medications. For example, if patients are on drugs for hypertension, their doctors should ensure an arthritis prescription won’t affect them negatively. Experts also encourage communication between specialists to help keep each of them updated on a patient’s health. For patients, tips focus on maintaining awareness of one’s health, including bringing a [...]

FDA Increases Focus on Warning Labels for Everyday Painkillers

2024-03-28T21:06:11-04:00August 26th, 2015|Categories: eNews, Medication, News & Events, Treatment|Tags: |

The Food and Drug Administration is stepping up to improve the warning labels on non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS.  Studies find that using these medications are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The move comes 10 years after warnings were added to prescription pain relievers, but researchers have found that over-the-counter medication also contains risks. Health officials caution patients not to take more than one drug containing NSAIDs at a time and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Patients should contact their physician with any questions about NSAIDs. [...]

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