Musab S Hommos, Ashlyn Brown, Brandon Trollinger, Mohamed Sekkarie, Sami Alasfar
{"title":"Do not forget about transplant patients during disasters.","authors":"Musab S Hommos, Ashlyn Brown, Brandon Trollinger, Mohamed Sekkarie, Sami Alasfar","doi":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001021","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The frequency of natural disasters and man-made conflicts has risen significantly in the past two decades, coinciding with an increase in kidney transplant recipients globally. This review addresses the critical need for disaster preparedness to mitigate the severe impacts on this vulnerable patient cohort.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Kidney transplant recipients are highly dependent on robust healthcare infrastructures for ongoing care, including specialized medical staff, advanced diagnostics, and a consistent supply of immunosuppressive medications. Disasters disrupt these essential services, leading to increased risks of organ rejection, infections, and other medical complications. Strategies at various levels, from government to individual patients, can help maintain care continuity during such crises.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Effective disaster preparedness plans involving strategic medication stockpiling, emergency communication systems, and patient education are crucial to support kidney transplant recipients. By implementing these measures, healthcare systems can better protect the health and well being of transplant patients during and after disasters.</p>","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":" ","pages":"627-635"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142105223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Serum creatinine and serum cystatin C as an index of muscle mass in adults.","authors":"Celina Liu, Andrew S Levey, Shoshana H Ballew","doi":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001022","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Serum creatinine reflects both muscle mass and kidney function. Serum cystatin C has recently been recommended as an additional marker for estimating kidney function, and use of both markers together may provide an index of muscle mass. This review aims to describe the biological basis for and recent research examining the relationship of these markers to muscle mass in a range of adult populations and settings.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>This review identified 67 studies, 50 of which had direct measures of muscle mass, and almost all found relationships between serum creatinine and cystatin C and muscle mass and related outcomes. Most studies have been performed in older adults, but similar associations were found in general populations as well as in subgroups with cancer, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other morbid conditions. Creatinine to cystatin C ratio was the measure examined the most often, but other measures showed similar associations across studies.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Measures of serum creatinine and cystatin C together can be an index of muscle mass. They are simple and reliable measures that can be used in clinical practice and research. Further study is needed to determine actionable threshold values for each measure and clinical utility of testing and intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":" ","pages":"557-565"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141999572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kyung Don Yoo, Chia-Ter Chao, Jung Pyo Lee, Ali K Abu-Alfa
{"title":"The role of international renal disaster preparedness working groups in difficult settings: bridge over troubled water.","authors":"Kyung Don Yoo, Chia-Ter Chao, Jung Pyo Lee, Ali K Abu-Alfa","doi":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001024","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Disasters, natural and man-made, are rising in frequency and pose significant challenges to the provision of renal care worldwide. Patients with kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis, are extremely vulnerable during disasters. This timely review summarizes the potential roles international renal disaster preparedness working groups have in addressing these challenges.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The vulnerability of kidney patients has galvanized the evolution of global response mechanisms and the contemporary efforts of various organizations. In this review, the importance of preparedness, networking, and collaborations at all levels are highlighted, citing recent crises. It will also note key areas for improvement, including an enhanced engagement with global health organizations. Finally, it is imperative to urge the international community to recognize that individuals with kidney disease are often among the first patient groups to suffer in disaster zones. These messages are intended to persuade global stakeholders that kidney patients, including pediatric ones, should be prioritized as requiring immediate support during disasters.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The unique and life-threatening challenges faced by individuals with kidney disease in natural disaster- or war-torn areas demand special consideration in humanitarian efforts and international crisis response strategies. International organizations can play a major role in this regard.</p>","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":" ","pages":"636-640"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142132088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"HIV-associated kidney disease: the changing spectrum and treatment priorities.","authors":"Nicola Wearne, Bianca Davidson","doi":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001018","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review examines the impact of HIV on kidney disease, which remains significant despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART). The review is timely due to the shifting epidemiology of kidney disease in people with HIV (PWH), driven by increased ART access, noncommunicable diseases, and region-specific opportunistic infections like tuberculosis.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The literature highlights a decline in HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and a rise in tubulointerstitial diseases and noncommunicable diseases among PWH. Studies from the United States and South Africa report decreased HIVAN prevalence and increased rates of tubulointerstitial diseases linked to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) toxicity and tuberculosis (TB). Immune complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are also prevalent.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The findings underscore the need for improved diagnostic tools for opportunistic infections, management of ART-related complications, and strategies to address noncommunicable diseases in PWH. There is a need to centralize care to address all health needs simultaneously. Future research should focus on APOL1-targeted therapies and the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in CKD. Enhanced transplantation outcomes and the development of guidelines for managing DKD in PWH are critical for advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":" ","pages":"603-612"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141999571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Justifying access to kidney care in low resource and humanitarian settings.","authors":"Simon Sawhney, Valerie A Luyckx","doi":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001023","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Access to and quality of kidney care is not equitable between or within countries. A natural question is whether global kidney care inequities are always unjustifiable and unfair, or are sometimes due to unavoidable competing or conflicting ethical duties or responsibilities.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Health is a fundamental right for all people. People with kidney conditions should have the same claim on this human right as others. Countries have an obligation to progressively fulfil this right and a duty to do so equitably, but global progress has been slow. Countries with limited resources or faced with humanitarian emergencies must set priorities to allocate resources fairly. This process involves trade-offs and often people requiring kidney replacement therapy are left out because of costs, logistics and lack of data. Major burdens are placed on clinicians who grapple between their duty to their patient and professional codes and their responsibility to a 'greater good'. These dilemmas apply also to industry, governments and the international community who must recognize their share in these duties.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Inequities in kidney health and care must be acknowledged and sustainable and collaborative solutions urgently found such that right to kidney care is progressively upheld for everyone everywhere.</p>","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":" ","pages":"641-646"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11426978/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142119208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Quality of life in people with chronic kidney disease: focusing on modifiable risk factors.","authors":"Simon D S Fraser, Thomas Phillips","doi":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001013","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>With ageing populations and rising prevalence of key risk factors, the prevalence of many long-term conditions including chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing globally. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is important to people living with CKD but not all HRQoL determinants are modifiable. This review summarizes recently identified potentially modifiable factors affecting HRQoL for people with CKD and recent trials incorporating HRQoL as an outcome.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Considering a broad definition of 'potentially modifiable', many factors have been associated with HRQoL in recent observational studies. These include mental health conditions, symptoms, medications, health behaviours, weight-related issues, poor social support, lower education, limited literacy and directly CKD- related factors such as anaemia. Some potentially modifiable factors have been tested in CKD trials, though often with HRQoL as a secondary outcome, so may be underpowered for HRQoL. Interventions with evidence of effect on HRQoL include physical activity, education, some nutritional interventions and medications targeting CKD-related anaemia.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Clinicians should consider the range of potentially modifiable factors influencing HRQoL as part of a holistic approach to CKD care. High-quality, adequately-powered trials, with HRQoL as a primary outcome, with interventions focusing on the other potentially modifiable factors identified are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":" ","pages":"573-582"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11426990/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141901214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimizing kidney and cardiovascular protection in an era of multiple effective treatments.","authors":"Maarten W Taal","doi":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001019","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MNH.0000000000001019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>After decades of relying on the control of hypertension and treatment with renin angiotensin system inhibitors as the only evidence-based interventions to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), we have entered an era when multiple effective treatment options are available. This review considers the mechanisms and benefits of these novel treatments as well as the challenges associated with achieving optimal combination therapy.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Over the past 5 years, large clinical trials have provided robust evidence that, when added to renin angiotensin system inhibitors, treatment with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduces the rate of CKD progression and the risk of cardiovascular events in people with CKD with or without diabetes and with or without albuminuria; nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid antagonists and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists afford similar benefits in people with type 2 diabetes and CKD. The mechanisms of actions of these novel therapies suggest that combination therapy will produce additive benefits, though specific evidence is sparse.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Further trials are warranted to investigate the benefits of combination therapy with novel treatments in people with CKD. Clinical implementation of optimal combination therapy will require reorganization of services to ensure that patients receive adequate education, support and monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":" ","pages":"551-556"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141975260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent advances in the understanding of the peritoneal membrane.","authors":"François Seghers,Michel Tintillier,Johann Morelle","doi":"10.1097/mnh.0000000000001028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/mnh.0000000000001028","url":null,"abstract":"PURPOSE OF REVIEWThe efficiency of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a life-sustaining replacement therapy for patients with kidney failure relies on the integrity and function of the peritoneal membrane. Here, we review the most recent advances in the understanding of the peritoneal membrane and its role in PD.RECENT FINDINGSA recent update of the ISPD guidelines proposed a revised definition of membrane dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of fluid balance in patients treated with PD and identified three main mechanisms leading to insufficient peritoneal ultrafiltration (UF). The Bio-PD study, the first genomewide association study in PD, demonstrated that 20% of the interindividual variability in the peritoneal solute transfer rate is genetically determined, and identified several loci of potential relevance for peritoneal transport. A candidate-gene approach identified and characterized a common and functional variant in the promoter of the AQP1 gene associated with water transport and clinical outcomes in PD. Innovative strategies to preserve the integrity of the peritoneal membrane and to enhance UF are also discussed, including the use of gliflozins; steady glucose concentration PD; modulation of GLUT proteins; and cytoprotective additives.SUMMARYA comprehensive understanding of the peritoneal membrane and of the mechanisms driving UF may help individualizing PD prescription and improving outcomes in patients treated with PD.","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142257390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Arpana Iyengar,Robert Kalyesubula,Rasha Darwish,Valerie A Luyckx
{"title":"International equity in access to home dialysis.","authors":"Arpana Iyengar,Robert Kalyesubula,Rasha Darwish,Valerie A Luyckx","doi":"10.1097/mnh.0000000000001027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/mnh.0000000000001027","url":null,"abstract":"PURPOSE OF REVIEWDiscussion of inequalities and inequities in global distribution of and access to home dialysis.RECENT FINDINGSThe majority of patients receiving home dialysis receive peritoneal dialysis, but these are concentrated in few countries across the globe. Peritoneal dialysis as the most common form of home dialysis has many advantages in terms of individual freedoms, similar outcomes to haemodialysis, being less costly in some countries, and more scalable than in-centre haemodialysis. Despite this there are many inequities in access at the patient, clinician, health system and geopolitical levels. Poverty, discrimination and lack of support at home are important drivers of inequities at the patient level. At the clinician and health systems level lack of experience in home dialysis, lack of resources and lack of time drive patients towards in-centre dialysis. At the geopolitical level, high costs associated with procurement and distribution of peritoneal dialysis solutions exacerbate inequities in access.SUMMARYThe challenge of reducing global inequities in access to home dialysis in low- and middle-income countries are vast and would require training of the doctors, nurses, families, patients, leaders and community partners. Once this is achieved, dealing with costs and logistics of supplies is crucial to improve and sustain equitable access.","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142257393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Social and humanitarian issues in nephrology and hypertension.","authors":"Dina A Abdellatif","doi":"10.1097/mnh.0000000000001026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/mnh.0000000000001026","url":null,"abstract":"PURPOSE OF REVIEWChronic kidney disease and hypertension, two widely prevalent conditions worldwide, present an urgent and pressing need for immediate action. The review describes how social conditions and humanitarian issues can influence hypertension and kidney disease.RECENT FINDINGSUndoubtedly, social determinants of health (SDoH) are key influencers in the development of many noncommunicable diseases, including hypertension and kidney disease. Healthcare professionals, including public health workers, play a crucial role in addressing these issues. Poverty, low education level, poor nutrition, housing, exposure to environmental hazards, and stress-related disorders are all factors that can be addressed, either directly or indirectly, through improved awareness and access to proper healthcare services. Besides personal factors, national, regional, or global factors cause serious apprehension. Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can lead to significant aftermaths on the healthy person and certainly on kidney disease and hypertensive patients. A Global Overview Report, 2023 turned out to be one of the most violent years since the end of the Cold War. In 2023, 59 state-based conflicts were recorded in 34 countries, the highest number registered since 1946. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza were the primary contributors with a significant impact on the kidney population, especially people living on dialysis and transplantation patients. They also yielded many refugees or displaced persons with ongoing suffering.SUMMARYIt is crucial to recognize that social and humanitarian conditions can quickly exacerbate the health of vulnerable populations, particularly those with noncommunicable diseases like hypertension and chronic kidney disease. These patients, who often require continuous follow-up, especially those on dialysis, are particularly vulnerable during difficult times. Their lives depend on uninterrupted access to dialysis or transplantation medications, making the need for special attention and care more pressing. Further research and advocacy are needed to address these issues and ensure the health and well being of these populations.","PeriodicalId":10960,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142178118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}