Phosphorus-lowering Drugs Linked To Lower Mortality In Dialysis Patients Dec 28, 2008
"This important finding suggests that perhaps treatment with phosphorus binders should be extended back to patients with less-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD)," comments Myles Wolf, MD, MMSc, of the University of Miami in Miami, Florida, one of the study authors ... High phosphorus levels(hyperphosphatemia) are common in patients with kidney disease ... If phosphorus binders improve survival even in new dialysis patients with relatively normal phosphorus levels, then it is possible that they... (Science Daily)
Remembering the good in everyone in sports Dec 27, 2008
The Weis' daughter, Hannah, was born with polycystic kidney disease. Doctors said she wouldn't live more than a few days. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Guest Commentary- The greatest gift Dec 27, 2008
A little about my situation: I was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of a kidney disease that is rare enough to begin with: glomerulonephritis. My doctor told me that the specific type that I had had only been seen a handful of times in the world. (Billerica Minuteman, MA)
Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Kidney Disease Dec 26, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Having the so-called metabolic syndrome may raise the risk of chronic kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes, researchers from China report ... Tong and colleagues looked for ties between metabolic syndrome and its components and kidney disease in more than 5,800 Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes ... They found that the risk of developing chronic kidney disease increased as the number of components of the metabolic syndrome increased. (MEDLINEplus)
Primary Cilium As Cellular 'GPS System' Crucial To Wound Repair Dec 26, 2008
Once written off as a vestigial organelle discarded in the evolutionary dust, primary cilia in the last decade have risen to prominence as a vital cellular sensor at the root of a wide range of health disorders, from polycystic kidney disease to cancer to left-right anatomical abnormalities. The paper, Poster B262, titled, "The primary cilium coordinates directional cell migration," will be presented on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, in session 2553, Cilia and Flagella IV, in Halls A-C, Moscone... (Science Daily)
Taking Care of Family Dec 26, 2008
Three of her children have died: my younger sister of kidney disease when she was just 6 years old, my older half-brother in a car accident when he was barely 15, and another half-brother in his 50s. She has survived the loneliness of widowhood and the pain of breast cancer. (Townhall.com)
Newly Discovered Esophagus Stem Cells Grow Into Transplantable Tissue, Study Finds Dec 25, 2008
This work was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Cancer Institute. Adapted from materials provided by. (Science Daily)
Treating gum disease linked to lower medical costs for patients with diabetes Dec 25, 2008
Poor diabetes control leads to serious diabetes complications such as vision disorders, cardiovascular and kidney disease and amputations, among others. "Cleanings and other non-surgical periodontal treatment remove the harmful bacteria," Taylor said. (EurekAlert!)
Most Kids with Type 1 Diabetes Lack Vitamin D Dec 23, 2008
"But the role of vitamin D in bone health remains crucial, and perhaps that much more so in groups at high risk of bone-thinning and injury. Such groups include postmenopausal women, those with kidney disease, and children with type 1 diabetes.". Whether or not supplementing vitamin D would prevent all diabetes-related bone disease in diabetic children, the practice makes sense, particularly in light of a recent American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation doubling the intake of vitamin D for... (MEDLINEplus)
Microarray-based approach identifies microRNAs and their target functional patterns in polycystic kidney disease Dec 23, 2008
Numerous disorders are related to cilia dysfunction, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Although involvement of certain genes and transcriptional networks in PKD development has been shown, not much is known how they are regulated molecularly. (BioMed Central)
Modeling Neonatal Diabetes Dec 22, 2008
12, 2002) Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified the gene causing an inherited form of childhood kidney disease associated with renal failure and neonatal death. The discovery may improve prospects for. (Science Daily)
Increasing Physical Activity And Limiting Television May Lead To Reduction In Type 2 Diabetes Dec 22, 2008
This work was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases. Adapted from materials provided by , via , a service of AAAS. Email or share this story. (Science Daily)
PREP: Colonoscopy pills carry kidney risk Dec 22, 2008
The FDA says prescription Visicol, approved in 2000, and its successor, OsmoPrep, approved in 2006, should be used with caution by people over 55; those who are dehydrated; those who suffer from kidney disease, acute colitis or delayed bowel emptying; and people on medicines that affect kidney function. Medicines include diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and, maybe, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (USA Today -- News)
Amgen Submits Biologics License Application for FDA Approval of Denosumab in Women With Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and in Patients Undergoing Hormone Ablation for Either Prostate or Breast Cancer Dec 20, 2008
Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. (PR Newswire)
Coated Stents Better Than Bare Metal Ones in Short Run Dec 20, 2008
It also noted that DES patients tended to be women and also had higher rates of kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension. In a related commentary to be published on the journal's Web site later this week, Columbia University Medical Center Drs. (MEDLINEplus)
2008 Aesculapius Award Recipients Announced Dec 19, 2008
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (PR Newswire)
NOWHERE TO TURN: Homeless advocates say more and more elderly New Orleanians, faced with few options, are holing up in abandoned buildings Dec 19, 2008
But the group is in poor health: Among their problems are liver and kidney disease, heart problems, paranoia, schizophrenia, HIV and AIDS, and dementia, said UNITY head Martha Kegel, who said donations of furniture and houseware are desperately needed to properly outfit Green and some of the other estimated 400 homeless people UNITY has housed this year with the help of federal rental assistance. For the homeless, fire is an ever-present threat, Green said. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Strict Blood Sugar Lowering Won't Ease Diabetes Heart Risk Dec 19, 2008
One study, the ADVANCE (Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease) trial found a 21 percent reduced risk for kidney disease in patients on tight glucose control. On the other hand, the ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) trial found a 22 percent increased risk of death for those on the stricter regimen. (MEDLINEplus)
Laurence Charles Baxter Dec 19, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008 The Oregonian. and raised in Kalispell and Columbia Falls, Mont. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Gaza: abandoned, embattled and divided Dec 19, 2008
" At the hospital's nephrology department, which treats kidney disease, Dr Nafez Eneim says he has 28 kidney dialysis machines operating for 16 hours a day. Another 12 machines cannot be used because the spare parts to repair them cannot be brought in. "They tell us that the electronic plates we need to repair the machines and other spare parts could be used for other things, that they are a security risk," he says. Daily power cuts at the hospital present other challenges. After each, the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Common Chronic Prostatitis Treatment Doesnt Work Dec 19, 2008
Alfuzosin, a drug commonly prescribed for men with chronic prostatitis, a painful disorder of the prostate and surrounding pelvic area, failed to significantly reduce symptoms in recently diagnosed men who had not been previously treated with this drug, according to a clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study is to be published in the New England Journal of Medicine. (Newsmax)
The nitty-gritty on sodium intake Dec 18, 2008
A high-salt diet is well established as a cause of high blood pressure and its consequences: heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Eating less salt should help reduce those risks. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Vitamin B1 Could Reverse Early-stage Kidney Disease In Diabetes Patients Dec 18, 2008
17, 2008) Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered high doses of thiamine vitamin B1 can reverse the onset of early diabetic kidney disease ... Kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, develops progressively in patients with type 2 diabetes ... Early development of kidney disease is assessed by a high excretion rate of the protein albumin from the body in the urine, known as microalbuminuria. (Science Daily)
Gary Glausser, Peter DeComo launch new life sciences fund Dec 18, 2008
DeComo is CEO of , a Warrendale-based developer of products to treat kidney disease that was sold in November 2007 to Germany s. He is leaving Renal at year-end but will remain a consultant. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Mother spared jail over son's death Dec 18, 2008
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, died of pneumonia and the kidney disease pyelonephritis in August 2003. "Proper medical care, at the appropriate time, would have prevented (his) death from these causes," the judge said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Better patient outcomes with drug eluting stents Dec 18, 2008
Patients with drug eluting stents were more likely to be female, with higher rates of kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension. "Our study findings suggest that drug eluting stents, despite recent concerns surrounding drug eluting stent safety, the long-term survival (to 3 years) of patients receiving drug eluting stents remains globally favourable, and certainly not measurably worse than that of patients treated with bare metal stents," state Dr. William Ghali, coauthors from... (EurekAlert!)
TriLipix Approved to Help Lower Cholesterol Dec 17, 2008
People with liver, gallbladder, or severe kidney disease shouldn't take TriLipix. The drug should also be avoided by nursing mothers, Abbott said. (U.S. News & World Report)
Diabetes Drug Shows Potential For Treating One Cause Of Chronic Kidney Disease Dec 17, 2008
Many of these patients go on to develop chronic kidney disease and will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation. In animal studies, the antidiabetes drug rosiglitazone and other medications in its class have exhibited positive effects on the kidney. (Science Daily)
Disciplined diabetics - Careful glucose management allows sufferers to live longer Dec 17, 2008
Boulder endocrinologist Melvin Stjernholm says Crossen has no secondary complications common to diabetics, such as kidney disease, neuropathy or retinopathy ... Of those, most have mild secondary illnesses, such as early kidney disease that can be managed easily with medication, he said. (Missoulian, MT)
F.D.A. Commissioner and Other Top Health Officials Plan to Step Down Dec 17, 2008
Several people with knowledge of the situation said top candidates for the director of the health institutes include Dr. Collins as well as directors of other institutes, including Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and Dr. Griffin P. Rogers of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Dr. Fauci has twice declined the job of director of the health... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Flu, Flu Away: Answers to questions about the flu Dec 17, 2008
Anyone older than 6 months with a damaged immune system, with heart or lung problems, cancer, AIDS, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, anemia, and asthma. Health-care workers. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Helena-based health care organization wins federal diabetes-care contract Dec 16, 2008
Dr. Dwight Hiesterman, project leader with Mountain-Pacific, said nationwide, rates of chronic kidney disease more than doubled between 1990 and 2001 and Montana followed this same trend ... The project will focus on patients with diabetes and/or hypertension, two important risk factors for chronic kidney disease ... Specific goals include increasing testing of patients at risk for chronic kidney disease and increasing use of appropriate medications that slow or stop the progression of the... (Helena Independent Record, MT)
(Multimedia Version): Abbott Receives FDA Approval for TRILIPIX(TM) (fenofibric acid), First and Only Fibrate Indicated for Use in Combination With a Statin for Cholesterol Management Dec 16, 2008
TRILIPIX should not be taken by people with liver, gallbladder, or severe kidney disease, nursing mothers, or those allergic to any product ingredient. Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness may be a sign of a serious side effect and should be reported to a healthcare provider right away. (PR Newswire)
Hepatitis C Treatment Reduces The Virus But Liver Damage Continues Dec 16, 2008
"The results from HALT- C show without question that maintenance therapy with peginterferon does not prevent progression of liver disease among patients who have failed prior treatments," said James Everhart, M.D., project scientist for HALT-C in the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the principal sponsor of HALT-C at NIH. "These findings heighten the incentive to develop more effective drugs for patients with... (Science Daily)
Hope For The Treatment Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Dec 16, 2008
(May 14, 2007) Good patient information is essential for choosing the best treatment for the kidney disease lupus nephritis. A Dutch researcher concludes this following her doctoral research into two methods for. (Science Daily)
Surviving the season of office plenty Dec 16, 2008
But the average weight gain is actually one pound during the holiday season, according to a 2000 study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The downside is that extra pound isn't lost during the year, the study found. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Jackson Heart Study reaches key deadline Dec 16, 2008
The study is examining thousands of African Americans in the Jackson area to uncover factors contributing to stroke, heart failure and heart-related kidney disease. It is the largest African-American heart study ever. (The Clarion-Ledger)
FibroGen initiates trial of cancer drug Dec 16, 2008
The company has completed Phase I studies of the drug in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the diabetic kidney disease microalbuminuria. Current Phase Ib studies are evaluating the drug in the diabetic kidney disease macroalbuminuria and steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Church effort sharply increases first-time African-American blood donors Dec 16, 2008
This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Washington University School of Medicine's 2,100 employed and volunteer faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals. (EurekAlert!)
NZ singer breaks world record by singing for 47 hours Dec 15, 2008
She went home for a well-earned sleep, with a world record and a lot of money promised to Kidney Kids, a charity which takes care of children with kidney disease. Davy began her record attempt on Saturday morning at the Botany Town Center in southeast Auckland. (Xinhuanet, China)
Malpractice suit wins $6 million for plaintiff Dec 14, 2008
According to court records, Richardson went to Seid in 2001, when tests for health insurance showed signs of kidney disease. For two years, Seid treated Richardson for high blood pressure, ignoring test results indicating kidney disease, the plaintiff alleged ... According to court records, Richardson went to Seid in 2001, when tests for health insurance showed signs of kidney disease. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Give one, get one kidney exchange Dec 14, 2008
The Belarus native has polycystic kidney disease, a progressive genetic disorder. When Vyacheslav, an auto mechanic, found out he wasn't a match for her, she said, he came home and said, "There should be some kind of program to exchange kidneys so we could exchange with another family.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
WHO calls for major clinical trial for vitamin D Dec 12, 2008
Other research has shown that people who take supplements containing 400 or 800 IU have a measurable reduction in their risk of premature death, while those with chronic kidney disease treated with the vitamin also have reduced mortality. But the IARC said that none of theses studies could identify what it was about vitamin D that caused the reduced death risk. (Globe and Mail)
How can I keep my kidney disease from progressing? Dec 10, 2008
How can I keep my kidney disease from progressing ... How can I keep my kidney disease from progressing ... When you have a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and your kidney ultrasound is normal, how do you prevent the kidney disease from worsening to the point of dialysis and/or need for a transplant. (CNN -- Health)
Visual Problems Common in Elderly Dialysis Patients Dec 10, 2008
The study, published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, included 159 dialysis patients, 65 years or older, who were evaluated for visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and depth perception ... SOURCE: American Journal of Kidney Diseases, December 2008. (MEDLINEplus)
Dog food suspected in kidney disease cases recalled Dec 10, 2008
THE product suspected to be at the centre of kidney disease in hundreds of small dogs has been voluntarily recalled by the company as a precaution. The Advertiser revealed yesterday a national alert had been issued by the Australian Veterinary Association about so-called Fanconi-like symptoms. (NEWS.com.au)
Interferon As Long-term Treatment For Hepatitis C Not Effective Dec 9, 2008
Also involved in the study were researchers from Saint Louis University School of Medicine; Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center; University of Colorado School of Medicine; University of Southern California; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; University of Michigan Medical Center; University of Connecticut Health Center; University of California, Irvine, and VA Long Beach Healthcare System; and University of Washington. The study was funded by the... (Science Daily)
Vitamin E Shows Possible Promise In Easing Chronic Inflammation Dec 9, 2008
(May 1, 2007) A new study is investigating if fish oil can help kidney disease sufferers and decrease the inflammation often associated with. . (Science Daily)
Body Shape and Heart Disease Risk: Apple Or Pear Shape Is Not Main Culprit To Heart Woes -- It's Liver Fat Dec 9, 2008
This research was supported by grants from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Center for Research Resources of the National Institutes of Health. Journal references. (Science Daily)
What Makes The Heart 'Tick-tock' Dec 9, 2008
The researchers include Ningning Wang, University of Utah and Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT; Guangrui Yang, University of Utah and Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT; Zhanjun Jia, University of Utah and Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT; Hui Zhang, University of Utah and Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT; Toshinori Aoyagi, University of Utah and Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical... (Science Daily)
Cross-donor system planned for region's kidney patients Dec 9, 2008
This could be quite a substantial increase in the number of live donors," said Dr. Francis L. Delmonico, medical director of the New England Organ Bank in Boston, which manages the region's organ supply.The paired-exchange system appears to be surmounting the ethical concerns that have sunk other ideas for fostering more organ donation. Congress long ago barred financial incentives to encourage donors, but medical ethicists are also concerned about any system that pressures people to undergo a... (Yahoo News -- Organ Donation & Transplants)
First Clinical Experience With Soliris(R) in Treating Patients With Two Rare Complement-Mediated Diseases Presented at ASH Annual Meeting Dec 8, 2008
In patients with aHUS, this defect results in hemolysis, formation of tiny blood clots (microvascular thrombosis) and inflammation of blood vessels, often causing acute kidney injury and progressing to end-stage kidney disease. Those who survive aHUS often live with irreversible kidney disease and are dependent upon dialysis to stay alive. (PR Newswire)
WHO Announces Tolerable Melamine Level Dec 8, 2008
Melamine is a toxic industrial chemical that may cause kidney stones and other kidney disease and this is the first time that the WHO has announced tolerable limits for it. Melamine is a contaminant that should not be in food. (TopNews)
Diabetic children from deprived areas control disease less, says study Dec 8, 2008
Reducing blood glucose levels by 1% lowers the risk of diabetes-related deaths by 21%, heart attacks by 14% and retinopathy and kidney disease by 37%, so the figures are "particularly worrying", say the charity. Poor diabetes control leads to a higher risk of developing diabetes-related complications such as blindness and kidney disease. (The Herald)
BBQ choices highlighted in new kidney campaign Dec 8, 2008
A national campaign is being launched in Melbourne today to encourage people to eat healthier food at barbecues to prevent kidney disease ... "The link between obesity and kidney disease is quite strong," she said ... "So we need to do whatever we can to get those messages out into the public arena and get people thinking about their kidneys and also having their kidneys checked. "We believe that highlighting the barbecue, being the healthy choice, is a good way to get people to think about what... (ABC Online)
Observational Study Finds Changes in Medicare Reimbursement for Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents Associated With Increased Need for Blood Transfusion Dec 7, 2008
Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. is a leading biopharmaceutical company devoted to helping improve the lives of patients with cancer and with anemia due to multiple causes, including chronic kidney disease. Since it was founded in 1990, Ortho Biotech and its worldwide affiliates have earned a global reputation for researching, manufacturing and marketing innovative products that enhance patients' health. (PR Newswire)
Bayer Announces Upcoming Presentations of Campath(R) and Leukine(R) Data at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology Dec 6, 2008
The company's products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme's commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as immune disease, infectious disease, and other areas of unmet medical need. (PR Newswire)
Children Do Well 5 Years After Liver Transplant Dec 6, 2008
Thirteen percent of the subjects had signs of possible kidney disease. After accounting for the effects of age and gender, 12 percent of the subjects had a weight that was above the 95th percentile and 29 percent had a height below the 10th percentile. (MEDLINEplus)
New Genetic Target For Sickle Cell Disease Therapy Found Dec 6, 2008
The study was conducted by researchers at Children's Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and supported by the National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. (Science Daily)
How to Avoid Overeating during Holi... Dec 5, 2008
And according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the cumulative effects of yearly weight gain during the fall and winter can lead to substantial increase in body weight that frequently occurs in adults. Not eating is definitely not a solution. (Suite101.com)
Major Breakthrough For Dialysis Patients, According To Preliminary Results Dec 5, 2008
21, 2007) Patients who received hemodialysis at night six times a week for treatment of end-stage kidney disease had improvements on certain outcomes, including reduced need for blood pressure medications and. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Adult Survivors Of Childhood Leukemia Have Lower Bone Mineral Density, Study Finds Dec 5, 2008
9, 2008) The osteoporosis drug raloxifene increases bone mineral density and reduces the risk of vertebral fractures among postmenopausal women with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease, according to a new. (May 14, 2007) Although women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, or porous bone, one in 12 men also suffer from the disease, which can lead to debilitating fractures. (Science Daily)
Pediatric Obesity May Alter Thyroid Function And Structure Dec 5, 2008
(June 11, 2008) Many patients with chronic kidney disease have mild reductions in thyroid function, or subclinical hypothyroidism -- a condition that becomes more common as kidney function. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Genetic Screening No Better Than Traditional Risk Factors For Predicting Type 2 Diabetes Dec 5, 2008
The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and by grants from the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Center for Research Resources. Adapted from materials provided by. (Science Daily)
Food that helps you defy age Dec 5, 2008
And if you have healthy blood vessels, chances are, that you will be better protected against high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, kidney disease and even dementia. Nuts A recent study that has been conducted has proved that those who have nuts on a regular basis actually manage to add up an extra two and a half years to their average lifespan. (India Times, India)
