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New drug candidate shrinks kidney cysts in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) In a recent study on animals and cells by Fedeles, 2024, a compound originally developed as a cancer treatment, was shown to hold promise for patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The kidneys in PKD can become very big Why is this

Are men and women affected equally by age-related loss of kidney function? No. They are affected differently. This is what Melsom, 2022 discovered in this paper described below. The researchers investigated sex differences in the loss of kidney function. Why is this important? CKD is more common in women, but more men receive renal replacement

Cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon: could it cause AKI? In this article we will describe the recent cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon:, and answer the question ‘could it cause AKI?’ Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium parvum protozoa positive (red sphere shape) in human poo smear. What is Cryptosporidium? It is a microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium, sometimes called ‘crypto’, is a group

PD dialysis catheter survival: a single centre study Key Point. In a recent Spanish study of 146 patients (Rodrigues, 2023), PD catheter survival rates over 12, 24 and 36 months were 80%, 72% and 62%, respectively. Why is this important? Timely insertion and management of peritoneal dialysis catheter complications are crucial for the success of

Comparison of different β-blocker tablets and mortality in haemodialysis patients In a recent study by Toye 2024, different β-blocker tablets were compared. Why is this important? Despite a lack of research studies, β-blockers (a type of blood pressure tablet) are widely prescribed to dialysis patients. Whether specific β-blockers are associated with improved long-term outcomes compared

Lupus kidney disease: new hope with belimumab? Living with lupus-related kidney disease (called ‘lupus nephritis’) is tough. Zhang, 2023, have recently analysed research trials on Belimumab, a promising new medication, that might be a game-changer in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus). Why is this important? Belimumab has recently been added to the range of

Association between plant-based diet and kidney function in adults In a recent study by Moloudpour, 2023, a plant-based diet was investigated in CKD patients. Why is this important? A plant-based diet has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is hypothesised that adherence to a plant-based diet may have a positive effect on kidney function. The

Black people wait 10 months longer for kidney transplants in UK Black patients wait ten months longer on average for organ transplants than the general population, NHS data shows. The best match comes from someone of the same ethnicity – but only 2% of donors in 2021/22 were black, while black people are 4% of

Sparsentan illuminates potential breakthrough in IgA nephropathy A recent study, known as the ‘PROTECT’ trial (Heerspink, 2023), has sparked optimism for individuals battling IgA nephropathy, a challenging kidney condition. Why is this important? IgA nephropathy is no walk in the park. It’s a kidney disease characterised by inflammation and damage caused by deposits of immunoglobulin