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International comparison of ESRF rates, and disparities in access to dialysis and transplantation In a international study (Thurlow, 2021), the authors examined: geographic variation and global trends in ESRF incidence and prevalence; and variations in renal replacement therapy (RRT), practice patterns, and mortality. Why is this important? The global epidemiology of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) […]

Pig kidney transplant advance – no mention of pig viruses The first man to receive a genetically modified kidney transplant from a pig has been discharged from hospital. The 62-year-old was sent home recently, two weeks after the surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Organ transplants from genetically modified pigs have had variable success in

Early CKD healthcare – who is better (nurse practitioner, GP or nephrologist)? In a recent Canadian study by Matthew, 2023, this question was addressed. Why is this important? Early interventions in CKD have been shown to improve health outcomes; however, gaps in access to nephrology care remain common. Nurse practitioners can improve access to care;

Adults with CKD: safety of antidepressants compared In a recent Swedish/UK study by Nanbo, 2024, various antidepressants were compared in CKD patients. Why is this important? Depression is common in patients with CKD. Despite the widespread use of antidepressants in the CKD population, their safety remains unclear. What did the study show? Of 7798 people

Carers are our heroes! Overview Carers provide: Emotional Support Practical Assistance Advocacy Quality of Life. All of which can provide support to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Why are carers important? They are not just important, they are vital. Carers and support networks play a crucial role for people with kidney disease for several

20 years of French Renal Registry (REIN) – with comparisons to UK A recent study by Kazes, 2024, reported the latest data from the French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network (REIN), which is now 20 years old. It also looked at trends comparing 2012 to 2021. There is an older UK equivalent called the UK

Can kidney stones lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD)? Why is this important? Kidney stones (also called nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis) are very common, affecting approximately 1 in 5 males and 1 in 10 females by age 70 years. Kidney stones are not known to be a common cause of CKD. But it is unknown whether

Number of patients with ESRF in Europe in 2020 Why is this important? The European Renal Association (ERA) Registry collects data on patients with ESRF – i.e. on dialysis or with a kidney transplant – in Europe, and publishes it yearly. This recent paper, by Astley, 2023, is a summary of the ERA Registry Annual

Long-term outcomes in IgA nephropathy In a recent UK study by Pitcher (2023), a large number of patients with IgA nephropathy were followed up for nearly six years (on average). Typical glomerulus in a kidney biopsy of a patient with IgA nephropathy. Why is this important? IgA nephropathy is a chronic glomerulonephritis (autoimmune disease) that

4 advances in AI and nephrology in 2023 In a recent review (Shickel, 2024) 4 advances in how A1 may advance nephrology were described. The launch of ChatGPT1 was an important step in the democratisation of artificial intelligence (AI); similar systems will have a critical role in shaping future research and AI-augmented clinical practice in