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Tag: chronic kidney disease

  • Major Study Shows Drug Safeguards Kidneys in Non-Diabetics

    Major Study Shows Drug Safeguards Kidneys in Non-Diabetics

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly. Early on, many individuals experience few symptoms, but over time, the disease can lead to kidney failure and elevate the risk of heart problems. One of the primary goals in nephrology is developing treatments that slow down this progression.

    A recent international study offers promising news. Researchers discovered that finerenone, a medication already prescribed for some patients with diabetic kidney disease, can also offer benefits to those with CKD who do not have diabetes. These findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

    The study, known as FIND-CKD, was led by Professor Hiddo Lambers Heerspink from the University Medical Center Groningen. It involved 1,584 adults from various countries who all had decreased kidney function and excess protein in their urine. The presence of protein in the urine is an early warning sign of kidney damage and often indicates a higher likelihood of disease progression. Therefore, reducing protein levels in the urine is a crucial treatment target.

    Participants were assigned either finerenone or a placebo while continuing their existing kidney-protective therapies. The researchers tracked them for just over three years to compare changes in kidney health. Kidney function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Those taking finerenone experienced a slower decline in eGFR, meaning their kidneys maintained better function longer than those on the placebo.

    In addition, the drug lowered the risk of severe kidney and cardiovascular complications. About 13.9% of patients on finerenone faced major kidney events, heart failure hospitalizations, or cardiovascular death, compared to 16.9% in the placebo group. An Especially notable benefit was the significant reduction in protein levels in the urine — finerenone decreased urinary protein by over 41% on average, whereas the placebo group saw only a roughly 9% reduction. More than half of the patients receiving finerenone achieved reductions of at least 30%, which is associated with a more favorable outlook for kidney health.

    Previously, most large studies on finerenone focused on individuals with type 2 diabetes. This research indicates that the medicine may be effective for a broader population because more than half of all people with CKD do not have diabetes.

    Importantly, the study reported no unexpected safety issues during treatment. However, patients should only take finerenone under medical supervision, as kidney function and blood potassium levels require careful monitoring.

    Overall, this high-quality clinical trial provides compelling evidence that finerenone could become a valuable addition to the standard treatment options for non-diabetic CKD. Future guidelines and real-world experiences will help clarify which patient groups will benefit the most.

    If you’re interested in diabetes prevention, consider reading about five vitamins that may help prevent complications, along with tips on managing high blood pressure and diabetes through healthy eating. For additional health insights, explore recent studies on vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and learn which fruits might be better suited for individuals with the condition.

  • Individuals with This Condition Might Face Increased Kidney Disease Risk

    Individuals with This Condition Might Face Increased Kidney Disease Risk

    Many individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) worry about the risk of developing kidney problems since lupus can target the kidneys. Typically, doctors become particularly concerned when patients develop lupus nephritis, which is the most common kidney-related complication of the disease. However, recent research indicates that even patients without lupus nephritis may still require careful monitoring of kidney health.

    Researchers from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust examined whether individuals with lupus, but with normal kidney function, are still at increased risk of developing kidney disease over time. Their study, published in Rheumatology, suggests that they are.

    Lupus is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to a wide range of symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, fever, and inflammation across various organs. Because the disease can be unpredictable, it’s vital to conduct long-term follow-ups.

    In the study, the team tracked 1,145 newly diagnosed lupus patients who initially had healthy kidneys and showed no signs of lupus nephritis. They compared this group with 91,681 individuals without lupus. The participants were followed for an average of nearly six years.

    At baseline, both groups had similar kidney function. Over time, notable differences emerged: those with lupus had a significantly higher likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease, progressing to end-stage kidney disease, experiencing major cardiovascular issues, and dying from any cause.

    Interestingly, the overall decline in average kidney function was similar between the two groups, indicating that some lupus patients might experience sudden or uneven declines rather than a gradual deterioration. The study also highlighted that conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure significantly raise the risk of severe kidney damage.

    These findings carry important clinical significance. They emphasize the need for ongoing kidney monitoring in lupus patients, even when initial tests show normal kidney function. Regular blood and urine tests, coupled with effective management of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, could help prevent future complications.

    The timing of this research is especially relevant, given the advent of new treatments for chronic kidney disease. Detecting kidney issues early might enable patients to benefit from these therapies before irreversible damage occurs.

    However, the study has limitations. Since it relied on medical records, it cannot definitively establish that lupus directly causes the increased risks. Some patients could have had differences in treatment, lifestyle, or other health conditions influencing the outcomes. Nonetheless, the large size of the study population lends weight to the findings.

    Overall, the research serves as a reminder that lupus is a systemic disease affecting the entire body. Even when kidney tests are normal at diagnosis, continuous monitoring remains crucial because the risks of future kidney problems and cardiovascular issues continue to be elevated.

    If you’re concerned about kidney health, consider reading about how pesticides are linked to chronic kidney disease or about medications that might help prevent kidney failure in people with diabetes. For more health insights, explore recent studies on drug combinations that could treat kidney failure or on vegetables shown to protect against kidney damage.

    This study was published in Rheumatology, with insights provided by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

  • Research Shows Weight-Loss Surgery May Guard Kidneys and Save Lives

    Research Shows Weight-Loss Surgery May Guard Kidneys and Save Lives

    Scientists have found that weight-loss surgery may significantly improve the quality of life for people dealing with obesity and chronic kidney disease. New studies suggest these procedures can lower the risk of kidney failure, decrease the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes, and boost overall survival rates. These findings were shared at ASMBS2026, the annual scientific conference of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Researchers emphasize that these surgeries do more than just promote weight loss; they might also slow down the progression of serious chronic illnesses.

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an escalating global health issue. It occurs when the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly over time. The kidneys are crucial for removing waste, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure, and supporting overall health. When the kidneys sustain severe damage, waste builds up in the body, which can lead to life-threatening conditions requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

    Approximately one in seven adults in the U.S. has CKD, with high prevalence among individuals with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Excess weight stresses the body, increasing inflammation, worsening insulin resistance, elevating blood pressure, and forcing the kidneys to work harder. Over the years, this stress can cause permanent harm to the kidneys.

    While weight loss is known to improve many health issues, recent research indicates that metabolic and bariatric surgeries—such as sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass—may offer especially significant benefits for kidney health. These surgeries alter the digestive system, helping patients eat less and absorb nutrients differently. Many undergo substantial weight loss afterward and see improvements in conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.

    Researchers analyzed data from over 8,900 patients with obesity and CKD using the TriNetX Research Network, which gathers electronic health records from numerous hospitals. The study tracked patients from 2010 to 2020, comparing those who had weight-loss surgery with similar patients who did not, over a period of five years.

    The results were remarkable. Patients who had bariatric surgery were considerably less likely to develop end-stage kidney disease—the most severe form of kidney failure. Only around 6% of surgery patients progressed to kidney failure compared to nearly 12% of those who didn’t have surgery. Additionally, fewer surgery patients needed dialysis, a complex and time-consuming treatment that filters blood when kidneys no longer function properly; only 4.1% of surgery patients required dialysis versus 9% of non-surgery patients.

    The study also showed that individuals who underwent surgery were more than twice as likely to receive a kidney transplant, possibly because improved overall health made them better candidates for the procedure.

    Beyond kidney health, the benefits extended to cardiovascular health—surgery patients experienced significantly fewer heart attacks and strokes, with the risk dropping from nearly 28% among those without surgery to about 16% among surgical patients. Survival rates were also much better, with only 5% mortality among surgery recipients compared to 16% in non-surgical patients.

    Dr. Jerry Dang from Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, lead researcher of the study, stated that bariatric surgery appears to alter the entire disease course of CKD. Early intervention may slow kidney damage, improve heart health, reduce the progression to kidney failure, and increase chances for transplant.

    Experts note that these positive outcomes are expected since weight-loss surgeries influence multiple bodily systems. They help control blood sugar, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and boost metabolism—all factors that help protect the kidneys and blood vessels from long-term damage. Dr. Richard M. Peterson, president of ASMBS, praised the findings, describing the survival benefits as extraordinary. He highlighted that these procedures can preserve vital organ function and save lives, beyond just physical weight reduction.

    This research might encourage physicians to consider bariatric surgery sooner for patients with obesity and CKD. Historically, such surgeries were viewed as a last resort for extreme obesity; however, many now see them as a vital treatment for obesity-related chronic diseases.

    Nevertheless, experts caution that surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It involves risks and requires ongoing lifestyle adjustments, medical follow-up, and nutritional monitoring. Patients must maintain healthy eating and regular physical activity to sustain the benefits long-term.

    The study has limitations, as it relied on real-world medical records rather than randomized clinical trials, so it cannot definitively establish that surgery alone caused all the observed improvements—other factors might have influenced the results. Still, the large sample size and consistent health improvements make these findings highly significant.

    Overall, this research adds to the growing evidence that treating obesity can prevent serious complications beyond weight issues. For those with obesity and CKD, early intervention might lead to fewer health problems, less dependence on dialysis, better heart health, and a higher chance of survival.

    For further reading, explore studies linking pesticide exposure to CKD, medications that could prevent kidney failure in diabetics, or dietary choices—such as certain vegetables—that may protect kidney health.

    All these insights were presented at the ASMBS2026 annual gathering. The study was conducted by researchers at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner College of Medicine affiliated with Case Western Reserve University.