Dear diary, it’s been too long! So much has happened since my last entry back in October and it’s a bit complicated to explain. Maintaining a healthy body can be a difficult balancing act. After a complete physical, including an artery scan and blood vessel flexibility test, my doctor found anomalies that pointed to elevated … Continue reading Diary of a Kidney Lover April 14, 2011
Top News on Blood Pressure for the Week of 3/28/11
There are so many studies and stories about blood pressure in the news this week! Georgia Health Sciences University will be undertaking an interesting study to find out whether lower blood pressure reduces kidney disease progression in CKD patients age 55 and older. – Study Examines Whether Lower Blood Pressure Reduces Kidney Disease Progression This … Continue reading Top News on Blood Pressure for the Week of 3/28/11
The Debate Over Kidney Transplants and Rationing
By now you have probably heard of the national proposal to change the way kidneys are allocated – bypassing the traditional transplant waiting list and matching kidneys by age rather than length of time spent on the list. The topic has sparked heated debate in the kidney community and beyond. Our founder, Ken Kleinberg, recently … Continue reading The Debate Over Kidney Transplants and Rationing
Low Levels of Hormone Klotho May Be Early Warning Sign of CKD
Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that Klotho, an anti-aging hormone produced in the kidneys, may serve as a biomarker for early CKD and its cardiovascular complications. Low levels of Klotho have been observed in both mice and humans with CKD. The senior author of the study, Dr. Orson Moe said, “It can … Continue reading Low Levels of Hormone Klotho May Be Early Warning Sign of CKD
Top Kidney Research Breakthroughs of the Week 2/10/11
Here are two top kidney research breakthroughs that would compliment dialysis and one, involving a study of zebra fish, which could eliminate the need for dialysis and transplantation altogether! The biological artificial kidneys described in this Medical Minute audio segment wouldn’t eliminate dialysis altogether, but they have fascinating potential. – Investigators Developing Biological Artificial Kidneys … Continue reading Top Kidney Research Breakthroughs of the Week 2/10/11
Top News on Dialysis and the Home Alternative
In the wake of ProPublica’s eye-opening series on the risks and cost of dialysis, there have been some interesting articles suggesting ways to improve care. And given current changes in health care and Medicare, home hemodialysis may prove to be a viable option for more patients in the near future. Here’s a doctor’s take on … Continue reading Top News on Dialysis and the Home Alternative