kidney function

Nephrologists debate uses of estimated kidney function

harminka — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:16:34 -0500

A routinely available laboratory result called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) provides a simple indicator of kidney function and may increase early diagnoses of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, widespread use of eGFR for this purpose may have inherent flaws and dangers—including a risk that large numbers of elderly patients will be misclassified as having CKD.

Scientists discover double life of proteins

harminka — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:51:43 -0500

Scientists at The Australian National University are a step closer to understanding the rare Hartnup disorder after discovering a surprising link between blood pressure regulation and nutrition that could also help to shed light on intestinal and kidney function.

Molecular mechanism of common forms of kidney disease identified

harminka — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:24:42 -0500

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers have identified a key mechanism underlying proteinuria – excess protein in the urine which signifies a breakdown in the kidney’s filtering process.

Combination therapy stops loss of kidney function in genetic disease

harminka — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 02:10:27 -0500

A combination of two types of blood pressure-lowering drugs—an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor plus an angiotensin-receptor blocker, added to enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase-beta —is the first treatment shown to stop progressive loss of kidney function in patients with severe kidney involvement due to the rare genetic disorder Fabry disease, reports a study in the September Journal of American Society of Nephrology.

Angioplasty procedure has potential to damage kidneys

harminka — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:19:32 -0500

The most common procedure for clearing blocked kidney arteries can also release thousands of tiny particles into the bloodstream that can impair kidney function, according to researchers from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and colleagues.

Glowing dye improves cancer removal in kidney

harminka — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:41:34 -0500

A new way to provide clear images of cancerous tumors in the kidney during surgery promises to help physicians preserve as much kidney function as possible while still removing all the malignant tissue - a significant advance as doctors discover that saving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible is crucial for the future health of cancer patients.

Novel drug for heart failure that targets heart and kidney

harminka — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:35:42 -0500

In an era of increasing death and illness from heart and blood vessel disease -- which also can impair kidney function -- Mayo Clinic researchers have designed two promising new cardiovascular treatment approaches. In the process, they have overcome a key technological hurdle that has stymied researchers around the world in the development of new therapies based on clusters of amino acids called peptides.