We usually don’t give much thought to our kidneys. Most of us take it for granted that the body’s filters will continue to function as efficiently as the paper filters in our coffeemakers.
Yet, kidney disease is the nation’s eighth-leading causing of death. And it can sneak up on you before you even realize you have it.
“Kidney disease tends to be a silent disease until it’s very advanced,” says Beth Piraino, M.D., president of the National Kidney Foundation. “It’s very much associated with an increased risk of dying, particularly from a cardiovascular cause.”
You are more than likely to get kidney disease at some point, since lifetime risk is 60 percent. And once you get it, treatment options are often limited to dialysis, which requires regular mechanical filtering of the waste products in your blood, or a kidney transplant. There is a long waiting list for organ transplants.
Alert: Doctor Reveals: Why You’re So Tired
“You can be walking around and think you’re just perfectly fine, but you could have advanced kidney disease and not know it,” Dr. Piraino tells Newsmax Health.
“Then all of a sudden somebody can say that you need to go on dialysis, which can be a bit of a shock.”
Even less-severe forms of kidney disease can lead to bone disorders, anemia, and a reduced quality of life.
Although kidney disease receives little publicity compared to other major killers, experts describe it as an “exploding” epidemic.
“Most kidney disease comes from high blood pressure and diabetes,” says Dr. Piraino. “Because so many people are overweight, obese, and even morbidly obese in the United States, we have a lot more of these problems. So we’re getting more kidney disease.”
Experts agree that the toll of kidney disease can be drastically reduced with early detection.
That’s why the National Kidney Foundation has issued a new recommendation that all Americans ages 60 and older — not just those with diabetes or hypertension — undergo annual screenings that can identify kidney disease, including early-stage disease that may be reversible.
The screening is a simple blood test that is used to estimate your “glomerular filtration rate” — or GFR. A rate of less than 60 milliliters per minute may indicate kidney disease.
In general, African-Americans have the highest risk of kidney disease, possibly because they often carry a gene that was protective against sleeping sickness in Africa but now is associated with kidney disease in North America.
If the blood test shows a low GFR, a urine test can be given to check for leakage of albumin, a protein that ordinarily does not pass through the kidneys. A measurement of at least 30 milligrams of albumin per gram may indicate kidney disease.
Alert: Doctor Reveals: Why You’re So Tired
High levels of albumin – a sign of a condition called proteinuria -- are also associated with cardiovascular disease and a more rapid progression of kidney disease. [Read more]
The types of food that many Southerners seem to prefer -- fried foods, sweet drinks and processed meals -- may be deadly for people with kidney disease, a new study suggests.
A "Southern-style" diet was associated with a 50 percent greater risk of death over a 6-year period for people with kidney disease, researchers found.
The researchers believe the death risk increases because kidney patients have an impaired ability to filter out the harmful fats, sugars and minerals contained in a typical Southern diet.
"People who have kidney disease have a harder time getting rid of a lot of the substances in these types of food that are bad for you," said study lead author Dr. Orlando Gutierrez, a kidney expert at the University of Alabama School of Medicine.
By the same token, a diet high in fruits and vegetables appears to reduce the risk of death by nearly a quarter in kidney patients, according to the study published online this month in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
It should be noted, however, that the study was only able to show an association between diet and the risk of death in people with kidney disease. It wasn't designed to prove that dietary factors directly caused a higher or lower risk of death.
This is the first study to identify a regionally specific diet pattern that seems to be damaging to people suffering kidney disease, Gutierrez said.
"It's well known that the Southern region has poor health outcomes in a number of different areas including stroke, heart disease and sepsis, and that the style of diet plays a role," he said.
Gutierrez and his team approached their research with the aim of looking at dietary patterns, rather than specific foods or nutrients.
"We looked to see whether certain patterns of eating correlated with increased risk of death among kidney patients," he said. "We wanted to put the spotlight on what people are actually eating, rather than salt intake or fat intake."
The researchers identified nearly 4,000 people with chronic kidney disease who had not started dialysis, and analyzed the way those folks regularly ate.
The researchers found that those who primarily ate processed and fried foods, organ meats and sweetened beverages -- all items popular in Southern diets -- had slightly more than a 50 percent increase in their risk of death during the approximately 6-year follow-up period.
The Southern diet is rich in nutrients that aren't recommended for kidney patients, Gutierrez said. For example, processed foods tend to contain lots of salt and phosphorus, which kidney patients have a hard time filtering from their bloodstream and can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.
The same goes for the sugar loaded into sweet tea and soft drinks, which increases risk of diabetes, and the heavy doses of fats contained in fried foods.
These harmful substances may be why the southern region got its less-than-flattering nickname -- the "Stroke Belt," said Thomas Manley, director of scientific activities for the National Kidney Foundation.
"The vast majority of death from kidney disease is related to heart disease," Manley said. "If you develop kidney disease, you're much more likely to die from heart disease -- heart attacks, heart failure, stroke -- than someone who doesn't have kidney disease."
Because kidney patients who ate a plant-based diet appeared to have an improved survival rate, it stands to reason that changing your diet might help even if you already have kidney disease, Gutierrez said. [Read more]
PKD Foundation
From PKD Foundation
PKD Foundation on LinkedIn
The PKD Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for polycystic kidney disease (PKD). We do this through promoting research, education, advocacy and awareness. Our goal is that one day no one will suffer the full effects of PKD.
Since 1982, more than $31 million has been invested in more than 550 research, clinical and scientific grants, fellowships, scientific meetings and education programs. This makes the Foundation the second largest funder of PKD research after the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In 2010, the PKD Foundation launched the integrated research initiative Accelerating Treatments to Patients (ATP), which is designed to speed up development of treatments which could slow or stop progression of PKD. Key components of this initiative include drug repurposing, targeted research grants, tissue donation, clinical trials and much more.
In addition to funding research and educational programs, the PKD Foundation has more than 60 volunteer-led local Chapters across the country. The local chapters are the backbone of the PKD community, helping the Foundation raise funds for PKD research and increase PKD awareness.
The PKD Foundation founded by Joseph H. Bruening and Jared J. Grantham, MD, and is headquartered in Kansas City, MO.
From PKD Foundation
PKD Foundation on LinkedIn
The PKD Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for polycystic kidney disease (PKD). We do this through promoting research, education, advocacy and awareness. Our goal is that one day no one will suffer the full effects of PKD.
Since 1982, more than $31 million has been invested in more than 550 research, clinical and scientific grants, fellowships, scientific meetings and education programs. This makes the Foundation the second largest funder of PKD research after the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In 2010, the PKD Foundation launched the integrated research initiative Accelerating Treatments to Patients (ATP), which is designed to speed up development of treatments which could slow or stop progression of PKD. Key components of this initiative include drug repurposing, targeted research grants, tissue donation, clinical trials and much more.
In addition to funding research and educational programs, the PKD Foundation has more than 60 volunteer-led local Chapters across the country. The local chapters are the backbone of the PKD community, helping the Foundation raise funds for PKD research and increase PKD awareness.
The PKD Foundation founded by Joseph H. Bruening and Jared J. Grantham, MD, and is headquartered in Kansas City, MO.
Kidney Dialysis
Kamal D. Shah, a chemical engineer and a former employee of Apple, was living a life of bliss until bad news came calling. To be precise, it was not a single piece of news but a series of events that unfolded, starting 1997. It began with his kidneys, with both showing signs of damage. He was put on hemodialysis for a year and a half. His mother gave him a kidney, but the transplant wasn’t successful. A few years later, Shah was caught in the dreaded December 2004 tsunami while holidaying in Mahabalipuram with friends. Though he escaped, the incident took a toll on his body, causing severe kidney infection and resultant complications. Since then, Shah has been on daily dialysis at home.
But unlike most patients with a similar condition, Shah did not retire from an active life and went on to set up a dialysis care chain — Hyderabad-based NephroPlus — with Vikram Vuppala, a healthcare strategy consultant with McKinsey in the US. Later, Sandeep Gudibanda, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, joined them.
Even as data indicates an acute shortage of medical infrastructure for dialysis and renal care, a new business segment is shaping up in India’s healthcare sector. In the past three to four years, several chains have come up offering quality dialysis facilities and related services. There are currently three or four such organised chains, while more are waiting in the wings with various business models.
There is little doubt that the potential for an organised renal care market is immense. There are millions of people in the country whose lives depend on dialysis. In fact, so serious is the current state of affairs that the Supreme Court, on 26 November 2014, sought a response from the central and state governments on the status of dialysis and renal care infrastructure in the country. The court’s action came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Sanjeeb Panigrahi.
A Crying Need
“The size of the dialysis market in India is about $350 million and is growing at 20-25 per cent annually. Unfortunately, about 3.5 lakh people in India reach the end stage of kidney disease every year,” says Shriram Vijayakumar, founder and chief executive of Bangalore-based DaVita NephroLife, which has already set up 14 centres. - [Read more]
Remy Zaken, Ali Ewoldt & More Set for Broadway Sings for PKD at Joe's Pub, 8/15
The fourth annual Broadway Sings for PKD, a concert benefiting the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, will be offered Friday, August 15th at 9:30 pm at Joe's Pub.
The concert will feature new musical theatre songs by emerging writers, including Hali Alspach, Will Aronson, James K. Ballard, Christina Capatides, Ty Defoe, Benny Gammerman, Emily Goldman, Sarah Hammond, Edison Hong, Bob Kelly, Rachel Kunstadt, Ariel Mitchell, Carlos Murillo, Bill Nelson, Tidtaya Sinutoke, and Paulo K. Tirol.
Performers will include Ali Ewoldt, Andrew Boetcher, Sam Heldt, Beth Kirkpatrick, Patty Nieman, Emily Skeggs, Jason Sweettooth Williams, Remy Zaken, and more. Joanna Parson hosts.
Broadway Sings for PKD is produced by Rachel Kunstadt and Quintessence of Dust Productions, directed by Daniella Caggiano, and music directed by Will Buck.
Proceeds from the evening will go to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, which "promotes programs of research, advocacy, education, support and awareness in order to discover treatments and a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease and improve the lives of all it affects."
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. There is a $12 food or two-drink minimum. Tickets are available online at www.joespub.com, by phone at (212) 967-7555 or in person at The Public Theater Box Office (425 Lafayette Street).
WHEN Curtis Pitter was diagnosed with kidney disease, his dream of becoming a pilot came to an end.
But the 21-year-old was determined to remain positive and decided to climb the highest mountain in Britain in a bid to raise money for the Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity.
Curtis was recently diagnosed with the illness which causes cysts to form in the kidney and can lead to renal failure. But rather than let it beat him, he wanted to do something to raise money for the charity which has helped him.
So he decided to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland.
He said: ‘A very good friend of mine and I had talked about climbing Ben Nevis for ages.
‘We started making plans well over a year ago now and finally, this year we found the time to be able to do it.’
Curtis discovered the diagnosis when he went for his medical to become a pilot for the RAF.
After passing the aptitude tests and the interview, he was called for a medical.
It was during this that he was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and was forced to terminate his application.
He now works in the video editing and quality control department of Douglas Stafford, based at 1000 Lakeside, in North Harbour, Cosham.
Curtis added: ‘My family have a history of polycystic kidney disease.
‘My father was lucky enough to receive a kidney donation from my mother eight years ago.
‘Thanks to her, he is fit and well. So I was really keen to do something for a charity that had helped my family.’
Curtis trained hard to prepare himself for the climb and despite being a keen rower for BTC ARC in Southampton, he admitted training had been tough with a combination of running, rowing, swimming and cycling.
He and his friend Jared Ares Brutal completed the climb of the 1,344-metre mountain last week. So far, the pair have raised just over £2,000.
To make a donation to Curtis and Jared, visit justgiving.com/curtis-pitter.
Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Hepatorenal Fibrocystic Disorder With Pleiotropic Effects
State-of-the-Art Review Article
Erum A. Hartung, MDa and
Lisa M. Guay-Woodford, MDb
ABSTRACT
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is an important cause of chronic kidney disease in children. The care of ARPKD patients has traditionally been the realm of pediatric nephrologists; however, the disease has multisystem effects, and a comprehensive care strategy often requires a multidisciplinary team. Most notably, ARPKD patients have congenital hepatic fibrosis, which can lead to portal hypertension, requiring close follow-up by pediatric gastroenterologists. In severely affected infants, the diagnosis is often first suspected by obstetricians detecting enlarged, echogenic kidneys and oligohydramnios on prenatal ultrasounds. Neonatologists are central to the care of these infants, who may have respiratory compromise due to pulmonary hypoplasia and massively enlarged kidneys. Surgical considerations can include the possibility of nephrectomy to relieve mass effect, placement of dialysis access, and kidney and/or liver transplantation. Families of patients with ARPKD also face decisions regarding genetic testing of affected children, testing of asymptomatic siblings, or consideration of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for future pregnancies. They may therefore interface with genetic counselors, geneticists, and reproductive endocrinologists. Children with ARPKD may also be at risk for neurocognitive dysfunction and may require neuropsychological referral. The care of patients and families affected by ARPKD is therefore a multidisciplinary effort, and the general pediatrician can play a central role in this complex web of care. In this review, we outline the spectrum of clinical manifestations of ARPKD and review genetics of the disease, clinical and genetic diagnosis, perinatal management, management of organ-specific complications, and future directions for disease monitoring and potential therapies.
But unlike most patients with a similar condition, Shah did not retire from an active life and went on to set up a dialysis care chain — Hyderabad-based NephroPlus — with Vikram Vuppala, a healthcare strategy consultant with McKinsey in the US. Later, Sandeep Gudibanda, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, joined them.
Even as data indicates an acute shortage of medical infrastructure for dialysis and renal care, a new business segment is shaping up in India’s healthcare sector. In the past three to four years, several chains have come up offering quality dialysis facilities and related services. There are currently three or four such organised chains, while more are waiting in the wings with various business models.
There is little doubt that the potential for an organised renal care market is immense. There are millions of people in the country whose lives depend on dialysis. In fact, so serious is the current state of affairs that the Supreme Court, on 26 November 2014, sought a response from the central and state governments on the status of dialysis and renal care infrastructure in the country. The court’s action came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Sanjeeb Panigrahi.
A Crying Need
“The size of the dialysis market in India is about $350 million and is growing at 20-25 per cent annually. Unfortunately, about 3.5 lakh people in India reach the end stage of kidney disease every year,” says Shriram Vijayakumar, founder and chief executive of Bangalore-based DaVita NephroLife, which has already set up 14 centres. - [Read more]
PKD Awareness & Fundraising
From Broadway World
The fourth annual Broadway Sings for PKD, a concert benefiting the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, will be offered Friday, August 15th at 9:30 pm at Joe's Pub.
The concert will feature new musical theatre songs by emerging writers, including Hali Alspach, Will Aronson, James K. Ballard, Christina Capatides, Ty Defoe, Benny Gammerman, Emily Goldman, Sarah Hammond, Edison Hong, Bob Kelly, Rachel Kunstadt, Ariel Mitchell, Carlos Murillo, Bill Nelson, Tidtaya Sinutoke, and Paulo K. Tirol.
Performers will include Ali Ewoldt, Andrew Boetcher, Sam Heldt, Beth Kirkpatrick, Patty Nieman, Emily Skeggs, Jason Sweettooth Williams, Remy Zaken, and more. Joanna Parson hosts.
Broadway Sings for PKD is produced by Rachel Kunstadt and Quintessence of Dust Productions, directed by Daniella Caggiano, and music directed by Will Buck.
Proceeds from the evening will go to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, which "promotes programs of research, advocacy, education, support and awareness in order to discover treatments and a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease and improve the lives of all it affects."
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. There is a $12 food or two-drink minimum. Tickets are available online at www.joespub.com, by phone at (212) 967-7555 or in person at The Public Theater Box Office (425 Lafayette Street).
WHEN Curtis Pitter was diagnosed with kidney disease, his dream of becoming a pilot came to an end.
But the 21-year-old was determined to remain positive and decided to climb the highest mountain in Britain in a bid to raise money for the Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity.
Curtis was recently diagnosed with the illness which causes cysts to form in the kidney and can lead to renal failure. But rather than let it beat him, he wanted to do something to raise money for the charity which has helped him.
So he decided to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland.
He said: ‘A very good friend of mine and I had talked about climbing Ben Nevis for ages.
‘We started making plans well over a year ago now and finally, this year we found the time to be able to do it.’
Curtis discovered the diagnosis when he went for his medical to become a pilot for the RAF.
After passing the aptitude tests and the interview, he was called for a medical.
It was during this that he was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and was forced to terminate his application.
He now works in the video editing and quality control department of Douglas Stafford, based at 1000 Lakeside, in North Harbour, Cosham.
Curtis added: ‘My family have a history of polycystic kidney disease.
‘My father was lucky enough to receive a kidney donation from my mother eight years ago.
‘Thanks to her, he is fit and well. So I was really keen to do something for a charity that had helped my family.’
Curtis trained hard to prepare himself for the climb and despite being a keen rower for BTC ARC in Southampton, he admitted training had been tough with a combination of running, rowing, swimming and cycling.
He and his friend Jared Ares Brutal completed the climb of the 1,344-metre mountain last week. So far, the pair have raised just over £2,000.
To make a donation to Curtis and Jared, visit justgiving.com/curtis-pitter.
Kids With PKD
From Pediatrics, The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics
State-of-the-Art Review Article
Erum A. Hartung, MDa and
Lisa M. Guay-Woodford, MDb
ABSTRACT
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