Articles related to Nephrology

This trial including more than 6,500 patients randomized to empagliflozin or placebo and followed for a median of 2 years. Progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes was monitored over the course of the trial. Those outcomes occurred in approximately 13% of patients in the empagliflozin group versus approximately 17% of patients in the placebo group.

Questions run across a host of topics, and in September you can challenge yourself in mortality risk, myocardial infarction (MI), insomnia, liver cancer, lipids, and Parkinson’s disease guidelines. Each question is worth 4 points with bonuses for quick response. Speed matters in this quiz. Why not give it a try and see if you can get on the leaderboard of the Smartest Doc?

A newly developed prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (agents that increase endogenous erythropoietin production) holds the promise of improving outcomes for patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease. Randomized controlled trials have found these drugs to be at least as effective as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said “no” to Akebia Therapeutics’ drug application for vadadustat, a therapy to treat anemia due to chronic kidney disease. Vadadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor designed to mimic the physiologic effect of altitude on oxygen availability. The FDA cited safety concerns as the main reason for it rejecting the application.

In contradistinction to recent reports that showed increased risk of death and no clinical benefit with escalation of allopurinol for progressive CKD, this 5-year population-based review found no increased mortality risk in escalating allopurinol dose and achieving target serum urate levels.

From the American Red Cross to volunteering overseas, there are plenty of feel-good “enlistments” out there for the practicing or retired physician, which can help ward off boredom and burnout while adding the benefit of perhaps learning a new skill or meeting new people. Whether your goals are short-term or you’re in for the long haul, here are nine opportunities to help humanity and feel good about the part you’re playing in the world.