Decline is not inevitable.
A daily, evidence-graded view of everything moving in kidney research : the drugs that slow decline, the science of regeneration, and the mind-body work.
Hormones may explain why men with diabetes lose kidney function faster.
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A large analysis showed a new anemia drug works as well as standard shots for people on dialysis.
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High stress markers in the blood are linked to a faster drop in kidney function in a large UK study.
Today's news focuses on the biological reasons behind kidney disease progression. The strongest finding links sex hormones to faster decline in men with diabetes. Other reports cover new anemia treatments and the impact of stress on kidney health.
Comparison of the Effectiveness and Safety of Allopurinol and Febuxostat Use in CKD Patients with Hyperuricemia: A Systematic Review
This review looked at many studies to compare two drugs used to lower uric acid. It focused on people with kidney disease. The review found that both drugs are generally safe for these patients. This helps doctors choose the right treatment to protect the kidneys and heart.
Nurse-involved advance care planning for adults receiving maintenance dialysis: a systematic review of decision-quality and psychosocial outcomes
This review looked at many studies on how nurses help dialysis patients plan for end-of-life care. It found that this support improves how well patients make decisions. It also helps with their emotional well-being.
Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes following exposure to GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists: a time-window-stratified systematic review and meta-analysis.
This review combined data from many studies to check the safety of GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy. It looked at how these drugs affect the mother and baby. This is a meta-analysis, which is the strongest type of evidence.
Comparison of Contrast Bath Therapy and Ankle Pump Exercises on Edema Reduction in Kidney Failure Patients at Sembiring Deli Tua General Hospital in 2026
This small study compared two ways to reduce swelling in 34 people with kidney failure. One group used contrast baths, and the other did ankle exercises. It was a short-term test, so it shows a link but not long-term proof.
Effects of a Nurse-Led Multicomponent Exercise Intervention for Haemodialysis Patients With Possible or Confirmed Sarcopenia: A Cluster Randomised Trial.
This trial tested a 12-week exercise program for 56 dialysis patients with muscle loss. The program was led by nurses. It aimed to improve muscle strength and quality of life. The study is small, but it shows exercise can help these patients.
Subcutaneous Defibrillator for Primary Prevention in Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3-5: The Single-Arm STEADIED Study.
This study tested a heart device in 39 people with kidney disease. The device is meant to stop sudden heart attacks. The study ended early, so it is small. It shows the device works in this group, but more people are needed to be sure.
Sex Hormones and CKD Progression in Type 2 Diabetes: Look AHEAD Sex Hormone Study
This study found that sex hormones may explain why men with diabetes lose kidney function faster than women. It looked at hormone levels and how quickly kidney disease progressed. This is an observational study, so it shows a link, not proof of cause. The findings help us understand the biological reasons behind these differences.
Associations of Coexisting Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Sarcopenia‐Related Abnormalities With Adverse Clinical Outcomes Across Obesity States
A large study of 438,748 people in the UK found a link between low muscle strength and kidney disease. The risk was higher when people also had fatty liver disease. This study shows a link, not proof of cause. It suggests that muscle health matters for kidney health.
The frameshifted VNTR length determines the kidney survival in ADTKD-MUC1
This preprint studied 49 people with a rare inherited kidney disease. It found that the length of a specific gene change was linked to how long the kidneys survived. This shows a link, not proof of cause, and it has not yet passed peer review.
Association Of Non-Invasive Liver Fibrosis Scores With Microvascular Complications In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
This study looked at 242 adults with type 2 diabetes. It found a link between liver scarring scores and kidney disease. This shows a connection, but it does not prove that liver scarring causes kidney problems.
Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on the kidneys: a pharmacovigilance study and genetic causal analysis
This study checked real-world reports of kidney injury from SGLT2 inhibitors. It used genetic data to look for a cause. It suggests the drugs are generally safe, but this is an observational link, not proof from a trial.
Association of SGLT2 Inhibitor Use with Leukocyte Telomere Length in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with and Without Chronic Kidney Disease
This study looked at 100 people with type 2 diabetes. It checked if a common diabetes drug changed the length of telomeres, which are protective caps on our DNA. The study found a link between the drug and these DNA markers. However, this is an observational study, so it shows a connection but not proof that the drug causes the change.
Multidomain prediction and risk stratification of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation in elderly patients
This study followed 122 older adults who had a procedure to fix an irregular heartbeat. It looked for signs that the condition might come back. The study found that certain heart and blood test results can predict if the rhythm will stay normal. This is an observational study, so it shows a link, not proof of cause.
The FGF23–Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin Axis in Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: Linking Mineral Homeostasis and Bone Turnover
This study looked at 80 adults, including 68 with kidney disease. It checked how two bone-related proteins interact in the blood. The study found a link between these proteins and kidney function. This is an observational study, so it shows a connection but not proof that one causes the other.
Safety and Feasibility of Carbon Dioxide Angiography for Stenting of Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis: A Retrospective Comparative Study
This study compared two ways to take pictures of kidney arteries during a procedure. One method used carbon dioxide gas, and the other used standard dye. The study found that the gas method was safe for 99 patients. This is a retrospective study, so it looks at past records and shows a link, not proof of cause.
Effectiveness of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Therapy with Oral and Intravenous Iron Supplementation in Achieving Hemoglobin Targets in Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
This study looked at how to treat anemia in people with stage 5 kidney disease. It compared taking iron by mouth versus getting it through a vein. The study found that both methods can help raise blood counts. This is an observational study, so it shows a link, not proof of cause.
Alkaline Phosphatase and Cumulative Vascular Access Burden in Maintenance Hemodialysis: An Exploratory Clinical Study
This study looked at 74 people on dialysis to see if bone markers predict problems with their dialysis tubes. It found a link between certain blood levels and the need for more tube repairs. This shows a connection, but it does not prove that the blood levels cause the tube problems.
Hubungan Lama Hemodialisis Terhadap Peningkatan Berat Badan Interdialitik Pasien Gagal Ginjal Kronis yang Menjalani Hemodialisis di Rumah Sakit Daerah Gunung Jati
This study looked at people on dialysis. It found a link between how long they have been on dialysis and how much weight they gain between sessions. It shows a link, not proof of cause. It is a small group of people.
Outcomes After Bilateral Native Nephrectomy in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Contemporary Single-Centre NHS Cohort Study (2018–2024)
This study followed 34 adults with a genetic kidney disease who had both kidneys removed. The surgery was done to ease symptoms or make room for a transplant. The report describes how long patients stayed in the hospital and any serious complications. This is an observational study, so it shows a link but not proof of cause.
Biochemical similarity but different clinical impact: could hypercalcemic crisis indicate different primary hyperparathyroidism phenotypes?
This study compared 31 people with a severe calcium crisis to 369 people with milder cases. It looked at a condition called primary hyperparathyroidism. The study found a link between the crisis and different patient features. This shows an association, not proof of cause.