Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN
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The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases-supported Kidney Research National Dialogue asked the scientific community to formulate and prioritize research objectives that would enhance understanding of kidney function and disease and improve clinical outcomes. An engaged and growing group of investigators working in type 2 translation (from clinical evidence to implementation in the community) identified barriers to improving patient care in CKD and suggested research priorities to test translational strategies that have been effective for other chronic diseases.
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Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Sep 2014
Risk of ESRD and death in patients with CKD not referred to a nephrologist: a 7-year prospective study.
Rising prevalence of CKD requires active involvement of general practitioners to limit ESRD and mortality risk. However, the outcomes of patients with CKD exclusively managed by general practitioners are ill defined. ⋯ In patients with CKD not referred to nephrology, risks of ESRD and mortality were higher in those with CKD stages 3b-5.
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Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Sep 2014
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational StudyTiming of RRT based on the presence of conventional indications.
No data on the development of conventional indications for RRT (refractory acidosis, hyperkalemia, uremia, oliguria/anuria, and volume overload) related to timing of RRT exist. The prevalence of conventional indications among critically ill patients on RRT for AKI was evaluated, and patients manifesting indications versus patients without indications were compared in terms of crude and adjusted 90-day mortality. ⋯ Patients on RRT after one or more conventional indications had both higher crude and adjusted 90-day mortality compared with patients without conventional indications. These findings require confirmation in an adequately powered, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.
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Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Sep 2014
Observational StudyPreoperative hemoglobin and outcomes in patients with CKD undergoing cardiac surgery.
Preoperative anemia adversely affects outcomes of cardiothoracic surgery. However, in patients with CKD, treating anemia to a target of normal hemoglobin has been associated with increased risk of adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. We investigated the association between preoperative hemoglobin and outcomes of cardiac surgery in patients with CKD and assessed whether there was a level of preoperative hemoglobin below which the incidence of adverse surgical outcomes increases. ⋯ Similar to the general population, preoperative anemia is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes in patients with CKD. Whether outcomes could be improved by therapeutically targeting higher preoperative hemoglobin levels before cardiac surgery in patients with underlying CKD remains to be determined.
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The subspecialty of nephrology faces several critical challenges, including declining interest among medical students and internal medicine residents and worrisome declines in the number of applicants for nephrology fellowships. There is an urgent need to more clearly define the subspecialty and its scope of practice, reinvigorate meaningful research training and activities among trainees, and ensure that fellows who complete training and enter the practice of nephrology are experts in the broad scope of nephrology. This need requires a critical look at fellowship training programs and training requirements. A new workforce analysis is also needed that is not focused on primarily meeting estimated future clinical needs but rather, ensuring that there is alignment of supply and demand for nephrology trainees, which will ensure that those entering nephrology fellowships are highly qualified and capable of becoming outstanding nephrologists and that there are desirable employment opportunities for them when they complete their training.