Culture

Racial difference in blood clotting warrants a closer look at heart attack medications

(PHILADELPHIA) Thomas Jefferson University researchers have discovered that the formation of blood clots follows a different molecular route in African Americans versus European Americans, providing a new understanding of the effects of race on heart disease. The finding could one day help doctors provide more individualized treatment of heart disease and other blood-clot-related illnesses, according to research publishing online November 10th in Nature Medicine.

Acid levels in the diet could have profound effects on kidney health

Atlanta, GA (November 9, 2013)—Three new studies suggest that controlling dietary acid intake could help improve kidney health. Results of these studies will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2013 November 5-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

9/11 responders suffered kidney damage due to air pollutants

Atlanta, GA (November 9, 2013)—Many first responders working at Ground Zero following the 9/11 tragedy were exposed to cement dust, smoke, glass fibers, and heavy metals. Exposure to high levels of such particulate matter caused significant damage to first responders' kidneys, according to research presented at ASN Kidney Week 2013 November 9 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

Perceived discrimination and mistrust in health care lowers patients' quality of life

Atlanta, GA (November 9, 2013)—Perceived discrimination and mistrust in health care can negatively affect patients' quality of life, according to a study that will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2013 November 5-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

Use of calcium-channel blocker and antibiotic associated with small increased risk of kidney injury

Among older adults taking a calcium-channel blocker, simultaneous use of the antibiotic clarithromycin, compared with azithromycin, was associated with a small but statistically significant greater 30-day risk of hospitalization with acute kidney injury, according to a study published by JAMA. The study is being published early online to coincide with its presentation at the American Society of Nephrology's Kidney Week 2013.

Investigational drug effective in treating iron deficiency in kidney disease patients on dialysis

ATLANTA, GA – Doctors at the North Shore-LIJ Health System on Saturday will present late-breaking data showing that an investigational drug Triferic is well tolerated and effective in treating iron deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. This data will be presented at the American Society of Nephrology's Kidney Week 2013 in Atlanta, GA.

Kidney Week 2013: New innovations in clinical science

Atlanta, GA (November 9, 2013)—A variety of recent studies highlight new and innovative research efforts that could help improve individuals' kidney health. Below are the findings of some of these studies, which are being presented at ASN Kidney Week 2013 November 5-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

Kidney Week 2013: New clinical trials reveal insights on treating patients with kidney disease

Atlanta, GA (November 9, 2013)—Recently completed clinical trials highlight the potential of new therapies for individuals with kidney disease. Below are the findings of two of these studies, which are being presented at ASN Kidney Week 2013 November 5-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

Dialysis for the elderly: New evidence from Mayo Clinic to guide shared decision-making

ROCHESTER, Minn. — New research from Mayo Clinic finds that half of elderly patients who start dialysis after age 75 will die within one year. The findings are being presented this week at the American Society of Nephrology's Kidney Week 2013 in Atlanta.

Drug may guard against periodontitis, and related chronic diseases

WASHINGTON, DC – November 7, 2013 – A drug currently used to treat intestinal worms could protect people from periodontitis, an advanced gum disease, which untreated can erode the structures—including bone—that hold the teeth in the jaw. The research was published ahead of print in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

Vitamin D supplements may improve kidney transplant recipients' health

Atlanta, GA (November 8, 2013)—Adequate vitamin D levels are important for maintaining kidney transplant recipients' health, according to a study that will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2013 November 5-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

In the study that included 264 kidney transplant recipients, researchers led by Yoshitsugu Obi, MD, PhD (Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, in Japan) measured patients' baseline blood levels of vitamin D and examined their links with kidney function decline, rejection episodes, and death.

Allergy shots during pregnancy may decrease allergies in children

BALTIMORE, MD. (November 8, 2013) – Expecting mothers who suffer from allergies may want to consider another vaccination in addition to the flu shot and Tdap. A study being presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) found pregnant women who receive allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, during pregnancy may decrease their baby's chance of developing allergies.

Reducing 2.1 million emergency room visits, 1 count at a time

BALTIMORE, MD. (November 8, 2013) – Asthma is the most common chronic illness and is responsible for 2.1 million emergency room visits annually. But according to a study being presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), these costly visits can be reduced by 55 percent when inhalers contain a simple dose counter.

Dose counters on rescue inhalers display the amount of medication remaining in the device, but are not standard for all meter dose inhalers.

State of residency can increase children's risk of hay fever

BALTIMORE, MD. (November 8, 2013) – If you think your child's stuffy nose is due to an autumn cold, you might want to consider allergies, especially if you live in the southern region of the United States. A study being presented this week at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) found hay fever is more prevalent in children living in the southeastern and southern states.

You can have a food allergy, and eat it too

BALTIMORE, MD. (November 8, 2013) – Have food allergies? If you answered yes, you know the best way to prevent a severe allergic reaction is to totally avoid the offending food. But according to a presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), you may no longer have to avoid the food entirely.