A machine learning model based on 18 baseline demographic and clinical characteristics was able to predict long-term end-stage renal disease among patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. The findings, published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, support "the potential to create accurate and multiple outcome predictions automated models to identify high-risk patients who could benefit from therapy in clinical practice," authors wrote.

Patients with chronic kidney disease had an average of nine concurrent symptoms, with the most frequent being pain, weakness and insomnia, according to research presented at the American Nephrology Nurses Association National Symposium. "Characterization of symptoms and symptom clusters is [the] key to understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease progression and its effect upon symptoms; and the development of preventative, patient-centered interventions," researchers said.

A study suggested using belimumab in addition to mycophenolate may help protect the kidneys of patients with lupus, researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. Belimumab was associated with an increased likelihood of patients responding to treatment, indicating stable kidney function and reduced protein in urine, researchers said.

Patients with end-stage renal disease who were on hemodialysis had decreased idoxyl sulfate levels after taking Lactobacillus-containing probiotic supplements, researchers reported in the Journal of Renal Nutrition. There were no changes in body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, hemoglobin, fasting glucose levels or body composition in patients who took the supplements or a placebo.

A study in BioMed Research International found that patients with gout who received urate-lowering therapy were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, compared with those who didn't receive the therapy. Urate-lowering therapies such as febuxostat, sulfinpyrazone, allopurinol, benzbromarone and colchicine were particularly associated with significantly lower risk for type 2 diabetes, the study found.

Lower levels of fruit intake may raise the risk of constipation in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, compared with greater fruit consumption, according to a study in the Journal of Renal Nutrition. Researchers recommended nutritional counseling focused on increasing fiber intake for these patients.

The CMS unveiled the final version of the End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices Model, which was designed to boost quality of care while reducing Medicare costs for chronic kidney disease patients. The value-based model, which will take effect next year, will incentivize kidney care providers for encouraging patients to receive home dialysis or kidney transplants, and the program is estimated to save $23 million over five and a half years.

A study published in the journal Health Affairs found Medicare Advantage special needs plans are more effective than fee-for-service models in reducing mortality and utilization of high-cost services such as inpatient stays among patients with end-stage renal disease. Researchers said "[t]he magnitude of the association between SNP enrollment and reductions in mortality and utilization observed in this study exceeds those seen in evaluations of the ESRD Disease Management Demonstration6 and the Comprehensive ESRD Care Model," and these findings suggest that "SNPs may be an effective alternative financing and delivery model for patients with ESRD."

Nephrologist Dr. Anna Gaddy said when first talking with families about the need for an end-stage renal disease patient to have dialysis there often is a pause as they take in the ramifications of the recommendation. Gaddy said that pause offers a chance for her to explain, caution and reassure, and well as to share her opinion and then listen.

Researchers surveyed patients receiving dialysis and found that CPR preferences did not always align with other desires for future care. "These findings argue for caution in extrapolating patients' values, preferences, knowledge, and expectations pertaining to other aspects of end-of-life care from their resuscitation choice," the study team wrote.

Darren K. knows firsthand what it's like to face surprise medical bills. He went to the emergency room for kidney stones and ended up needing emergency surgery to implant a stent to help them pass. Even though the hospital is in his insurance network, he found out after the procedure that the urologist and anesthesiologist he saw there were out-of-network. He was charged more than $25,000 for his hospital visit! He's not alone--Darren's story is repeated day after day in hospitals across the country, which is why patients need protection from surprise bills. Learn more.

Starting dialysis means creating a new normal for patients and their families. Our FIRST30 checklist is designed to help patients make a successful adjustment to their dialysis treatment.