Welcome to the Chronic Kidney Disease Insider Newsletter. If you are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, have had a kidney transplant or are helping care for someone who is, this newsletter was created for you and your family! The content is meant to keep you and/or a family member up to date on the latest information to help you manage your health now and in the near future in consultation with your physician.
In this month’s CKD Insider:
News from Kidney Organizations
AAKP 5th Annual Fun Walk Registration is now open
The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) Fun Walk is an opportunity for individuals affected by kidney diseases, their friends and family members to come together to raise awareness of kidney disease and support the work of AAKP.
Walk dates: December 4-8, 2023
Includes daily virtual activities.
Learn more here.
RSN is hosting its 25th Annual Prom Night on January 14th
The Renal Support Network (RSN) will host its 25th Prom Night on January 14th. To honor the 25th anniversary of this event, RSN is inviting past attendees to come back as ambassadors. Dresses are provided for attendees at no cost and for those attending virtually a dress can be sent in advance.
January 14th, 6PM - 11 PM
Glendale, California & Virtually.
Sign up here.
NKF Educational Video Series on Kidney Cancer in Multiple Languages
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has launched a new educational animated video series on kidney cancer in eight different languages. Each video is only a few minutes long and covers important information on diagnosis, surgical procedures, and therapy options and how those options impact kidney disease.
Improving Care for Pregnant Patients with Kidney Disease Receiving Dialysis
At the American Society of Nephrologists (ASN) Kidney Week, a session on Women's Health and the Kidneys discussed care for patients with kidney disease who are pregnant and undergoing dialysis. One of the speakers in this session, Silvi Shah, sat down with Pharmacy Times to discuss care strategies for improving care for patients with kidney disease who are pregnant and undergoing dialysis. One of the topics Dr. Shah highlighted was treatment options for managing hypertension during pregnancy that are safe for those on dialysis. Dr. Shah’s interview is available as a transcript and video.
Your Fun Tip of the Day!
Have Some Group Fun!
Have you ever played charades or any type of guessing game with friends? If not, this is the year to try it! Charades can be a hilarious fast paced game that ends with lots of laughs and great memories. Today you can play this whereever you are, at a restaurant or a friends home for example via your mobile phone. Heads Up! is the latest version that is easy to use, free and lots of fun!
How it works: One player (A) will draw a virtual card and hold the phone up to their forehead without looking at it. The other players will yell out clues or act them out silently for the first player. Player A will try to guess what word is on their card until they either guess the correct answer or they decide to pass.
Watching a group of people acting out the word with silent clues is hilarious and results in a good belly laugh! Check it out and enjoy this holiday season!
Heads up! is available for free on android and apple mobile phones here.
FDA Approves DefenCath to Prevent Catheter-Related Infections for Adults on Chronic Hemodialysis
What it is: This month, the FDA approved Defencath catheter lock solution to prevent catheter-related infections for adults who use a central venous catheter to receive chronic hemodialysis. Defencath comes in single-use vials of either 3 or 6 milliliters.
Why it’s important: People receiving hemodialysis via catheter are at an increased risk of bloodstream infection. Catheter lock solutions reduce the incidence of infection, with the most commonly used solution being a heparin solution. In clinical trials, Defencath resulted in a 71% risk reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infections compared to heparin solution.
Learn more here.
A Valuable Home Dialysis Procedure for Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) involves multiple fluid exchanges. Tidal peritoneal dialysis (TPD) is a type of CCPD where the peritoneal cavity is not completely drained of dialysate at the end of each exchange. Presently, only about 10% of children who receive home dialysis receive TPD. However, there are several potential benefits to the the TPD procedure, which are discussed in Pediatric Nephrology along with clarified guidelines for prescribing the procedure to pediatric patients. Because the volume is not entirely emptied, the interface between dialysate and the peritoneal membrane is maintained throughout the procedure, increasing the time when dialysis occurs. Additionally, TPD can be more efficient by avoiding gaps between the draining process and the subsequent fill. TPD can also minimize drain pain for those who experience it. Speak to your child's nephrologist to learn more and see if this is an improved option for your child.
FDA Approves Treatment for Rare Blood-Clotting Disorder
What it is: Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) is a rare inherited blood clotting disorder caused by a mutation in the ADAMTS13 enzyme. This month, the FDA approved Adzynma, a recombinant form of the ADAMTS13 enzyme that can restore function. The drug was approved for both children and adults with cTTP to be used as a prophylactic to prevent dangerous clotting events.
Why it’s important: Those with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura form blood clots that can cut off oxygen to organs, resulting in organ damage, including kidneys. Some studies have found an increased incidence of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in those with TTP. Prophylactic use of Adzynma can prevent clots from damaging the kidneys.
Learn more here.
Please pass this on to anyone with CKD on dialysis or a care partner of someone with CKD who could benefit from staying up to date on the latest news!
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