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
Free sailing with Dialysis to the Docks in Baltimore, MD
If you live in the Baltimore, Maryland area, you should check out the Dialysis to the Docks organization that is run by Vaunita Goodman, who previously was on home dialysis. As of last year, she started giving away free sailing excursions for people with CKD. It is a wonderful opportunity to get fresh air, work the boat and meet others going through the same thing.
You can hear her story here about how she she felt depressed and anxious being at home, which pushed her to get outside more and get curious, she found her way to the docks. She recognized that if she can learn how to do home dialysis she can learn how to sail a boat. She now gives that opportunity to other people with CKD on dialysis and various stages of the CKD journey. She wants people to remember that dialysis doesn't mean the end of participating in community and outdoor activities. Sailing together provides a sense of freedom, and empowerment as everyone works together to help sail the boat.
Go to the Dialysis to the Docks website here to see contact the organization
If your not in Maryland, check out your local area, there are often free sailing lessons or meetup groups you can join. It is a great opportunity to get out and get fresh air!
What to do if affected by Baxter/Vantage peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution shortage
In September, Hurricane Helene damaged the Baxter International’s North Cove facility in North Carolina. Baxter is the largest manufacturer of peritoneal dialysis and intravenous solutions in the United States, and the damage has resulted in a shortage of Baxter peritoneal dialysis solutions. For those affected by this shortage, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN), and dialysis organizations have compiled advice for navigating this shortage, including fluid bag conservation strategies and alternatives.
Guidance, contact information, and updated news and shortage status can be found here.
RSN Podcast: Managing Phosphorus Levels in People with Kidney Disease: Treatments, Challenges and Emerging Solutions
A new episode from the Renal Support Network’s KidneyTalk podcast features Dr. Frita Fisher discussing the role of phosphorus in health, why those with kidney disease on dialysis need to limit phosphorus intake, and multiple strategies and treatment options for managing phosphorus levels. Dr. Fisher is board-certified in Nephrology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics.
You can listen to this episode and previous episodes of the podcast on the RSN website, Apple podcasts, or many other podcast platforms.
National Kidney Foundation CKD Spotlight tool for providers and policy makers
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has published a new online tool: CKD Spotlight. CKD Spotlight is a data dashboard that aims to provide up-to-date information to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and healthcare facilities to make the best care decisions with their patients. This tool aims to improve patient outcomes by identifying care gaps and the most effective approaches for specific subsets of patient populations (e.g., those with diabetes, hypertension, etc.).
You can read more about the CKD Spotlight here.
Your Fun Tip of the Day
Life’s little moments can spark inspiration!
Whether you’re sitting in dialysis, chilling on the couch, washing dishes, or taking a walk, podcasts can help you stay sane when life gets challenging or you just need to beat the boredom and get inspired!
Listening to a podcast is like opening a door to new communities and experiences! You can learn something new, enjoy a good laugh with your favorite comedians, and explore different perspectives—all while going about your daily activities. With podcasts covering just about any topic you can imagine, you can fill your day with positivity and inspiration.
Search your phone for topics you love and build a playlist that matches your mood. Whenever you need a pick-me-up, you’ll have the perfect podcast ready to go!
Some podcast ideas to get you started!
The FDA grants felzartamab the Breakthrough Therapy designation for expedited development of a treatment for kidney transplant rejection
What it is: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the Breakthrough Therapy designation to felzartamab, an investigational anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody developed by Biogen to treat late or chronic antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) after kidney transplantation. The anti-CD38 treatment targets alloantibody-producing immune cells. Alloantibodies target foreign human antigens, like during pregnancy or following an organ transplant.
Why it’s important: Depending on age and other factors, 10-17% of kidney transplant recipients experience ABMR. The FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation allows for expedited development and review of highly promising drugs that have demonstrated substantial benefit over current treatments for severe conditions. The evidence used to make this designation came from a Phase 2 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This trial demonstrated that of patients with ABMR following transplantation, ABMR resolved in 82% of patients who received felzartamab and only 20% for those who received a placebo.
You can read more about this news from Biogen here.
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