Health News

Family Matters When Donating
Family is important to almost every culture around the world. When it comes to live kidney donation, it seems that family is especially important for African Americans.
Two Mean Kidney Genes
Why are African Americans more likely than whites to develop kidney disease? Well, it may have to do with a change to a certain gene.
These Stents are Safe in Kidney Patients
Stents are tubes that are used to treat narrowed or weakened arteries. In many cases, they can be lifesaving. But are some types of stents safer than others?
Kidney Disease: It's in the Family
African Americans have a high risk of kidney failure, especially if they have a family history of the condition. Recent discoveries have now increased the understanding of kidney disease in this high-risk population.
Transplant Care: The Gap Remains Wide
Organ transplant clinics have to report their success rates. The idea is to help patients find the best medical care and motivate clinics to improve their care. But public reporting does not seem to be helping.
Celebrating an Organ Donor Milestone
One major roadblock of getting organ transplants for patients is finding people who are willing to donate. Now, the donation and transplant community is celebrating a long-awaited turn in the right direction.
More Hormone, More Risk
People with chronic kidney disease are at risk of deadly heart problems. If their kidneys stop functioning entirely, they have to go on dialysis. How can doctors spot kidney patients at risk of these complications?
Three-Day Dialysis Isn't Enough
Most kidney failure patients get dialysis treatment three times a week, often taking off the weekend. These two-day breaks may not be such a good idea.
Kidney Failure? Keep Treating Your Lupus
Lupus is a disease that can harm many parts of the body, and even end up causing kidney failure. Researchers have found a way to improve the survival of these patients.
Detecting Dialysis Risk
Doctors need to know which kidney disease patients are at risk for complications. Can they take action before those problems arise? The trouble is figuring out who is at risk. A specific hormone may be the sign.