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| AAKP News of the Month: Join AAKP for Kidney Beginnings: Live!
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AAKP will be in Little Rock, AR, for the next Kidney Beginnings: Live. Kidney Beginnings: Live is a FREE educational program designed to educate individuals about the basics of kidney disease and proper kidney care. Attendees receive complimentary educational materials, learn about kidney disease in a welcoming atmosphere and have the opportunity to have questions answered by local health care professionals.
Upcoming programs are planned for Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Orlando, FL; San Antonio, TX; and Chicago, IL.
Please continue to check the AAKP website for more upcoming locations and dates. |
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| 'Silent Strokes' Linked To Kidney Failure In Diabetics |
In patients with type 2 diabetes, silent cerebral infarction (SCI), small areas of brain damage caused by injury to small blood vessels, signals an increased risk of progressive kidney disease and kidney failure, according to a study appearing in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN). If SCI is present in the brain, it could be an indicator that small-vessel damage is present in the kidneys as well.
The study included 608 patients with type 2 diabetes, all initially free of symptomatic stroke, heart disease or kidney disease. On MRI scans of the brain, 177 of the patients had subtle areas of brain damage but not severe enough to cause overt symptoms of stroke. At long-term follow-ups, diabetic patients with SCI had higher risks of progressive kidney disease. Compared to those with normal brain MRI scans, patients with SCI were about 2.5 times more likely to die or develop end-stage kidney disease. The research suggests SCI may be a new marker to identify patients who are at risk of declining kidney function.
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| Kidney Function May Be Tied to Bone Loss |
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People with weakened kidney function lost bone mineral density faster than those with healthy kidneys. Study participants with the worst kidney function had a 9.3 percent greater decrease in lower spine bone mineral density over the five years than those with healthy kidneys. The findings highlight the importance of estimating kidney function when evaluating patients for fracture risk.
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| Acetaminophen Protects Kidneys After Muscle Injury |
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 Severe muscle injuries - such as crush injuries suffered in earthquakes, car accidents and explosions, and muscle damage from too much exercise or statin drug interactions - can cause life-threatening kidney damage. Treatment has been limited to intravenous fluids and dialysis, but a new study suggests the commonly used pain reliever acetaminophen (a-ce-ta-min-o-phen) may protect the kidneys from damage.
An international research team found acetaminophen prevented oxidative damage and kidney failure after muscle injury in a rat model. The findings support further investigation of the drug's effects in patients with severe muscle injuries. Acetaminophen given before or after the skeletal muscle injury in the rat model prevented oxidative injury to the kidneys, improved renal function and reduced renal damage. More importantly, the effective acetaminophen concentrations in the rat matched normal dosages in humans.
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| AAKP Convention Update! |
 With AAKP's 2010 Annual Convention coming up, it's important to make plans to attend this spectacular 3-day event as soon as possible. This year, the AAKP Convention takes place Sept. 2 - 4, in Tampa, Florida, and features the latest research on kidney disease and its treatment options, exciting social events and an exhibit hall filled with renal-related companies and products.
- The Great Debate - Compensation for Organ Donation: How Much Is Too Much?
- Guided Imaginary: Visualizing Good Health
- Living Life to the Fullest: A Survivorship Panel
- and much more!
To make your hotel reservations, please contact the Tampa Marriott Waterside at (888) 268-1616. Identify yourself as an AAKP Convention attendee to receive the preferred rate of $110 per night. The deadline to receive this rate is August 10, 2010.
Convention registration opens in late spring so please continue to check the AAKP website for updates. |
| Teens' Kidney Function Harmed By Even Low Lead Levels |
 Blood levels of lead below those considered elevated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still may negatively impact kidney function in otherwise healthy adolescents. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore gathered data from 769 adolescents, ages 12 to 20. Nearly all of the participants had blood lead levels below 10 ug/dl (the point the CDC gets concerned), with an average level of 1.5 ug/dl. Researchers found higher lead levels, which were still below 10 ug/dl of blood, were consistently associated with a lower glomerular filtration rate. The link between higher lead levels and decreased kidney function continued even after researchers eliminated hypertension as a possible factor affecting kidney status. More studies are needed to examine the possible impact of environmental lead exposure on kidney function. |
| Want to Be a Member of the AAKP Board of Directors? |
AAKP is currently accepting nominations for the 2010-2011 National Board of Directors. The elections are held in July, with new members seated at AAKP's Annual Convention in September. Board members serve two-year terms. The deadline to submit nominations is May 21, 2010.
The AAKP Board of Directors is responsible for establishing goals and policies for the Association. Board members must attend three meetings each year, participate in conference calls and committee membership. For more information about the AAKP Board of Directors or to request a nomination form, please contact AAKP at (800) 749-AAKP or visit the AAKP website to download the nomination form. Self nominations are encouraged. | |
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