People with chronic kidney disease routinely undergo tests to measure blood levels of phosphorous, calcium and parathyroid hormone, to assess their risk of heart disease. However, a new analysis of research stretching back more than 60 years casts doubt on the usefulness of some of those tests. Researchers found little evidence to support the notion that these "biomarkers" can diagnose or prevent potential heart trouble, especially in the case of calcium and parathyroid hormone. The analysis did confirm an association between high levels of phosphorus in the blood and mortality in people with kidney disease. The team found that the risk of death increased 18 percent for each 1 milligram per deciliter increase in serum (blood) phosphorous. However, they found no association between mortality and parathyroid hormone levels or calcium levels.

Kidney Beginnings: Live

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.

Patients with kidney cancer who had their entire organ removed were more likely to have renal complications and poorer health after surgery, compared to those who had only part of their kidney removed, a study has shown. They found that 80 percent of patients underwent surgery to have their entire kidney removed as a way to treat their kidney cancer. 

Patients who had their entire kidney removed were more likely to develop chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Less than three years post-surgery, the number of patients who had renal complications was 12.5 percent for those who had their whole kidney removed, compared to seven percent of those who only underwent partial kidney removal. The team also made another interesting finding - that patients with protein in their urine were more likely to experience renal complications - 42 percent compared to just 9 percent of patients who had no protein in their urine. The results were published in the European Journal of Urology.

AAKP is planning a combined public policy event and enhanced Annual Convention for August 26-28, 2011. AAKP has planned its initial public policy forum to be held at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. We will invite national policy, medical and academic experts to discuss and debate preventive medicine and health considerations among minority communities who are disproportionately impacted by  chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

Immediately following the public policy forum at the Clinton Presidential Center, we will begin the 2011 AAKP Annual Convention. Building on the successes of the 2010 Convention, we will involve specific tracks/sessions to meet the needs of a wide range of current and future patients, their families and caregivers and various professional groups. The Convention host hotel is the Peabody Little Rock. The room rate is $114 per night. Call 1-800-PEABODY to make your reservations today! Don't forget to mention you are with the American Association of Kidney Patients' National Convention. 

We hope you plan on joining us at the 2011 Annual Convention and helping AAKP move forward in its patient education and public policy efforts.

A drug normally used to lower blood pressure may also help protect the kidneys of people with type 2 diabetes. In a new study, researchers found that the drug pressure-reducing medication olmesartan, brand name Benicar, could increase the time before any kidney problems were evident by 23 percent. The study measured the possibility of kidney function problems by measuring the amount of albumin secreted in the urine (microalbuminuria). Olmesartan was associated with a delayed onset of microalbuminuria, even though blood-pressure control in both groups was excellent according to current standards. The study appears in the New England Journal of Medicine.