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HDCN News Archive -- Nephrology Nursing
M17 FDA issues warning about birth defects in infants when mother took mycophenolate (MMF) during pregnancy.
M17 Is marrying your first cousin truly dangerous in terms of offspring? A critical examination of the data.
M17 FDA convenes to examine impact of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical, and now, medical device, advertising.
M17 Patient deaths at dialysis unit may have been caused by an employee with criminal intent.
M17 Former head of UCLA cadaver program indicted for selling body parts on the side, profiting directly from sales.
M16 Everolimus significantly delays progression of kidney cancer.
M16 Salmonella infection in people linked to exposure to dry dog food.
M16 View abstracts, posters being presented at the American Urologic Association annual meeting, May 17-22.
M16 Lymphocytic choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) - infected transplant organs cause 1 death and 1 serious injury at Boston-area hospital.
M16 MMWR: CDC recommends herpes zoster vaccine for all persons over age 60.
M16 Is on-line hemodiafiltration finally coming to the U.S.?
M16 Small molecule found that can disassemble amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease.
M16 MIT research team crafts films resistant to bacterial adhesion.
M16 New NHANES analysis finds CV mortality increased in patients following a lower salt intake.
M16 Local injection of muscle-derived autologous stem cells helps restore continence post-prostatectomy.
M15 Lower-dose tissue plasminogen activator treatment improves survival in patients with hemorrhagic stroke.
M15 Canadian scientists discover how tuberculosis bacteria evade destruction by macrophages.
M15 AFP Pharma raises price of heparin. Cost of a typical dialysis treatment will go up by a half-dollar.
M15 Fluvastatin found to markedly lower viral load in hepatitis C.
M15 Biopterin derivative may be effective treatment for severe heart failure.
M14 Yale scientists isolate estrogen-like substance secreted by osteoblasts.
M14 Dialysis access consortium trial results (clopidogrel) published in JAMA: less clotting, but no difference re AVF usability.
M13 Kidney market shut as Pakistan cuts supply.
M13 NxStage reports that it was able to double number of home dialysis patients in past year.
M13 Abstracts from 2008 Asian Pacific Congress of Nephrology at this link.
M13 Preop beta blockers reduce heart attack risk but markedly increase total mortality.
M13 Texting kids to take their medicine may increase compliance.
M13 Prism eyeglasses expand view for patients with stroke-induced hemianopia.
M12 Should the NKF KDOQI staging system for CKD be modified?
M12 CPR rescuers do not need to stop compression while administering defibrillator shocks.
M12 Preeclampsia-like condition develops in mice with knockout of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene
M12 U.S. Health Secretary: Chinese heparin now should be safe.
M12 Ultraviolet light reflecting lotion used to assess thoroughness of cleaning of toilets in a hospital setting.
M12 Searchable link to ERA-EDTA 2008 abstracts
M12 ERA-EDTA Congress in Stockholm - day by day highlights.
M09 FDA reissues heparin alert, since contaminated heparin still stocked in a number of hospitals.
M09 Int Soc Hemodialysis to present 2008 award to Dr. Bernard Charra in Vincenza, June 3-6.
M09 DaVita Clinical Research completes record number of trials in 2007
M09 Darapladib lowers the activity of inflammatory enzyme associated with vascular plaque.
M09 Computer gaming approach may help solve protein folding and structure problems.
M09 Acrylamide intake associated with risk of kidney cancer.
M08 Dr. Marmot honored as recipient of Baxter-funded health services research prize for his work describing links between heart failure and socioeconomic status.
M07 New hospital superbug to worry about: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
M07 Being multilingual associated with improved cognition at advanced age.
M07 Polymer coated artificial nanoworms circulate for hours, evading the immune system, and could be used to attack tumor cells.
M07 S100A1 protein found in heart, blood vessels; linked to heart damage and to hypertension.
M07 JASN: Calcitriol associated with a lower mortality in pre-ESRD patients.
M07 Women at high risk for CV events are not benefitted by homocysteine-lowering regimen of B vitamins (JAMA).
M07 Incenter nocturnal dialysis offered at FMC Savannah unit in the news.
M06 Abbott launches investigator-initiated grant program focusing on nonclassical actions of vitamin D receptors: App deadline June 30..
M05 CJASN July preview: Niacinamide effective as a phosphate binder.
M05 The leader of the MIT team who helped solve the heparin contamination mystery.
M05 ASN Renal Week abstract archives 2003-2006 now available on-line in .pdf format.
M05 National Physician Identifier number must be used on insurance claim forms to get paid after May 23rd.
M05 FDA Study: Injuries and deaths linked to insulin pump use in teens.
M04 Give young persons 50,000 dollars to donate a kidney? Skeptics fear abuse and exploitation.
M04 Nature genetics: More obesity genes found
M02 Virginia patient bleeds to death during dialysis due to disconnected bloodline tubing.
M02 Protozoans may ingest E. Coli, and carry them on the surface of vegetables like spinach and lettuce.
M01 Both houses of Congress now have passed GINA - genetic anti-discrimination bill. Bush says he will sign it.
M01 MMWR: Acute renal failure associated with cosmetic soft tissue filler injections.
M01 AAKP urges Congress to support bill providing immunosuppressive drug coverage for transplant recipients.
M01 AAKP urgers Senator Kerry to support pilot home hemodialysis program.
M01 Obesity linked to heart failure and inflammatory mediator elevation in observational study.
A30 Rash of unexpected deaths at dialysis facility prompt investigation.
A30 Looking for a job? The FDA plans to hire 1300 people in the near future.
A30 Robotic wheelchair uses lasers to dock with cars.
A30 Silver nanoparticles may be harmful to the environment if allowed to enter waste water system.
A30 Yale research supports fusion theory of cancer cell with white blood cell in initiating metastasis.
A30 Ranibizumab better than laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema.
A30 Scientists synthesize molecule capable of releasing hydrogen sulfide over extended periods - possible role in donor organ preservation?
A29 Rituxan fails as lupus treatment in controlled trial.
A29 High blood theobromine levels (presumably from eating chocolate) may protect against pre-eclampsia.
A29 The Philippines bans kidney transplant tourism.
A29 JCEM study shows that trifusal, a salicylate-like drug, increases insulin secretion in obese non-diabetics.
A29 Families, CEOs, to testify before Congress on tainted heparin.
A29 Thiazolidinediones (glitazones) may increase fracture risk in diabetics.
A28 List of journals that submit manuscripts to PubMedCentral on behalf of their authors (no KI, JASN, nor AJKD)
A28 NIH: How to comply with the new NIH public access policy (for grants signed after April 7, 2008).
A28 AAMC taskforce frowns on free pizzas for medical school lunch gatherings, and faculty participation in pharma speaker bureaus.
A28 New JAMA study to highlight CV risk of blood substitutes; FDA under renewed pressure.
A28 Interview with Fresenius chief executive Ulf Schneider: More acquisitions envisioned; mum on Baxter takeover rumor.
A28 Hypertension seen in the emergency department frequently misattributed to trauma, stress, and not followed up.
A28 Gene therapy improves vision in patient with Lebers congenital amaurosis.
A28 FDA approves Relistor (methylnaltrexone) for opioid-induced constipation.
A28 Am J Med supplement (May, free full text) focuses on computer-assisted diagnosis and errors in diagnosis by physicians.
A25 Lancet Inf Dis: Five percent of health care workers have MRSA.
A25 Sanofi-Aventis pulls certain batches of heparin that may have OSCS impurity.
A25 US Senate unanimously passes anti-discrimination bill relating to genetic information.
A24 Long-term, low dose peginterferon therapy helps patients with chronic hepatitis C.
A24 FDA approve alternate-source latex for gloves that may be less allergenic
A23 MIT led teams unravel heparin deaths mystery
A23 NEJM paper (full text) describes mechanism of how oversulfated chondroitin sulfate can cause anaphylaxis.
A23 Genzyme to build new research and development center in Beijing.
A23 Menstrual blood found to be a source of stem cells.
A23 FDA: Fatal hypoglycemia due to maltose-containing immune globulin causing erroneous blood glucose readings.
A23 CARE-2 study published on-line in AJKD. CAC progression with calcium acetate plus atorvastatin similar to sevelamer.
A22 FDA approves compact heart assist device from Thoratec.
A22 CMS releases standards for e-prescribing of drugs.
A22 New nanoparticle-based hydrogel allows orally administered insulin to be absorbed.
A21 Call for Europe-wide organ donor card
A21 FDA: Guidance issued for abbreviated 510K applications for blood tubing sets.
A21 FDA: Guidance issued regarding IDEs for nocturnal hemodialysis.
A21 Massachusetts Senate unanimously passes a law banning all pharma gifts to doctors.
A21 International study of chemicals in urine links blood pressure to diet and gut bacteria.
A21 FDA and Chinese scientists argue over the root cause of heparin allergic reactions.
A21 Chocolate lowers LDL cholesterol by 5% in RCT.
A19 Democrats propose labeling requirements for food and drugs which would list country of origin.
A19 Canada bans all plastic baby bottles containing bisphenol A. Will the U.S. follow?
A19 JAMA report of ghostwritten pharma articles used to oppose FDA policy of loosening restrictions on distribution of articles describing off-label use of drugs.
A18 Fresenius Medical shares rise on earnings, speculation regarding Baxter takeover attempt.
A17 FDA critical path in process for evaluating biomarkers to detect kidney injury.
A17 Petsmart sued over hamster infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus blamed in death of 3 transplant patients.
A17 NEJM sounding board article considers impact of patient controlled health records on medical research.
A17 Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked to formaldehyde exposure.
A17 Low serum 25D levels associated with incrased peripheral arterial disease risk.
A16 HDCN: Pre-ESRD Mineral Disorder (ASN CNC); Interventional nephrology Part One (ASN-PGE); RRI 2008 meeting Part Two; NNJ CE articles (2); NSF articles; Dialysate glucose.
A16 Meta-analysis suggests that beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E may actually reduce survival.
A16 Advanced practice nurses seek wider scope in 24 states.
A15 Court documents reveal extensive ghostwriting of medical articles by a pharmaceutical company.
A15 Vitamin D supplementation effective in relieving neuropathic pain in type 2 diabetes.
A15 FDA warns of selenium, chromium poisoning associated with health supplements.
A15 Archives Int Med: Loop diuretics associated with lower bone density in men.
A15 Salmonellosis associated with Malt-O-Meal cereal ingestion.
A15 CMS adopts 26 new CPMs effective April 1, 2008
A15 Nurses' Health Study shows that women who follow DASH - type diet have lower risk of heart attack.
A14 Human vascular system grown in mice. Potential applications for organogenesis.
A14 Exercise doubles growth rate of human prostate cancer cell tumors implanted into mice.
A14 Cannulation of AV fistula: Web CME program by Fistula First.org
A13 Genetic mutation causes iron-resistant iron-deficiency anemia by turning on hepcidin.
A12 Admissions clerk at New York hospital charged with identity theft; sold data on 50,000 patients.
A12 Germany eases law on stem cells.
A12 Cited Arizona dialysis clinic institutes corrective measures.
A12 Genzyme recalls selected lots of thymoglobulin as a precaution; excessively cloudy on reconstitution.
A12 Once yearly zoledronic acid increases lumbar spine density by 4% in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis patients; better than risedronate
A12 Artificial reef approach to strengthening bone.
A12 Alginate-coated pancreatic beta cells from fetal pigs transplanted into 4 diabetics with mixed results.
A12 Fourteen physicians not involved in Britney Spears' case peeked at her records.
A11 ANNA: Controversies series - should patients be allowed to eat during dialysis?
A11 Shire Pharma launches On Track phosphate binder adherence toolkit.
A11 Drug companies and device makers to voluntarily reveal CME grants to physicians.
A10 Fresenius in talks to buy Italian group Sorin's renal care business.
A10 FDA communication regarding CellCept and Myfortic (mycophenolate) - ongoing safety review.
A10 FDA notice regarding investigation of mycophenolate mofetil regarding progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
A09 NEJM: ACEI = ARB, and ACEI + ARB no better than either ACEI or ARB, in high risk patients with diabetes or vascular disease.
A09 JASN early release: Raloxifene increases bone mineral density in CKD patients.
A09 Of 102 deaths due to tainted heparin, only 4 were using heparin made by Baxter.
A09 New Lifton study shows that some Bartter and Gitelman mutation heterozygotes are not rare, and are protected against hypertension.
A09 JAMA RCT shows American Indian tye 2 diabetics with LDL lowered to 70 have lower carotid IMT and LV mass than those with LDL lowered to 100.
A08 FDA raises death estimate due to tainted heparin to 62 cases from 19.
A08 Non-Hodgkins lymphoma transmitted to 4 patients via organ donation.
A08 After rejection by the US FDA, Antigenics kidney cancer vaccine approved for use in Russia.
A08 Slight modification to atrial fibrillation surgery improves the results.
A08 American Heart Association issues new guidelines for treatment of resistant hypertension.
A07 Fresenius announces appeal of Baxter touch-screen patent infringement case, develops a back-up interface design.
A07 Skin cells turned into pluripotent stem cells from patients with various diseases.
A07 New antimicrobial proteins identified in alligator blood
A07 Mud bath clays may be useful to treat MRSA skin infections.
A06 Second Annual Conference on Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis at Yale, May 10, 2008, New Haven, CT.
A06 Teriparatide (Forteo) gets European regulatory approval for treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
A06 Fresenius loses patent suit brought by Baxter - ordered to stop selling its 2000K dialysis machines in U.S. by Jan 2009.
A04 Transplant ethics conference begins in Chicago (April 4-6).
A04 AMAG Pharma presents data on new iron supplement at NKF Spring Clinical Meeting.
A04 Affymax presents Phase 2 Hematide data at NKF Spring Clinical Meeting in Dallas.
A04 MMWR: Transplantation transmitted tuberculosis.
A04 BCG vaccine reverses type 1 diabetes in mice; now a clinical trial is underway.
A04 Compliance with NIH public access policy for published articles stemming from NIH-funded research.
A03 New conditions for CMS coverage (.pdf file)
A03 CMS releases new conditions for coverage of ESRD care.
A03 Daily dose of caffeine protects rabbit brains from high serum cholesterol.
A03 Baxter faces increasing number of lawsuits over tainted heparin.
A03 New Merck heart failure drug rolofylline gives encouraging results in Phase III trial.
A03 More heparin recalls: Covidien pre-filled syringes.
A03 JASN review article in the news: Questions the health benefits of drinking lots of water.
A02 DaVita CMO Charles McAllister, MD, to retire.
A02 Treating hypertension in patients more than 80 years of age reduces death rate by 20%.
A02 Adenosine receptor antagonist shows promise in heart failure.
A02 ExoSeal vascular plug reduces bleeding after arterial catheterization.
A02 Iodixanol (Visipaque) no better in terms of contrast nephropathy for PCI.
A01 Should black box warnings on ultrasound contrast agents be reconsidered?
A01 Bacteriophage-bonded surfaces used in wound dressings to decontaminate MRSA.
M31 More good data about pioglitazone suggesting reduction of atherosclerosis.
M31 Kidney with malignant tumor removed trans-vaginally, leaving no scar.
M31 Six new genetic variants associated with type 2 diabetes.
M31 Mysterious periodic fevers in children cured by tonsillectomy.
M30 NEJM: Ezetemibe lowers LDL cholesterol when added to simvastatin, but no effects on carotid artery thickness.
M28 MMWR: Discharge diagnosis of kidney disease for hospitalizations increased fourfold between 1980 and 2005.
M28 Robots used as patient simulators in Johns Hopkins medical training center.
M28 Normal weight (BMI) obesity linked to metabolic syndrome.
M27 U.S. judge seeks expert advice on Amgen-Roche license.
M27 Pretreating animals with high-dose folate lowers infarct size.
M27 NEJM: Prognostic value of coronary artery calcium content confirmed in large study.
M27 NEJM: Diaphragm atrophy begins within 18 hours of mechanical ventilation.
M26 Chinese folk remedy vegetable, bitter melon, contains compounds that activate AMPK, similar to metformin.
M25 European nations recall heparin; safety of alternative heparin supply called into question.
M25 Archives study emphasizes heritability of early-onset hypertension in men.
M25 Archives paper highlights renal failure risk of oral phosphate colonoscopy preps.
M25 MRI staging related to prognosis in prostate cancer patients treated by radiotherapy.
M25 Australian agencies aggressively recruiting nurses in the UK.
M25 Inhaled hydrogen sulfide gas induces hypometabolic state in animal model.
M24 California transplant surgeon awaits trial over allegedly overprescribing pain medicines for dying organ donor.
M22 Heparin supplied by B. Braun also affected by allergic contaminant problem.
M21 Cato Institute releases study on compensated living kidney donor program in Iran.
M20 JASN Express: Remission clinic targetting proteinuria with multidrug therapy markedly slows rate of CKD progression.
M20 Vitamin C recycling in human red cells explained via glut-1.
M20 Insulin affects lifespan of C. elegans via inhibtion of SKN-1.
M20 More on the heparin contaminant story: Intentional adulteration with animal cartilage most likely explanation.
M20 Two week old blood associated with adverse outcomes when transfused.
M19 Update: Court sends Roche/Amgen patent dispute back to the International Trade Commission.
M19 Roche agrees to pay Amgen 22.5 percent royaty on Mircera sales in the U.S.
M19 New camera with multiple lenses will be able to take detailed 3-D photographs.
M19 FDA identifies heparin contaminant as chemically altered chondroitin sulfate.
M19 Want to develop more upscale interests and tastes? Get a kidney transplant from a snob :-).
M19 Colorectal cancer cells found to produce hepcidin.
M17 Study to evaluate effects of 4,000 IU vitamin D on patients adopting watchful waiting with early prostate cancer.
M16 Blood vessel protein Robo4 reverses diabetic and age-related macular degeneration in mouse model.
M15 PR, QRS, and QT intervals on ECG are increased in apparently normal elderly persons over age 80.
M14 FDA says that heparin contaminant is close to being identified.
M14 FDA orders that all imported heparin be stopped at the border for testing.
M14 Shire shares soar on Pfizer bid rumors.
M14 Soy compound genistein almost completely stops the spread of prostate cancer in mice.
M14 MGH study will determine if BCG vaccination halts type 1 diabetes in humans as it does in mice.
M13 FDA Oncologic Drug Advisory Panel recommends continued indication of ESAs for cancer patients excluding breast and head and neck.
M13 CMS: Medicare will continue to pay for CT cardiac scans for coronary artery calcification detection.
M13 JASN early release: Both low and high 1,25 D levels associated with vascular calcification in kids.
M13 JASN early release: High dose continuous HDF at 35 ml/kg/hr no better than 20 ml/kg/hr.
M13 German pharma companies ordered to test their heparin stocks for contamination.
M12 Vitamin D supplements given to children may cut risk of subsequent development of type 1 diabetes.
M12 World Kidney Day You-Tube videos (see end of video for whole panel of related clips)
M12 Planned U.S. events for World Kidney Day, March 13th.
M12 New macrophage-related protein implicated in inflammatory disease.
M12 Uninterrupted chest compressions during CPR by paramedics lead to increased survival.
M12 Role of women as caregivers highlighted on World Kidney Day (tomorrow).
M11 FDA advisory committee to meet Thursday to discuss use of ESAs in cancer.
M11 Doubts raised over benefits of MRSA screening of hospitalized patients.
M11 FDA releases briefing document for Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee on ESAs in cancer.
M11 Eli Lilly follows Pfizer and NovoNordisk in discontinuing inhalable insulin.
M10 Hepatitis cluster prompts Nevada-wide inspection of outpatient surgery units.
M10 Wall Street Journal highlights Chinese supplier of APP-marketed heparin, which so far is free of allergic side effects.
M10 Low levels of PYY, a food-induced gut hormone, may be an early marker for type 2 diabetes.
M10 Baxter foundation contributes 53 million dollars in 2007 to worthwhile causes.
M10 FDA plans to ease restrictions on dissemination of reprints by pharma involving off-label usage of drugs.
M10 Gene associated with uric acid transport, blood fructose level, linked to risk of gout.
M10 With increase in availability from alternative sources, Baxter recalls all heparin products.
M09 APP Pharma takes over the heparin market in the U.S.
M09 AP probe find very low concentrations of many drugs in drinking water.
M08 Previously unknown species of bacteria found to contaminate hairspray.
M08 Ortho Biotech and Amgen modify black box ESA warnings to reflect DVT, tumor progression risk.
M08 Update on German heparin allergic reactions investigation. Other European countries may not be affected.
M07 Bill to encourage e-prescribing for Medicare-reimbursed encounters likely to pass this year.
M07 Sewage-based fertilizer contaminated with thallium, PCBs.
M07 Angiotensin vaccine moderately effective in lowering blood pressure
M07 German firm (Rotexmedica) recalling heparin with China link due to allergic reactions.
M06 7th Annual Prevention in Renal Disease Conference, Toronto, Sept. 19-20, 2008.
M06 Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition website
M06 More on the heparin contaminant in Baxter's product line - still unidentified.
M06 Lupus foundation sponsored webchat about lupus and kidney disease scheduled for Wednesday, March 14th.
M06 Cannabinoid receptor blocker rimonabant prevents ethanol-induced fatty liver in mice.
M06 Genzyme launches Renvela(TM) - sevelamer carbonate - in the United States.
M06 Fresenius invests 36 million euro to increase production of dialyzer components.
M06 Massachusetts Blues health plan concludes that EMRs for physician offices may not be cost-effective.
M05 Las Vegas endoscopy clinic responsible for spreading hepatitis C after reusing syringes, allegedly to cut costs.
M05 Massachusetts may ban drug industry freebies for docs.
M05 JAMA: Flat or depressed lesions on colonoscopy hard to detect, but are most often malignant.
M05 Supreme court votes 4 vs. 4 regarding pharma immunity from product liability for FDA-approved prescription drugs.
M05 FDA finds possible contaminant in Baxter heparin.
M05 A mystery: why does gastric bypass improve type 2 diabetes even without weight loss?
M05 The source of blood stem cells found - it's the placenta.
M05 Oxalobacter formigines bacteria in the gut mean lower risk of stones.
M05 Sensor necklace and magnetic trace additive to pills might be used to track medication compliance in clinical trials.
M04 JASN: Humes' tubular assist device lowers mortality in AKI.
M04 Magnetic levitation gives computer users sense of touch.
M04 Retinopathy may begin at lower blood glucose levels than expected.
M04 CAPON gene linked to QT interval and heart rhythm abnormalities.
M03 Despite advantages, home dialysis slow to grow.
M01 Japan looks to a future full of robots.
M01 TRIM22 gene blocks HIV infection completely in cell culture.
M01 Stress, high gas prices lead to domestic violence in couple with wife on dialysis.
M01 Screening test for CKD (SCORED) developed by Cornell and UNC Chapel Hill outperforms NKF KEEP approach.
F29 Heparin may be tied to more deaths.
F29 Judge temporarily bans Roche anemia drug in the United States.
F29 2008 Annual Dialysis Conference begins tomorrow. Abstracts available at this link.
F29 Vitamin E ingestion linked to increased risk of lung cancer.
F28 Google. reveals plans for its health database.
F28 Baxter recalls remaining lots of heparin.
F28 Incenter nocturnal dialysis becoming more popular in Florida.
F28 Stat5 protein linked to spread of metastatic prostate cancer.
F28 Making heparin is like making sausage. You don't want to know too much about the details.
F27 Supreme Court hears arguments as to whether pharma companies should be protected from torts when a drug has been approved by the FDA.
F27 Chewing gum after bowel surgery shortens duration of post-operative ileus.
F27 Addition of alpha-1-antitrypsin to 3-drug cocktail cures type 1 diabetes in mouse model.