Children and Chronic Kidney Disease
News tips from the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology, Nov. 14 to 19, San Diego.
Hypertension
Metabolic Syndrome :: Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Progressive Kidney Disease in African-Americans
For African-Americans with high blood pressure, the combination of risk factors known as metabolic syndrome brings an increased risk of worsening kidney disease, reports a paper being presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 39th Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego.
Glaucoma :: Patients at Risk for Glaucoma Will Benefit From Risk Assessment Tool
A combined analysis of two landmark clinical glaucoma trials — the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) and the European Glaucoma Prevention Study (EGPS) — confirms the benefit of a five-year risk assessment model to help ophthalmologists better predict which patients have an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, affecting approximately 70 million people, and can lead to blindness if left untreated. These new data were presented this week at the annual American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
Hypertension :: Novartis’ Exforge, valsartan approved in Europe for patients with high blood pressure
Novartis announced today a positive opinion supporting European Union approval of Exforge? (valsartan/ amlodipine besylate) as a new treatment option for patients with high blood pressure.
Fosrenol data show evidence of trends towards improved bone formation in CKD stage 5 patients
Treatment with the phosphate binder FOSRENOL(R) (lanthanum carbonate) was associated with slight improvements in bone formation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5 patients with hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus levels in the blood), according to long-term (two-year) data presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) meeting. Additional studies presented at ASN document the efficacy and safety of the reformulated and higher-dose FOSRENOL tablets.
Hypertension :: Significant reduction in blood pressure with implantable device system
A device first implanted in the United States at the University of Rochester Medical Center as part of a clinical trial is showing a significant reduction in blood pressure in patients who suffer from severe hypertension and cannot control their condition with medications or lifestyle changes.
Hypertension :: Pine tree bark reduces side effects in hypertensive patients
A study published in the October journal of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis shows Pycnogenol (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree reduced edema, a typical side effect of antihypertensive medications, by 36 percent in patients taking these medications.
Pharmacy care program helps elderly patients take all their medications
A pharmacy care program for elderly patients increases medication adherence, which results in improved health outcomes, according to a study posted online today by JAMA. The study is being released early to coincide with its presentation at the American Heart Association Scientific Session. It will be published in the December 6 print issue of JAMA.
Conner Lecturer – Healthcare changes must focus on value
A transformation in health care requires vision, values and leadership ? and physicians are best poised to be transformative leaders, according to Ian Morrison, Ph.D., president emeritus of the Institute for the Future.
Heart :: AHA to launch heart magazine – Heart Insight
Heart Insight will give readers practical advice, new treatment recommendations … and encouragement. The American Heart Association announces the launch of a new patient magazine, Heart Insight, for heart patients, their families and caregivers.