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Health Line
20-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Causes of Pain in Renal (Kidney) Failure and Management Tips
Causes of pain Management Takeaway Most people with kidney failure experience pain, most often in their bones and muscles. But the pain is usually due to a complication of kidney failure. It may also be due to the type of treatment. Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys no longer function well enough to meet your body's needs. It is also known as end stage kidney disease (ESKD) or end stage renal disease (ESRD). About 60% to 70% of people with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience pain. And just about all people in the hospital with CKD experience pain as a symptom. This article explores common causes of pain associated with kidney failure. Acute vs. chronic renal failure There are two types of renal failure: acute and chronic. Acute renal failure occurs when the kidneys fail or stop working suddenly. It's common among people receiving treatment in the hospital for other serious health conditions, such as a heart attack or pneumonia. The damage from acute kidney failure may be reversible, and symptoms such as pain may go away following treatment. Causes of pain in renal failure Pain is a common symptom of kidney failure. Some of the causes of pain linked to kidney failure include: Mineral and bone disorder Mineral and bone disorder is a common complication of CKD. It is especially common among people who have kidney failure and receive dialysis. Mineral and bone disorders don't always cause symptoms. But as it progresses, it can cause aching in your bones and joints. Calcific uremic arteriolopathy Also known as calciphylaxis, calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) is a rare but serious condition that occurs among people with ESRD. It causes painful lesions to form on the surface of your skin. CUA is more common among people assigned female at birth who also have other health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. Peripheral neuropathy CKD and ESRD can damage the nerves that travel from your brain and spinal cord to other areas of your body. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy may trigger changes in sensation, including pins and needles, numbness, and pain in the extremities. Pericardial diseases The pericardium is a thin sac filled with fluid that protects your heart, including the roots of the major blood vessels that stem from your heart. Heart conditions linked to ESRD include: uremic pericarditis pericardial effusion constrictive pericarditis Each condition causes chest pain that feels worse when you inhale. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease Some types of primary kidney disease are associated with increased pain symptoms. In particular, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic condition that causes kidney cysts. Pain is a common symptom. It may be due to: infected, bleeding, or ruptured kidney cysts cyst growth urinary tract infections kidney stones Dialysis Although dialysis is an important treatment, it can also be a source of pain in kidney failure. Some people who undergo dialysis report muscle cramps, bloated abdomen, and pain at the insertion site of the needle. Underlying diseases People with kidney failure are more likely to have coexisting health conditions that may cause pain. Some coexisting health conditions that studies have linked to pain in kidney failure include: diabetic neuropathy ischemic peripheral artery disease osteopenia osteoporosis How to manage pain with renal failure There are many options for managing pain associated with renal failure. Usually, the treatment depends on the cause, type, frequency, and intensity. Talk with your healthcare team if you have pain associated with renal failure. Possible treatments include medication and behavioral and physical therapies. Medications for pain linked to renal failure include: acetaminophen gabapentinoids some opioids, such as buprenorphine or hydromorphone serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) topical analgesics tricyclic antidepressants Many of the above medications will require a doctor to adjust the dose, as renal failure can alter the concentration and effect of the drugs. Some opioids, like codeine and morphine, are not safe for people with CKD. Although research into their effectiveness is limited, other possible treatments for pain linked to renal failure include behavioral and physical interventions, such as: acupuncture biofeedback cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercise meditation physical therapy yoga Resources for support Chronic and untreated pain linked to kidney failure can significantly affect your quality of life. It's also linked to symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of educational resources for people with CKD. The National Kidney Foundation offers a list of care providers, services, and educational materials for people living with kidney disease and their families. The American Kidney Fund offers several financial assistance programs for people who have kidney failure. Takeaway Pain is a common symptom among people with ESRD. Although kidney failure doesn't necessarily cause pain, it is associated with several other complications that do. Pain treatments include medication and behavioral or physical therapy. Your treatment will likely depend on the cause of your pain. A healthcare professional can suggest the best treatment options for you. You can promote good kidney health with a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and seeking treatment for underlying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why do some patients need a transplant after kidney dialysis ?
Kidney disease is a common health condition, affecting thousands of individuals every year. The severity of kidney disease is variable, while those with mild to moderate renal dysfunction can be managed with medications , patients with severe renal dysfunction may need renal replacement therapy like dialysis . Kidney damage can be temporary like in Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) where the kidney damage is due to a reversible cause like dehydration or toxins – In such patients with severe renal damage dialysis is a temporary measure till the renal function recovers. Such patients do not need a renal transplant. However patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) who have had a progressive worsening of their renal functions may progress to End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) – Such patients will need regular dialysis as their renal functions are unlikely to recover. In patients with ESKD, Renal transplant is the best available treatment modality as the new kidney replaces the renal function of the non functioning kidneys and the patient does not need dialysis after renal transplant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo In other words patients with ESKD need to be on dialysis until they can undergo a renal transplant. Some patients who are very ill may not be fit for a renal transplant and hence may be managed with dialysis only. However the Achilles heel of renal transplant is the availability of suitable renal donor. A living donor must ideally be related to the patient and have same blood group as the patient or have O group blood. Moreover the donor must have no chronic illness like diabetes and be fit enough to lead a normal life with single kidney after donating one kidney – hence a living renal donor undergoes a battery of tests to evaluate fitness for renal donation. Patients who do not have a suitable living renal donor may be considered for a cadaveric donor. However the number of patients on waitlist for transplant far outnumbers the number of available cadaveric donors. Though the awareness about cadaveric organ donation is improving among the general public due multiple government and media interventions – still more activity is needed in this area. Dialysis or Kidney Transplant? Choosing whether you should go for dialysis or kidney transplant in ESKD is based on several factors . For instance, dialysis is more suitable as an immediate treatment for failed kidneys. It is a non-surgical procedure and does not depend on donor availability. Moreover, it is the best treatment modality for ESKD individuals who do not fall in the safe category for getting a transplant. Alternatively, kidney transplant is ideal for people suffering from ESKD who are looking for more effective and long-term solution and have a suitable renal donor. Bottomline: A patient with temporary kidney damage (AKI) needs dialysis till the time the kidney recovers on treatment of the underlying cause of AKI. However a patient with ESKD will need dialysis until they undergo renal transplant – provided they get a suitable renal donor (live or cadaveric) and is fit for the surgical procedure. (Article courtesy: Dr. Navinath M MD(Med), DM(Nephro), DNB(Nephro), MNAMS, Consultant Nephrologist and Renal Transplant Physician, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Nungambakkam, Chennai.) Infected kidneys hold promise for transplants
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
As India's kidney transplant gap widens, experts call for donor pool expansion
Every week, Imran Ali* travels over 30 kilometres to a dialysis centre, a routine that has kept him alive for nearly three years. Each session costs around ₹3,500, and when combined with medication and travel, his monthly medical expenses soar to ₹70,000–₹80,000. For Imran and his family, it's a relentless cycle of financial and emotional stress. 'We've sold land, borrowed from relatives, and still, I'm waiting for a transplant,' says Imran, who is currently at number 41,000 in a waiting list of over 2 lakh kidney transplant applicants in India. 'I was told not to expect a call anytime soon. I don't even know if I'll live long enough to move ahead in the list.' Imran's doctors have warned that he may not survive more than three months without a transplant. Imran's story is not unique. It reflects the reality of thousands of people across India suffering from end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), trapped in a system where need drastically outweighs availability. According to data from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), kidney transplants are among the most sought-after and performed procedures in India. Experts suggest that addressing India's growing burden of ESKD requires a two-pronged approach: tackling the root cause of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension, and simultaneously addressing the critical shortage of organ donors. Growing need, limited response J. Amalorpavanathan ,founder-member secretary, Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu, observes that while the demand for kidney transplants has grown exponentially, the supply has not kept pace. 'Even countries like the United States and Spain, with well-established transplant programmes, are struggling. In India, the gap is much wider,' he says. As per estimates, between two to three lakh patients require a kidney transplant annually in India. Official data lists over 92,000 patients registered for transplants, but the real number is believed to exceed 2 lakh. Of the 13,600 transplants performed annually, just 1,851 involve deceased donors. The rest are from living donors, mostly close relatives. For those without a matching family donor, the chances become slim, and the waiting period, indefinite. Limesh M., consultant nephrologist and transplant physician at Narayana Health City, Bangaluru, explains, 'The risk of death for kidney transplant recipients is less than half that for those on long-term dialysis. It also dramatically improves quality of life.' Still, only 2.4% of patients with kidney failure in India undergo a transplant. The number of patients on waiting lists increases by 10% each year, but transplants grow at just 4%, say experts. The average wait time for a deceased donor kidney is between three and five years, and prolonged dialysis, which patients have to undergo while waiting, is not only a financial burdens but also reduces post-transplant survival and quality of life. Closing the gap: deceased and cardiac death donations One of the major ways to address this shortfall, according to Dr. Amalorpavanathan, is to improve the recognition and use of organs from brain-dead donors. He also stresses the need to include marginal donors, such as those aged between 60–70 who may have suffered a stroke. 'While these kidneys may not be ideal for younger patients, they can be life-saving for older recipients. Matching marginal donors with marginal recipients is a pragmatic step,' he says. Dr. Amalorpavanathan also emphasises the importance of initiating Donation After Cardiac Death (DCD) programmes in India. 'DCD is already practiced widely in countries like the U.K. and U.S.A. With proper systems in place, this could be a respectful and viable way of increasing organ availability,' he says. In DCD, organs are retrieved from patients who experience cardiac arrest in intensive care settings. Though medically complex, this method has been proven to extend donor pools significantly in other nations, he points out. The promise of kidney swaps When deceased donor kidneys are not available, living donors -- usually family members-- offer the next best option. However, India's legal restrictions on unrelated donors, meant to prevent commercial exploitation, often limit options for patients with incompatible relatives. Sunil Shroff, consultant urologist and transplant surgeon, cites the successful case of the first swap transplant in India the that led to NOTTO's decision to have a 'uniform one nation one swap transplant programme' . Dr. Shroff emphasis the potential of swap transplants (paired kidney exchanges). 'In March 2025, two incompatible donor-recipient pairs in Chhattisgarh were successfully matched through a swap programme,' he says. 'Both donors and recipients recovered well. If supported systematically, swap programmes could increase transplant numbers by 10 to 15 percent.' This approach is particularly useful for blood group or tissue match incompatibilities, where new drug therapies and plasma exchange can be costly, as Dr. Limish adds, 'With policy and institutional support, this model could be scaled nationally. Need to expand the donor pool Dr. Limesh stresses the urgent need to expand the donor pool. He suggests that increasing public awareness, encouraging families of brain-dead patients to consider donation, and using grief counselors to sensitively guide them can help bridge this gap. He highlights that transparency, empathy, and trust-building are essential, especially at the moment of loss. 'Ultimately, we need a combination of stronger public health measures to prevent kidney failure, improved policies that enable ethical donation, and sustained community education that fosters trust,' Dr. Limesh says. ' Policy, prevention, and awareness Solving India's transplant crisis also demands a multifaceted approach that addresses prevention, policy, and public awareness. A major step forward lies in strengthening public health systems to proactively manage and prevent conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which are leading causes of kidney failure. At the policy level, refining existing laws to encourage ethical and informed organ donations while safeguarding individuals from exploitation is crucial. Equally important is transforming public perception through sustained awareness campaigns that challenge cultural taboos and promote the importance of organ pledging. As Dr. Limish emphasises, 'Innovative approaches and continued public education are key to increasing the number of living and deceased donors. Only then can we offer a second chance to the growing number of Indians silently suffering from kidney failure.' (*Name changed to protect privacy)
Associated Press
24-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Fresenius Medical Care Announces Divestment of Select Laboratory Assets to Quest Diagnostics
Quest to provide comprehensive dialysis-related laboratory and water testing services to Fresenius Medical Care owned and affiliated clinics in the United States BAD HOMBURG, Germany and SECAUCUS, N.J., Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresenius Medical Care (XETRA: FME; NYSE: FMS), the world's leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal disease, and Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), a leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced that, under terms of a definitive acquisition agreement, Quest will acquire select assets of FME's wholly owned Spectra Laboratories, a leading provider of renal-specific laboratory testing services in the U.S. In addition, under a separate agreement, Quest will provide comprehensive laboratory services related to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and specialized water testing for patients and providers served by dialysis centers operated by Fresenius Medical Care and its wholly owned and joint-venture partners in the United States. By acquiring select laboratory assets from FME, Quest will add dialysis-related water testing, a new capability, to Quest's comprehensive portfolio. The arrangement will enable FME to gain operational efficiencies and allow FME and other providers and patients at dialysis clinics to benefit from Quest's clinical leadership and diagnostic innovation in chronic kidney disease and transplantation services. It will also leverage Quest's national scale, as multiple Quest laboratories spread across the U.S. will provide testing for nearby dialysis clinics, reducing transportation time and speeding results reporting for some test services. Quest expects to perform testing across several of its laboratories during lower-volume daytime hours, optimizing the return on capital invested into its laboratory network. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending customary state regulatory reviews. The transition of services is expected to be complete by early 2026. 'This transaction is part of our comprehensive portfolio optimization strategy to drive operational efficiencies and will provide enhanced experiences for patients and our clinical employees by integrating Quest Diagnostic's industry-leading expertise in laboratory medicine into our dialysis centers. This agreement is a step forward to allow us to remain focused on our core business of providing world-class dialysis care to every patient, every day,' said Helen Giza, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care. 'Much like Fresenius Medical Care, Quest Diagnostics is passionate about creating a healthier future for patients. These shared values, along with Quest's proven track record for quality care and service, make us confident that they are the right company to continue to deliver a high-quality experience to our patients, physician partners, and clinical staff.' 'Our relationship with Fresenius Medical Care will extend our industry-leading test portfolio in chronic kidney disease, one of the nation's most prevalent chronic diseases, to include dialysis-related laboratory and water testing,' said Jim Davis, Chairman, CEO and President, Quest Diagnostics. 'It will also optimize Quest's national scale to bring high-quality laboratory services closer to FME's dialysis clinics and the patients under their care across the United States.' Fresenius Medical Care recently successfully finished year two of a three-year strategic turnaround and transformation plan. Focusing on businesses and markets with the best strategic fit and greatest scale and sustainable profitable growth potential, Fresenius Medical Care is continuing to execute against its portfolio optimization plan to divest non-core and dilutive assets. Chronic kidney disease affects about 35.5 million people, or 14%, of the U.S. population, making it one of the nation's 10 most prevalent and costly chronic diseases in the U.S. Up to 9 in 10 adults who have CKD are not aware that they have the disease. Once the disease has progressed to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), patients typically require transplant or dialysis. More than 800,000 people in the U.S. receive dialysis. Dialysis requires periodic lab testing to manage the disease as well as testing water for contaminants. About Fresenius Medical Care: Fresenius Medical Care is the world's leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases of which around 4.1 million patients worldwide regularly undergo dialysis treatment. Through its network of 3,732 dialysis clinics, Fresenius Medical Care provides dialysis treatments for approx. 308,000 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the leading provider of dialysis products such as dialysis machines or dialyzers. Fresenius Medical Care is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FME) and on the New York Stock Exchange (FMS). For more information visit the company's website at About Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics works across the healthcare ecosystem to create a healthier world, one life at a time. We provide diagnostic insights from the results of our laboratory testing to empower people, physicians and organizations to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from one of the world's largest databases of de-identifiable clinical lab results, Quest's diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. Quest Diagnostics annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our more than 55,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives and create a healthier world. Disclaimer: This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, legal changes, regulatory approvals, impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic results of clinical studies, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release. FME Media contact Christine Peters T +49 160 60 66 770 [email protected] FME Contact for analysts and investors Dr. Dominik Heger T +49 6172 609 2601 [email protected] Quest Media contact Jen Petrella T +1 973-520-2800 [email protected] Quest Contact for analysts and investors Shawn Bevec T +1 973-520-2900
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
eGenesis Announces Second Patient Successfully Transplanted with Genetically Engineered Porcine Kidney
- Transplant performed at Massachusetts General Hospital as part of a three-patient FDA-authorized Expanded Access study - Patient discharged from hospital, off dialysis for the first time in over two years CAMBRIDGE, Mass., February 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs to address the global organ shortage, today announced the successful transplantation of a genetically engineered porcine kidney into a second patient living with end-stage kidney disease. The procedure was performed on Saturday, January 25, by surgeons at the Mass General Transplant Center under the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized Expanded Access pathway as part of a multi-patient study. This is the first of a total of three patients with diagnosed kidney failure and listed for a transplant to be enrolled in the study. The MGH clinical team also performed the historic first transplant of a genetically engineered porcine kidney, supplied by eGenesis, into a living human in March 2024. The recipient, 66-year-old Tim Andrews, has been on dialysis for more than two years due to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The treatment took a significant toll on his daily life, leaving him feeling constantly fatigued and unable to keep up with his usual activities. In addition to the daily struggles of dialysis, Andrews faced severe complications, including a heart attack in July 2023. His path to a kidney transplant was further complicated by his O-group blood type, which significantly extended his wait time. While most patients wait 3 to 5 years for a kidney, those with O-positive or O-negative blood types often wait 5 to 10 years, making their chances of receiving a donor organ even more difficult. Due to his age and other factors, he faced a 9% chance of receiving a human kidney transplant within the next five years, while his probability of being removed from the transplant waitlist due to illness or death within that timeframe was 49%. Following successful transplant with an eGenesis porcine kidney (EGEN-2784), Andrews was successfully discharged from MGH on Saturday, February 1 and is now recovering, off dialysis for the first time in over two years, with his new kidney functioning as expected. "As soon as I woke up after the surgery, the cloud of dialysis disappeared. I felt re-energized and revitalized. It was a miracle. The magnitude of what these doctors and nurses accomplished is unbelievable and I want to thank them for giving me a new lease on life. But this transplant isn't about me. It's about all the people who I met at the dialysis clinic, and I saw what they were going through. There are more than 500,000 people on dialysis, and I want to inspire them to never give up hope because that's what this transplant provides. It's a glimmer of hope," Andrews said. The donor kidney, EGEN-2784, is eGenesis' lead candidate for kidney transplantation that carries three classes of genetic modifications designed to improve compatibility and support long-term function in human recipients: 1) Elimination of three glycan antigens to prevent hyperacute immune rejection 2) Insertion of seven human transgenes to regulate immune response, reduce inflammation, improve coagulation compatibility and regulate complement activation 3) Inactivation of endogenous retroviruses within the porcine genome to enhance safety. eGenesis is the only company developing organs with all three classes of edits to optimally address safety and efficacy. Without genetic modification, a porcine kidney would be immediately rejected by the human immune system. "This procedure is more than a scientific milestone – it represents a new frontier in medicine," said Michael Curtis, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, eGenesis. "We stand at the beginning of a future where organ shortages may no longer dictate patient outcomes. We are immensely grateful to Mr. Andrews, who has placed his trust in our groundbreaking innovation. His willingness to participate in this pioneering effort will help turn the promise of human-compatible organs into a reality. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the remarkable team at MGH, whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in making this vision possible." "The transplant team at MGH is honored to collaborate with eGenesis in pushing the boundaries of innovation to address the global organ shortage," said Leonardo V. Riella, MD, PhD, Medical Director for Kidney Transplantation at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Our three-patient study this year will provide critical insights into the long-term viability of xenotransplants as a transformative solution for thousands of patients in need of a life-saving kidney. We are deeply grateful to our patient for entrusting us with his care and for his selfless commitment to advancing the field of xenotransplantation for future recipients worldwide." The transplant patient was treated with a unique immunosuppression regimen that included tegoprubart, an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to target the co-stimulatory CD40L pathway. Significant prior research indicates that targeting the CD40L pathway has the potential for better efficacy and improved safety, including reduced risk of side effects, compared to current immunosuppressive drugs. Supplied by Eledon Pharmaceuticals, tegoprubart is currently being evaluated in three clinical trials for kidney allotransplantation. This immunosuppression regimen including tegoprubart is the same protocol used in eGenesis' previous kidney xenotransplant conducted at MGH in March of last year. More than 800,000 Americans and millions worldwide suffer from end-stage renal disease or kidney failure. While organ transplantation remains the gold standard treatment for improving survival and quality of life, the severe organ shortage limits the number of kidney transplants to only ~25,000 recipients per year. For those unable to receive a transplant, dialysis remains the only option, but the five-year mortality rate associated with dialysis is 50%, significantly higher than that of the most common cancers. Genetically engineered pig kidneys offer a promising solution to this crisis, potentially expanding access to life-saving transplants to address the critical organ shortage. About eGenesis eGenesis is pioneering a genome engineering-based approach to develop safe, effective transplantable organs to end the global organ shortage. Its platform uniquely addresses cross-species molecular incompatibilities and viral risk via its proprietary genetic engineering platform to improve outcomes for patients in need of a transplant. With demonstrated preclinical success, eGenesis is advancing programs in kidney transplantation, acute liver failure, and heart transplantation. Learn more at Follow us @egenesisbio. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Kimberly
