Latest news with #nephrology
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Everest Medicines Announces NEFECON® Inclusion in China's Clinical Practice Guideline for IgA Nephropathy and IgA Vasculitis in Chinese Adults (For Public Review)
SHANGHAI, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Everest Medicines (HKEX "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, announced that NEFECON® has been included in the "Clinical Practice Guideline for IgA Nephropathy and IgA Vasculitis in Chinese Adults (For Public Review)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Guideline (Draft)") on May 21, recommending the etiological treatment with a 9-month course of NEFECON® for all primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients who are at risk for disease progression, irrespective of proteinuria levels (2B). The Guideline (Draft) was presented by Professor Hong Zhang and Professor Jicheng Lv from Peking University First Hospital, during the IgA Nephropathy Forum and IIgANN-China Annual Meeting. It aims to provide crucial guidance for the standardization and optimization of IgA nephropathy diagnosis and treatment. The Guideline (Draft) emphasizes a new disease management strategy of Treat the cause, Treat early, Treat comprehensively. The Guideline (Draft) recommends that patients with proteinuria ≥ 0.5g/day (or equivalent levels) undergo a renal biopsy and initiate treatment. The treatment goal is to slow the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) loss to less than 1 ml/min per year. In addition to the two core indicators of proteinuria and eGFR, the Guideline (Draft) also emphasizes routine monitoring of hematuria. For the first time, the guideline introduces interventions targeting immune-mediated injury, particularly the formation of pathogenic IgA (Gd-IgA1), a key driver of pathogenesis to IgAN. For patients at risk of disease progression, the guideline proposes addressing both symptoms of renal function decline, and initiating therapies targeting immune-mediated injury and CKD progression. NEFECON® is recommended as the preferred treatment to reduce Gd-IgA1. Once short-term treatment goals, namely proteinuria remission (defined as proteinuria < 0.5 g/day, ideally < 0.3 g/day) and stable renal function, are achieved, low-dose maintenance or repeated safe and effective immunotherapy can be considered together with supportive care to ensure that eGFR declines by less than 1 ml/min per year. "Compared to European and American populations, China has a large IgAN patient population. Chinese IgAN patients experience more rapid disease progression and poorer prognosis. A majority of IgAN patients face the risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease during their lifetime, placing a heavy burden on patients and society." Said Professor Zhang Hong with Peking University First Hospital, a member of the global steering committee for the Phase 3 clinical trial NefIgArd, chairman of the Chinese Collaborative Group of the International IgAN Federation. "Therefore, IgAN patients require early diagnosis, and a comprehensive treatment approach that spans early intervention, initial therapy, and maintenance therapy. The Guideline (Draft) offers important guidance for clinical practice of IgA nephropathy treatment in China." "IgA nephropathy is the most common form of chronic glomerulonephritis worldwide, affecting 40% to 50%[1,2] of kidney biopsy patients in Asian populations, particularly in China. Fifteen years after diagnosis, the kidney survival rate can drop to as low as 40%[1]. This makes the development of guidelines tailored to the Chinese population particularly important." said Professor Jicheng Lv from Peking University First Hospital. "The Guideline (Draft) updates the treatment strategies and medications for IgAN in China, further standardizing its diagnosis and treatment. It establishes a novel care strategy for Chinese IgAN patients, emphasizing the principles of Treat the cause, Treat early, Treat comprehensively. It recommends treatment with a 9-month course of NEFECON® for IgAN patients at risk of disease progression (2B)." "We are delighted to see NEFECON® included in the Guideline (Draft), marking a milestone that not only provides Chinese physicians a scientific and precise treatment option but also promises greater benefits and improved quality of life for Chinese IgAN patients." said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. "As the first and only etiological treatment for IgAN fully approved in China, the United States, and Europe, NEFECON® significantly slows eGFR decline, reduces proteinuria, and preserves kidney function. NEFECON® has established itself as a first-line cornerstone therapy for IgAN. Its inclusion in the draft guideline further validates its outstanding clinical advantages, redefining treatment standards and entering a new era of standardized care." NEFECON®, as the only in-disease IgA nephropathy (IgAN) treatment has been included in the "KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline For The Management Of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) And Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis (IgAV) (public review draft), recommending treatment with a 9-month course of NEFECON® for patients who are at risk of progressive kidney function loss with IgAN (2B). Results from the Phase 3 clinical study NefIgArd of the Chinese population shows that NEFECON® reduces kidney function decline by 66%, and delays disease progression to dialysis or kidney transplantation by 12.8 years. During the 2-year treatment and observation period, NEFECON® also demonstrated clinically significant kidney function protection. With the Phase 3 clinical study and real-world evidence, NEFECON® not only fills the gap in etiological treatment for IgAN both domestically and internationally, but also provides clinicians with more compelling treatment options, giving patients a valuable treatment window. Since May 2025, NEFECON® is indicated to reduce the loss of kidney function in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk for disease progression, irrespective of proteinuria levels. This approval marks NEFECON® as the first and only etiological treatment for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) to receive full approval in China. NEFECON® was also included in the National Reimbursement Drug List in November 2024. About NEFECON® NEFECON® is a patented oral, delayed release formulation of budesonide, a corticosteroid with potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity that undergoes substantial first pass metabolism. The formulation is designed as a delayed release capsule that is enteric coated so that it remains intact until it releases budesonide to the distal ileum. Each capsule contains coated beads of budesonide that target mucosal B-cells present in the ileum where the disease originates, as per the predominant pathogenesis models. In June 2019, Everest Medicines entered into an exclusive, royalty-bearing license agreement with Calliditas Therapeutics, which gives Everest Medicines exclusive rights to develop and commercialize NEFECON® in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan (China) and Singapore. The agreement was extended in March 2022 to include South Korea as part of Everest Medicines' territories. About Everest Medicines Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules in the company's core therapeutic areas of renal diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. For more information, please visit its website at Forward-Looking Statements: This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law. References: 1. Shen X, et al. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2024 Nov 19: gfae252. 2. Li G, et al. J Nephrol . 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1007/s40620-025-02261-1. Online ahead of print. View original content: SOURCE Everest Medicines Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Market Set for Significant Growth and Innovation by 2034
Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a common and debilitating complication resulting from reduced erythropoietin production and iron deficiency, continues to pose serious clinical challenges and an economic burden. DelveInsight's comprehensive report on the Anemia in CKD market sheds light on the evolving understanding and management of this condition, which affects a substantial proportion of patients with moderate to advanced CKD. With improved awareness and screening, earlier diagnosis and intervention are becoming more achievable, especially with the support of emerging biomarkers and treatment guidelines. Innovative therapies such as HIF-PH inhibitors and long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are shaping a dynamic treatment landscape aimed at improving hemoglobin levels with fewer side effects. DelveInsight's ' Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Market Report ' offers an in-depth analysis of the epidemiology, disease burden, and market outlook across key geographies, including the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom), and Japan. The report highlights current unmet needs, late-stage pipeline therapies, market drivers and barriers, and the key players transforming patient care, making it a vital resource for healthcare stakeholders and innovators in nephrology. Some of the Key Facts of the Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Market Report: • The anemia in chronic kidney disease is expected to grow at a significant CAGR by 2034. • In 2023, the United States recorded the highest number of prevalent Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) cases among the 7MM. • The U.S. also accounted for the highest number of treated cases of Anemia in CKD during the same year. • A higher prevalence was noted among individuals aged 60 and above compared to those under 60 in the U.S. • Males with CKD had a 30% higher risk of developing anemia compared to females. • Among the EU4 and the UK, Spain reported the lowest number of anemia in CKD cases in 2023. • In Japan, anemia was one of the most frequently documented outcomes, with prevalence rates ranging from 0% to 95%, depending on CKD severity and dialysis status. • In March 2025, the FDA expanded the approval of Furoscix to include the treatment of edema in patients with chronic kidney disease, including nephrotic syndrome. • In March 2025, scPharmaceuticals received FDA approval for a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Furoscix (furosemide injection). This approval expands the drug's use to treat edema in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), marking a significant advancement in scPharmaceuticals' portfolio for cardiorenal conditions. • In March 2025, the FDA approved an expanded indication for furosemide injection (Furoscix; scPharmaceuticals, Inc.) to treat edema in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including nephrotic syndrome. The expanded treatment is expected to be available by April 2025. This approval follows the FDA's acceptance of the supplemental new drug application in July 2024. • In January 2025, the FDA approved a new indication for semaglutide to reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease, kidney failure, and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, according to Novo Nordisk. • In November 2024, Unicycive Therapeutics (Nasdaq: UNCY) announced that the FDA has accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for Oxylanthanum Carbonate (OLC), with a PDUFA target action date set for June 28, 2025. If approved, OLC has the potential to significantly enhance the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing dialysis. • Leading companies in the anemia in chronic kidney disease market include Jiangsu HengRui Medicine, Shenyang Sunshine Pharmaceutical, Biocad, Xenetic Biosciences, Chiasma, Liminal BioSciences, Acceleron Pharma, Celgene Corporation, and others. • Emerging therapies in the anemia in chronic kidney disease market include DDO-3055, SSS17, BCD-131, BCD-066, Erythropoietin polysialic, CHIP 2, PBI 1402, Sotatercept, and others. • The rising prevalence of anemia in chronic kidney disease, along with continuous advancements in therapeutic options, is fueling the demand for more effective treatment approaches. To know in detail about the anemia in chronic kidney disease market outlook, drug uptake, treatment scenario, and epidemiology trends, click here: Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Forecast Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Overview Anemia is a frequent and serious complication of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), arising as kidney function declines and the body's ability to produce adequate erythropoietin—a hormone essential for red blood cell production, diminishes. CKD impairs the kidneys' filtering ability, leading to the accumulation of waste and fluids, which further contributes to the onset of anemia. The condition becomes increasingly prevalent in advanced stages of CKD. In the United States, over 37 million adults are estimated to have CKD, and more than one in seven individuals with CKD also suffer from anemia. The risk intensifies as kidney function deteriorates, with nearly all individuals at end-stage kidney failure (when kidney function drops below 15%) experiencing anemia. Certain populations are more susceptible: individuals with CKD and diabetes are at higher risk of developing anemia earlier and in more severe forms. Additionally, people over the age of 60 are more likely to be affected. The progression of CKD-related anemia is typically gradual and may remain asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection and management crucial for improving patient outcomes. Get a free sample of the anemia in chronic kidney disease market report with key insights and emerging therapies here: Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology The epidemiology section provides insights into the historical, current, and forecasted epidemiology trends in the seven major countries (7MM) from 2020 to 2034. It helps to recognize the causes of current and forecasted trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. The epidemiology section also provides a detailed analysis of the diagnosed patient pool and future trends. Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Segmentation: The anemia in chronic kidney disease epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by: • Total Prevalent Cases of Chronic Kidney Disease • Diagnosed Cases of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease • Age-Specific Prevalent Cases of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease • Total Prevalent Cases of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease • Total Prevalent Cases of Anemia in Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease • Treatable Cases of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Download the report to understand which factors are driving anemia in chronic kidney disease epidemiology trends @ Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Forecast The anemia in chronic kidney disease drugs uptake section examines the rate at which newly launched or upcoming potential drugs are being adopted in the anemia in chronic kidney disease market during the study period. This analysis covers drug uptake, patient adoption of therapies, and the sales performance of each drug. Additionally, the therapeutics assessment section highlights the drugs with the most rapid uptake, shedding light on the factors driving their widespread use. It also provides a comparative analysis of these drugs based on their market share. The report further delves into the anemia in chronic kidney disease pipeline development activities, offering key insights into various therapeutic candidates in different stages of development and the major companies behind these innovations. It also covers recent collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, licensing agreements, patent details, and other critical information related to emerging therapies. Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Market Strengths • The availability of novel oral treatment options, such as daprodustat, offers more convenient and effective routes of administration for patients. • Active research and ongoing clinical trials are enhancing the understanding of the disease and driving innovation in therapeutic strategies. Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Market Weaknesses • Patients often struggle to recognize or differentiate the symptoms of anemia from CKD or other related conditions, leading to underreporting. • Healthcare providers, particularly in non-dialysis settings, frequently under-monitor hemoglobin levels and iron stores, resulting in delayed or suboptimal treatment initiation. Scope of the Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Market Report • Study Period: 2020–2034 • Coverage: 7MM [The United States, EU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), and Japan] • Key Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Companies: GlaxoSmithKline, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Cipla, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and others. • Key Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Therapies: DDO-3055, SSS17, BCD-131, BCD-066, Erythropoietin polysialic, CHIP 2, PBI 1402, Sotatercept, and others. • Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Therapeutic Assessment: Anemia in chronic kidney disease, currently marketed, and anemia in chronic kidney disease emerging therapies • Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Dynamics: Anemia in chronic kidney disease market drivers and anemia in chronic kidney disease market barriers • Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, Porter's five forces, BCG Matrix, Market entry strategies • Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Access and Reimbursement To learn more about the key players and advancements in the anemia in chronic kidney disease treatment landscape, visit the Table of Contents 1. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Report Introduction 2. Executive Summary for Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease 3. SWOT analysis of Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease 4. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Patient Share (%) Overview at a Glance 5. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Overview at a Glance 6. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Disease Background and Overview 7. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology and Patient Population 8. Country-Specific Patient Population of Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease 9. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Current Treatment and Medical Practices 10. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Unmet Needs 11. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Emerging Therapies 12. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Outlook 13. Country-Wise Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Analysis (2020–2034) 14. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Access and Reimbursement of Therapies 15. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Drivers 16. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Market Barriers 17. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Appendix 18. Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease Report Methodology 19. DelveInsight Capabilities 20. Disclaimer 21. About DelveInsight About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Healthcare Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports Pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. It also offers Healthcare Consulting Services, which benefit from market analysis to accelerate business growth and overcome challenges with a practical approach. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Contact Person: Jatin Vimal Email: Send Email Phone: +14699457679 Address: 304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Las Vegas State: Nevada Country: United States Website:
Al Jazeera
13-05-2025
- Health
- Al Jazeera
Medical professionals must speak out and act on Gaza now
I had closely followed the genocidal war in Gaza for nine months when an opportunity came around to volunteer as part of a medical mission organised by the United Nations, World Health Organization and the Palestinian American Medical Association. As a trained nephrologist, a doctor who treats patients with kidney disease, I felt there was a critical need for specialised medical care amid the collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza and the high number of medical specialists who had been killed. I also felt it was my duty as a Muslim to help the people of Gaza. Islam teaches us that whoever saves one life, it is as if he had saved all of humanity; taking care of others is an act of worship, and standing up against injustice is a moral obligation. I believe my degrees are not meant to simply hang on the walls of an air-conditioned office or help me drive the nicest car or live in an expensive neighbourhood. They are a testament to the fact that I have taken an oath to dedicate my expertise to the service of humanity, to maintain the utmost respect for human life and to offer my medical knowledge and compassion to those in need. So on July 16, I departed for Gaza with a few other medics. We entered the strip through the Karem Abu Salem crossing. We went from observing the prosperity, comfort and wealth of the Israeli side to recoiling at the destruction, devastation and misery of the Palestinian side. We basically saw what apartheid looks like. On our short trip through southern Gaza to reach our destination in Khan Younis, we saw many buildings bombed, damaged or destroyed. Homes, schools, shops, hospitals, mosques – you name it. The amount of rubble was sickening. To this day, I can't unsee the landscapes of destruction I witnessed in Gaza. We were accommodated in Al-Nasser Hospital because it was too dangerous to stay at any other place. We were welcomed and cared for so much that I felt embarrassed. We were seen as saviours. I treated patients with kidney problems, worked as a primary care physician and sometimes helped during mass casualty events in the emergency room. Dialysis requires clean water, sterile supplies, reliable electricity, medications and equipment that must be maintained and replaced – none of which was guaranteed under the Israeli blockade. Each dialysis session was a challenge. Every delay increased the risk of my patients dying. Many of them did die – a fact I struggled to accept, knowing that under normal circumstances, many of them could have been saved and lived normal lives. I remember the smiling face of one of my patients, Waleed, a young man who suffered from kidney failure caused by early-onset high blood pressure, a condition that, with access to proper treatment, could have been managed appropriately. Dialysis was Waleed's lifeline, but he couldn't get an adequate number of sessions due to the Israeli blockade causing severe shortages of medical supplies. Malnutrition and worsening living conditions only accelerated his decline. I remember how short of breath he was, his body overloaded with fluid and his blood pressure dangerously high. And yet, every time I saw him, Waleed greeted me with a warm smile, his spirit somehow intact, his mother always by his side. A few months after I left Gaza, Waleed passed away. Another patient of mine was Hussein, a gentle, kind-hearted, deeply respected man. His children cared for him with love and dignity. He suffered from severe hypokalaemia and acidosis: His body's potassium levels were dangerously low, and acid built up to toxic levels. To address his condition, he needed basic medications: potassium supplements and sodium bicarbonate pills. These were simple, inexpensive, life-saving medicines, and yet, the Israeli blockade did not allow them in. Because he could not find these pills, Hussein was hospitalised multiple times for intravenous potassium supplementation. Despite his immense suffering, Hussein remained gracious, brave and full of faith. When speaking, he always repeated the phrase Alhamdulillah (praise be to God). He passed away a few weeks ago, I was told. Waleed and Hussein should be here – smiling, laughing, living happily with their families. Instead, they became casualties of siege and silence. These are two of so many tragic stories I know of and I witnessed. So many beautiful lives that could have been saved were lost. Despite this grim reality, my colleagues in Gaza continue to do their utmost for their patients. These are medics who are bruised in every way. They are not only battling the daily struggles of life like all other Palestinians in Gaza but also witnessing daily horrors of headless babies, amputated limbs, fully burned human beings and sometimes the lifeless remains of their own loved ones. Imagine working with no anaesthesia, limited pain medications, very few antibiotics. Imagine surgeons scrubbing with plain water, children undergoing amputations with no sedation, full-body burns patients' dressings being changed with no pain relief. Still these healthcare heroes just keep going. One of the nurses I worked with, Arafat, made a deep impression on me. He was living in a makeshift shelter with multiple family members. It offered no protection against the elements – the cold winter, the scorching heat or the drenching rain. He starved – like all other Palestinians in Gaza – losing 15kg (33lb) in nine months. He walked 2km to 3km (1 to 2 miles) every day to work with worn-out sandals, facing the danger of Israeli drones bombing or shooting him in the street. And yet, the smile never left his face. He took care of more than 280 dialysis patients, treating them with care, attentively listening to their anxious families and uplifting his colleagues with light humour. I felt so small next to heroes like Arafat. His and his colleagues' resilience and persistence were unbelievable. While in Gaza, I had the opportunity to visit Al-Shifa Hospital with a UN delegation. What once was Gaza's largest and most vital medical centre was reduced to ruins. The hospital that was once a symbol of hope and healing had become a symbol of death and destruction, of the deliberate dismantling of healthcare. It was beyond heartbreaking to see its charred, bombed-out remains. I stayed in Gaza for 22 days. It was an absolute honour to visit, serve and learn life from the resilient people of Gaza. Their relentless courage and determination will stay with me until I die. Despite witnessing what I could have never imagined, I did not have the urge to leave. I wanted to stay. Back in the United States, I felt profound guilt that I left behind my colleagues and my patients, that I did not stay, that I did not do enough. Feeling this constant heartache, I cannot understand the growing number of people who are accustomed to the daily reports of Palestinian deaths and images of torn bodies and starving children. As human beings and as health workers, we cannot quit on Gaza. We cannot stay silent and passive. We must speak out and act on the devastation of healthcare and attacks on our colleagues in the Gaza Strip. Already fewer and fewer healthcare workers are being allowed to enter Gaza on medical missions. The current blockade has prevented all medical supplies from going in. We, as healthcare professionals, must mobilise to demand an immediate lifting of the siege and free access to medical missions. We must not stop volunteering to help the struggling medical teams in Gaza. Such acts of speaking out and volunteering give our colleagues in Gaza the hope and comfort that they have not been abandoned. Let us not allow Gaza to be just a symbol of destruction. Instead, let it be the example of unbreakable spirit. Stand, speak and act – so history remembers not just the tragedy but also the triumph of human compassion. Let us uphold human dignity. Let us tell Gaza, you are not alone! Humanity is on your side! The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial stance.
Jordan Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
A small kidney, a big lesson
Photo courtesy of Family Flavours magazine By Dr Kamal 'Akl Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Nephrologist A visit to the cardiologist confirmed Sanad's heart was healthy and he was cleared for general anaesthesia. But a follow-up ultrasound ordered by the nephrologist revealed something unexpected: Sanad's right kidney was smaller than normal. What does that mean? Understandably concerned, Sanad's mother asked the questions on every parent's mind. Mother: What could be the cause of a small kidney? Doctor: One common cause is something called 'urinary reflux' — when urine flows backwards from the bladder toward the kidneys. If this happens early in fetal development, it can interfere with kidney formation and result in a smaller, less functional kidney. Mother (tearfully): Will this cause kidney failure? Doctor: Not necessarily. If the other kidney is healthy and functioning well, there's no need to worry. Mother: How can we be sure the other kidney is normal? Doctor: We check for reflux. A radiologist introduces a small tube through the urethra, then injects contrast dye into the bladder. If reflux is present, it shows on the scan. If there's no reflux and kidney function is normal, that's very reassuring. What happens to the small kidney? Mother: Will it get worse? Doctor: It might stay the same or gradually shrink over time. That's why regular monitoring is essential. Mother: How do we protect the healthy kidney? Doctor: Sanad will need regular check-ups — an annual ultrasound to monitor growth, blood pressure checks and urine tests every six months. To explain further, the doctor offers a simple analogy: 'Imagine a carriage with 10 flour sacks pulled by two horses. If one horse falls ill, the other must carry the full load alone. It might manage for a while, but without help or a lighter burden, it'll eventually tire out.' Easing the load To keep the healthy kidney strong, the doctor recommends a few simple lifestyle adjustments: Cut down on salt and red meat, which strain the kidneys. Opt for fish and poultry instead. Avoid unnecessary medications, as some can be harmful to kidney health. Act quickly if Sanad gets dehydrated, especially during childhood illnesses like gastroenteritis And most importantly: 'There's no need to be afraid,' the doctor reassures. 'Many people live perfectly healthy lives with one small kidney — or even just one kidney — without ever knowing it. What matters is care, awareness and regular follow-up.' Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine
