CKD Complicates AAA Repair
Among patients being considered for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, moderate and severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) appears to be associated with significantly increased mortality. Mortality rates were for patients with mild CKD, but escalated to 1.7% and 5.3 for those with moderate and severe CKD, respectively. Abstract: Journal of Vascular Surgery, November...Blood Pressure & End-Stage Renal Disease in Patients With CKD
Studies have shown that treating high blood pressure (BP) is one of the most important strategies to slowing the progression from chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently, a BP goal of less than 130/80 mm Hg is recommended for patients with CKD, a target lower than the goal recommended for people without CKD (less than 140/90 mm Hg). Despite the dissemination of clinical guidelines, meeting BP targets in people with CKD may be difficult in clinical practice. “The most recent evidence supporting the use of lower BP targets in people with CKD has been conflicting,” explains Carmen A. Peralta, MD, MAS. “The association of BP levels and ESRD risk in a large, national, community-based setting of persons with established CKD has not been well studied. In addition, some recent reports have found that higher pulse pressure and lower diastolic BP (DBP) may lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This can make it especially challenging for clinicians to control BP aggressively in patients with CKD.” Associations Between BP and ESRD Few studies have investigated the association of each BP component with ESRD risk. In Archives of Internal Medicine, Dr. Peralta and colleagues had a study published that investigated the independent association of systolic BP (SBP) and DBP with ESRD risk in patients with CKD who participated in the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP), a nationwide kidney health screening program offered by the National Kidney Foundation. More than 16,000 patients in KEEP were studied in the analysis, all of whom had at least stage III CKD. “In the past, questions have been raised about the established BP targets...Cardiology Update
We’re proud to present this monograph with feature stories on several important topics in cardiology. In recent months, we have published a variety of news articles covering this disease state. Focusing on clinical and evidence-based information, the content in these features relies on the expertise of our contributing physician...