Kidney Commute

Palliative care, or treatment focused on symptom management and quality of life, is an important and often overlooked aspect of care for people with kidney disease. Similarly, conservative treatment of advanced kidney disease, or medical management without dialysis or transplantation, is not well understood by patients and care providers alike. In this episode of the Kidney Commute, our interprofe...

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world, associated with high morbidity and mortality. This episode discusses how kidneys are affected by cancer and its treatment. Panelists discuss diagnosing and managing complex kidney problems, such as acute kidney injury associated with cancer and novel oncological therapies, as well as summarize drug dosing in patients with cancer. Thanks for joinin...

2025 will bring BIG changes to the dialysis world.  As of Jan 01, oral phosphorus binders will be part of the dialysis payment bundle, out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications are changing in amounts and payment models, and coverage for certain dental services is expanding, to name a few.  In this episode we will explore how these changes will likely impact patients, nephrologists, and dia...

Patients and care team members often encounter challenges faced by individuals from different cultural backgrounds regarding access to kidney transplantation. This episode explores the impact of a culturally sensitive approach to living donation. Panelists will discuss resources to assist with approaching these conversations effectively while taking into consideration patient-specific factors such...

Do all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need potassium restriction? In this episode we will explore the current guidelines of potassium intake in different CKD populations. Apart from the guidelines, we will explore the potassium concentration in foods and some tips and tricks for counseling patients. After listening to this episode, you will be in a better position to talk to patients a...

People with kidney disease are at an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with kidney disease. In this episode of the Kidney Commute our interprofessional panel of experts discusses what ASCVD is, how patients can be evaluated for their ASCVD risk, and strategies for managing and reducing this risk....

In this episode of the Kidney Commute podcast, panelists delve into the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in chronic kidney disease. The discussion explores the mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists, their benefits in managing both kidney disease and related comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and the latest evidence supporting their use. Panelists also...

Home hemodialysis (HHD) is hemodialysis that is performed at home entirely by a patient or with assistance from a care partner. Solo HHD is when a person performs their own hemodialysis at home without a care partner present. Solo HHD can be challenging for patients and requires the whole care team coming together with the patient to develop an individualized approach for each patient in order to...

Join our team in a discussion about diagnosis and treatment of glomerulonephritis, a common cause of kidney failure. We explore new treatment options and ways to engage patients in conversations about these options. Additionally, we unpack how to diagnose and monitor glomerulonephritis. This discussion also includes challenges faced both by patients and providers with regard to glomerulonephritis,...

The management of patients living with kidney disease is evolving as the complexity of patient care evolves. Join us as we discuss the team of clinicians who are involved in the care of patients with kidney disease, including nephrologists and advanced practice providers (APPs) - advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs). This episode will review the roles of each...

Many people start the year full of hope and ready to start anew. Join our team in a discussion about the best times to implement new goals relative to CKD. We also explore home dialysis modalities and ways to engage patients in conversations about this option. Additionally, we unpack how and when to implement exercise programs and include tips on tackling social isolation. We hope you enjoy this p...

Join us for a robust discussion surrounding the ever-growing field of vitamins and supplements.  This episode dives into the indications and contraindications for people with all stages of chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis as well as those who have had a transplant.  The panelists will also review the potential drug interactions and side effect profiles of the most commonly inqui...

Having a chronic illness can be difficult for anyone. Patients with Kidney disease have to restrict their diet and also balance out restrictions associated with other medical illnesses. Considering diet and fluid restrictions while planning family meals can be physically and emotionally taxing. In this episode, you will gain insight into the patient experience of planning around the holidays and p...

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy impact many pregnancies and are associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and even mortality. In this episode of the kidney commute, we are joined by a maternal fetal medicine (high risk obstetrics) expert, as well as a nephrologist, pharmacist, and patient to discuss these disorders. Patients with kidney disease are at elevated risk of developing...

The National Kidney Foundation is excited bring to you an important conversation about awareness, sensitivity and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. In this episode, we will discuss how the use of appropriate intake forms, use of pronouns and having open conversations can create an inclusive healthcare environment and create a shared decision making environment. Participants will receive educa...

In this episode, we discuss the process of working towards a kidney transplant. Exploring the steps from the perspective of the patient and the different members of the healthcare team. We find out when a referral for transplant is appropriate, as well as the testing required before a patient is deemed a good candidate for a kidney transplant. Click  HERE  to claim CE Credit.

Transplant is the preferred modality for many people with end-stage renal disease. There are approximately 100,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant, with wait times exceeding 10 years in some regions. Join us on this ride as we discuss ways to find living donors as an alternative to a deceased donor kidney transplant. We will discuss the experience of living donors through the work up phase,...

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is incredibly common in patients with kidney disease. In women, SD is classified as sexual interest/arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, and genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder. For men, SD is classified as erectile disorder, hypoactive disorder, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation. Studies have shown rates of SD as high as 92% of women with CKD and 70-85% of...

Having a chronic illness can be difficult for anyone. ESRD requires pre-planning to include 3 or more weekly dialysis sessions while traveling. Considering diet and fluid restrictions while planning family meals can be physically and emotionally taxing. In this episode, you will gain insight into the patient experience of planning around the holidays and professional teams knowledge in providing t...

This episode discusses depression in people on dialysis in light of the PCORI-funded ASCEND study.  Major depressive disorder is four times more common in people undergoing long-term dialysis than in the general population and is associated with greater non-adherence, higher healthcare utilization, poorer quality of life, and higher mortality. A panel discussion puts these results in perspective a...

This episode discusses transitions of care for kidney patients. This includes patients who had never had any kidney issues who present to the hospital with acute kidney injury, some of whom require dialysis - at least temporarily. It includes patients who have known chronic kidney disease who crash into dialysis, as well as outpatient chronic kidney disease patients who are transitioning to outpat...

Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming. A major difficulty facing new parents is determining how best to feed their new baby, and when you have kidney disease there are additional risks and benefits regarding breastfeeding versus formula feeding. In this episode of the Kidney Commute we are joined by experts who will address some of the unique issues facing new parents with kidney disease when...

In this episode, the interprofessional panel will discuss the various treatment modalities available to ESKD patients. The team will outline treatment options, pros and cons of treatment options for different patients, and how treatment planning can improve patient outcomes. Hear a dietitian and social worker review the dietary and psychosocial implications of different treatment modalities. Click...

In this episode we discuss salt intake in the setting of chronic kidney disease. We start our discussion defining salt vs sodium and further discuss the physiology and outcomes of a high-sodium diet. We also review the guidelines and some helpful tips on implementing them. Understanding that patient challenges to a low-sodium diet might be present, we hear from our multidisciplinary panel on recom...

In this episode of the Kidney Commute will explore the issues that are specific to women with kidney disease who undergo kidney transplant. Our interprofessional team includes a physician, Dr. Silvi Shah, who explores topics such as family planning after transplant, the impact that transplant has on fertility, and graft monitoring during pregnancy. Amanda Trinsey, who has a kidney transplant, disc...