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NKDEP Study on eGFR Reporting is Published in AJKD
This month’s issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases (AJKD) includes an article about NKDEP’s 2006-2007 study on the prevalence of eGFR reporting and related practices among clinical chemistry laboratories in the U.S.
The study showed that 38.4 percent of serum creatinine (SCr) reporting labs are reporting eGFR, and that reporting prevalence is highest in hospital, community clinic, and independent labs. Most eGFR-reporting labs do so with all SCr determinations, but routine reporting is lowest among independent labs–the lab type that tends to run high volumes of SCr tests–compared to other lab types.
Although there is some evidence that reporting has increased over the last few years, routine eGFR is still not universal,
and improvements are needed in many labs that are already reporting this important kidney function measure.
NKDEP recommends that clinicians work with their lab services providers to ensure routine reporting of estimated GFR,
and accuracy and reliability of the estimate. Free access to the article can be found at
www.ajkd.org/article/PIIS0272638608009918/abstract.
Director of NKDEP to Host Continuing Medical Education Webinar
Dr. Andrew S. Narva, director of NKDEP, will host a free, live webinar titled, “Improving Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease” on November 12 at noon (EST). Health professionals can participate in the online webcast to earn continuing medical education credits through the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Narva will be presenting on the following topics:
- The burden of CKD
- Barriers to improved care of people with CKD
- Evidence-based interventions which improve the identification and management of kidney disease in people with diabetes
- Key concepts of CKD education to enhance patient self-management
- Strategies for implementing a CKD pilot for improving care in the community health center setting
If you are interested in attending the webcast, please visit http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/community/eventdetails.do?eventId=198690&orgId=cne or contact us at nkdep@info.niddk.nih.gov.
New Spanish-Language Tool Helps Providers Explain GFR Results
To help primary care providers and other health professionals explain estimated GFR results to their Spanish-speaking patients, NKDEP has adapted its Explaining GFR: A tear-off pad for clinical use into Spanish. In addition to including simple explanations of the kidneys, kidney function, and GFR results, as well as suggested actions for maintaining kidney health based on the GFR result, the tool presents key education concepts and talking points for providers in Spanish.
For more information about the pad or to order up to five free copies, please visit www.nkdep.nih.gov/resources/ExplainingGFRspanish.htm. If you are interested in promoting the pad, please contact us at nkdep@info.niddk.nih.gov.
Developing CKD Diet Education Tools for Providers and Patients
Recognizing the important role that diet plays in CKD management, NKDEP is developing educational materials about the CKD and diet to help enhance patient assessment and education. Materials are being created for CKD patients, dietitians–particularly those who are not renal experts, and other health professionals in primary care settings.
NKDEP worked with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Dietetics Practice Groups (DPG) to learn about current practices and research in CKD diet education and inform the development the materials. The tool for health professionals includes information on the progression and complications associated with CKD; nutrition assessment of the patient with CKD; and diet recommendations. The patient materials provide diet recommendations, including specific suggestions on complications associated with CKD; assessment of labs commonly associated with CKD; and a customizable sample meal plan.
Draft materials will be pre-tested with ADA DPG representatives during a discussion group at the 2008 ADA conference; final materials are expected to be completed in 2009.
Raising Awareness among African Americans about Kidney Disease
During the past summer, NKDEP continued efforts to raise awareness about CKD among African Americans. Efforts focused on partnerships, targeted earned media, and community outreach in key cities with high rates of diabetes and high blood pressures–the two leading risk factors for kidney disease–among African Americans.
As in previous years, NKDEP worked with a range of national and community-based organizations to promote the Family Reunion Initiative, which encourages African American families to discuss kidney disease at family reunions and events. Almost 50 organizations participated in this year’s promotion. In addition, NKDEP successfully secured placements that highlight a broader message about CKD risk among African Americans in popular print, radio, and online media outlets, such as the National Urban League’s Urban Influence magazine. NIDDK Director Dr. Griffin Rodgers also conducted interviews with radio stations in Baltimore and Los Angeles.
As part of community outreach efforts, NKDEP exhibited at the highly-attended Radio One Stone Soul Picnics in Washington, DC and Baltimore. In conjunction with the events, NKDEP secured 80 promotional radio spots positioning NIDDK as a resource for information on kidney disease and informing listeners of NIDDK’s sponsorship and presence at the events.
NKDEP’s efforts achieved an estimated 1.83 million media impressions from print, online and radio outreach, reached nearly 850,000 people through presence at special events, and resulted in the dissemination of more than 30,000 materials.
Special CKD Volume in 2008 USRDS Annual Report
A 30 percent increase in CKD over the past decade has prompted the U.S. Renal Data System (USRDS), which is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), to issue a special CKD volume documenting the magnitude of the condition in this year’s Annual Data Report (ADR): Atlas of Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease.
“The Atlas of CKD” defines the burden of CKD and examines cardiovascular and other related health problems, rates of adverse health events, preventive care, prescription medication therapies, delivery of care in the transition to end-stage renal disease, and the cost to Medicare and employer group health plans.
To learn more about the ADR, visit www.usrds.org, or contact Arthur Stone at NIDDK’s press office at 301-496-3583. The NIH press release about the ADR can be found at www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2008/niddk-08.htm.
NIDDK Publishes New Resources about Kidney Disease
NIDDK has two new fact sheets to help consumers learn more about kidney disease and treatment.
The first focuses on IgA Nephropathy, which is a kidney disorder that occurs when IgA, a protein that fights infection, settles in the kidneys. Over time, IgA deposits can cause the kidneys to leak blood and sometimes protein into urine. Kidney damage, and even kidney failure, can eventually result. The fact sheet describes the risk factors, signs, causes, diagnosis, and available treatment for the condition.
The second focuses on hemodialysis, which is a life-preserving treatment for hundreds of thousands of Americans with kidney failure. Standard treatment–which involves going to a clinic three times a week for care–can be taxing and inconvenient for people with kidney failure. This fact sheet explains what is involved in receiving hemodialysis treatment at home, including the risks, advantages, and obstacles.
Both fact sheets are available for order at http://catalog.niddk.nih.gov/PubType.cfm?Type=181&CH=NKUDIC.
KICC Meeting Summary Report Now Available
NIDDK and NKDEP hosted the annual Kidney Interagency Coordinating Committee (KICC) meeting on June 24, 2008 in Bethesda, MD. During the meeting, participants shared information on their agency’s programs and activities related to CKD and discussed ways to coordinate the Federal response to CKD. The meeting summary report is now available on NKDEP’s website at www.nkdep.nih.gov/about/kicc/index.htm#meetings.
Upcoming Exhibits and Conferences
American Dietetic Association’s 2008 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo/Chicago, IL/October 25-28, 2008 |
