High Serum Oxalate Levels Raised Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Dialysis Patients
Researchers found that patients in the highest oxalate quartile had a 40% increase in risk for cardiovascular events and a 62% increase in the risk of sudden cardiac death. 
High baseline oxalate levels were also associated with a higher risk of death due to congestive heart failure.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Dialysis Patients Developed Antibodies to COVID After Infection
Researchers found that these antibodies led to a reduced likelihood of reinfection compared to patients who were not previously infected. “Researchers observed fewer PCR-confirmed infections during the second wave (defined as October 2020 to January 2021) in patients with preexisting antibodies than in those without antibodies (4.2% vs. 11.4%, conferring a risk ratio of 0.37),” according to reports.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Kidney Failure Patients Prefer Shared Decision-Making, But it Rarely Happens
Though most kidney failure patients prefer shared decision-making around their treatments, it rarely happens. Researchers also found that for those patients who did engage in shared decision making, certain topics like the long-term financial impact of treatment were not discussed.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
High Prevalence of CKD Seen in Women After Experiencing Preeclampsia
Researchers have found that a nephrology work-up may be necessary for undiagnosed chronic kidney disease in women who experience preeclampsia. A retrospective study at two centers found that newly diagnosed CKD risk was at 19% in people who experienced preeclampsia versus 3% in people without the condition.
Source: Renal & Urology News
Urine Test for Detecting Kidney Disease Not Used Enough, Research Says
People with hypertension or diabetes are usually not given a simple urine test to detect kidney disease, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data on almost 4 million hypertension and diabetes patients and found that only 4% of hypertension patients receive the test and 35% of diabetes patients receive it.
Source: RenalWeb
Fresenius Medical Care Uses Virtual Reality to Help Train Patients for Home Hemodialysis
The virtual reality training — stay•safe MyTraining VR — was first offered in Germany and is now being extended to other European countries, middle eastern countries and some parts of Africa later in the year.
Source: RenalWeb
