eMedicine Specialties > Nephrology > Chronic Kidney Disease

Uremia: Treatment & Medication

Author: A Brent Alper Jr, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine, Section of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine
Coauthor(s): Rajesh G Shenava, MD, Fellow, Department of Nephrology, Tulane University Medical Center; Bessie A Young, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington; Director of Home Hemodialysis, Northwest Kidney Center, Seattle
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Oct 2, 2009

Treatment

Medical Care

The ultimate treatment for uremia is dialysis. Initiate dialysis when signs or symptoms of uremia (eg, nausea, vomiting, volume overload, hyperkalemia, severe acidosis) are present and are not treatable by other medical means. Patients with uremia must have dialysis initiated as soon as symptoms are present, regardless of GFR. For asymptomatic patients, dialysis is generally initiated when their creatinine clearance is 10 mL/min (creatinine level of 8-10 mg/dL) or less or, for diabetic patients, when their creatinine clearance is 15 mL/min (creatinine level of 6 mg/dL). Early referral to a nephrologist for evaluation (when creatinine level is > 3 mg/dL) is essential for patient education and preparation for dialysis or transplantation.

Patients may decide on peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, a decision dependent on their preference and level of motivation. Peritoneal dialysis is preferred for patients who are highly motivated, need flexibility in their dialysis schedule, and who may have underlying cardiovascular disease.5 Hemodialysis requires a functioning arterial venous dialysis access and may be accomplished at home or in a center.6 Regardless of whether a patient chooses peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, dialysis access must be discussed and placed early. Newer methods of dialysis include daily hemodialysis and nocturnal hemodialysis, the advantages of which include improved volume control, improved cardiovascular disease, improved calcium-phosphate balance, improved dietary parameters, and improved quality of life.

Renal transplantation is the best renal replacement therapy and results in improved survival and quality of life. Transplants from living, related donors are best, but transplants from living, unrelated donors should also be considered. Consider transplantation prior to the need for dialysis because the waiting list for cadaver transplants often exceeds 2-3 years.

  • Hyperkalemia: Patients with renal failure associated hyperkalemia of 6.5 mEq/L or greater are candidates for emergent dialysis therapy, particularly if the hyperkalemia is associated with ECG changes (eg, peaked T waves, atrioventricular block, bradycardia). Short-term temporizing measures include intravenous infusion of calcium gluconate to stabilize cardiac membranes, bicarbonate, insulin and glucose administration, or inhaled or intravenous beta-agonists. Nonemergent hyperkalemia can be treated with oral potassium binders (eg, sodium polystyrene sulfonate [Kayexalate]). Correction of acidemia may improve potassium balance. Also, it is imperative to discontinue any medicine that might be contributing to the hyperkalemia, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, beta-blockers, potassium-sparing diuretics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Anemia: Begin the workup for anemia when the hemoglobin level is less than 11 g/dL or the hematocrit value is less than 33% in premenopausal females and prepubertal patients or when the hemoglobin level is less than 12 g/dL or the hematocrit value is less than 37% in men and postmenopausal women. In patients found to have anemia of chronic kidney disease, it is important to check iron studies and to begin the initial treatment with iron replacement if there is evidence of iron deficiency. The serum ferritin level should be greater than 100 mcg/mL.
    • For patients with ESRD and CKD, the goal hemoglobin level should be 11-13 g/dL. There is insufficient evidence to recommend routinely maintaining hemoglobin levels at 13 g/dL or greater in ESA-treated patients, especially because several trials have demonstrated a potential for increased cardiac events in subjects treated to higher hemoglobin levels.7,8
    • If the anemia is not corrected, then begin treatment with 1 of 2 subcutaneous erythropoiesis stimulating agents, recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo) or darbepoetin, a unique molecule that stimulates erythropoiesis and has a longer half-life than erythropoietin.
    • Initiate iron therapy concurrently with dialysis therapy. Start with one of several intravenous iron preparations as these better absorbed than oral formulations. These can be administered with each dialysis treatment to load the patient with iron or once weekly to maintain iron stores.
    • For patients not yet on dialysis, oral iron preparations are used initially. For significant iron deficiency, intravenous iron (InFeD Injection) may be administered slowly (500 mg over 4-6 h) after the administration of a test dose (25 mg).
  • Hyperparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and renal osteodystrophy: Evaluate and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism, manifested by low calcium levels, high phosphate levels, and low levels of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D-3, early because it is one of the first manifestations of renal osteodystrophy. Hypocalcemia can be treated with oral calcium carbonate or calcium acetate at a dose of 500 mg to 1 gram orally 3 times a day taken in between meals. If 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D-3 levels are depressed, calcium levels are decreased, and parathyroid levels are elevated (>300), consider initiating oral vitamin D therapy. The dosage of calcitriol is 0.25 mcg orally once daily or 3 times a week, depending on the levels of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D-3 and PTH.
  • When the creatinine clearance falls below 25-30 cc/min, the kidney begins to lose the ability to completely excrete excess amounts of phosphorus. Thus, it is not uncommon for many patients with CKD and ESRD to become hyperphosphatemic. Initial treatment is dietary counseling and modification. If this fails, treatment then consists of administration of oral phosphate binders given with meals. These can include calcium-based formulations, such as calcium carbonate or calcium acetate, or noncalcium-based formulations, such as sevelamer or lanthanum carbonate.
  • Acidemia: Acidemia should be treated in patients with a serum bicarbonate level consistently less than 20 mEq/dL. Oral bicarbonate solution or tablets can be used, and most patients will require 0.5-1 mEq/kg of body weight of bicarbonate. Use this therapy cautiously in persons with significant fluid retention and hypertension because of the risk of worsening the fluid retention.

Surgical Care

Surgical referral is necessary for dialysis access placement after the decision regarding dialysis has been made. Renal replacement therapy can be accomplished by hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or transplantation. Referral to an appropriate surgeon (ie, vascular, general, transplant) is made after the modality for renal replacement therapy has been determined.

In general, referral to a vascular surgeon for consideration of dialysis access is initiated by the nephrologist early in the patient's course of renal failure to avoid emergent dialysis access placement. Dialysis access can be conducted through either an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis or a peritoneal dialysis catheter for chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis.

  • Arteriovenous fistulas are the dialysis access of choice for hemodialysis.
    • Avoid arteriovenous Gore-Tex grafts if at all possible because of their poor longevity. Avoid long-term use of tunneled catheters because of the increased risk of infection and poor dialysis adequacy. Avoid subclavian catheters because of their association with increased venous stenosis, thrombosis, or both.
    • Peritoneal dialysis access can be accomplished by the placement of a Tenckhoff peritoneal dialysis catheter by either an experienced nephrologist or a surgeon. Direct visualization of the peritoneum is associated with fewer complications and better function of the catheter. Peritoneal dialysis allows patients more control and flexibility with their dialysis treatment regimen.
  • Consider any surgery carefully in patients with uremia because of the increased risk for uremic bleeding, cardiovascular events, ARF, respiratory depression, and decreased metabolism of certain drugs. Vasopressin may be considered if uremic bleeding is substantial.

Consultations

Consider consulting a nephrologist as soon as possible in the course of the patient's disease, particularly when renal function test results are only mildly abnormal. Acute hyperkalemia, volume overload, severe acidemia, or a change in mental status, which can progress to stupor or coma, requires emergent consultation with a nephrologist and, possibly, the initiation of dialysis.

Diet

Dietary changes should be made only with the help of a dietitian knowledgeable in renal diet treatment, particularly in patients who have not yet started dialysis therapy.

  • A low-protein diet has been advocated for persons with mild-to-moderate renal failure, although this matter remains controversial. Low-protein diets may alleviate some of the symptoms of uremia, such as nausea; however, data regarding the renoprotective effect of low-protein diets are conflicting. The MDRD study analyzed 585 patients with nondiabetic chronic renal disease and a mean GFR of 39 mL/min. Patients were randomized to protein intakes of either 1.1 g/kg/d or 0.7 g/kg/d. Despite good compliance, there appeared to be little overall benefit with the low-protein diet. Also, low-protein diets can cause the patient to become malnourished, which has been associated with higher mortality upon the initiation of dialysis.
  • On the other hand, in an analysis of studies comparing the consumption of different protein levels by nondiabetic adults with moderate to severe kidney failure, Fouque and Laville concluded that a low-protein diet can lower rate of "renal death" (which they defined as kidney transplantation, the need to begin dialysis, or the death of a patient) by 32%.9 Incorporating results from 2000 patients, including 1002 who had consumed a reduced-protein diet, the authors found that 113 renal deaths had occurred in the low-protein group and 168 in the higher-protein group. However, the authors stated that they were unable to confirm through their analysis an optimal protein intake level for persons with renal failure.
  • Current recommendations for a low-protein diet prior to the initiation of dialysis are 0.8-1 gram of protein/kg of weight, with an additional gram of protein added for each gram of protein lost in the urine (for patients with nephrotic syndrome).
  • Patients with advanced uremia or malnutrition are not candidates for a low-protein diet.
  • Patients with CRF should be on a low-potassium (2-3 g/d), low-phosphate (2 g/d), and low-sodium (2 g/d) diet.

Activity

Activity for patients with uremia is self-restricted based on their level of fatigue.

  • Early treatment of anemia with iron and EPO improves the quality of life and energy levels even before the patient needs dialysis.
  • Bleeding secondary to uremia may occur; dangerous activities may need to be restricted and potential bleeding sites assessed in the event of a fall (eg, for a subdural hematoma).

Medication

Usually, medications used for uremia are indicated to treat associated metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities, such as anemia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and iron deficiency. Medication selection and dosage depend on the patient's clinical state, which may change with the acute clinical setting. Dialysis is the primary treatment for uremia, but medications can effectively treat some of the associated symptoms and clinical abnormalities (eg, anemia, hypocalcemia).

Colony-stimulating factors

Increase reticulocyte count, hematocrit value, and hemoglobin levels.


Epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit)

Purified glycoprotein produced from mammalian cells modified with gene coding for human EPO. Biological activity mimics human urinary EPO, which stimulates division and differentiation of committed erythroid progenitor cells and induces release of reticulocytes from bone marrow into the blood stream. Indicated for treatment of anemia associated with CRF or renal insufficiency.

Adult

50-150 U/kg IV/SC 3 times/wk

Pediatric

Not established

Documented hypersensitivity; uncontrolled hypertension

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in porphyria, hypertension, ischemic vascular disease, or history of seizures; decrease dose if hematocrit value increases > 4 U in any 2-wk period

Calcium supplements

Used to correct hypocalcemia and improve symptoms associated with renal osteodystrophy. Also may be used to bind phosphate in patients with hyperphosphatemia.


Calcium carbonate (Caltrate, Os-Cal 500, Alka-Mints, Tums)

Indicated for treatment of hyperphosphatemia secondary to CRF. Effectively normalizes phosphate concentrations in dialysis patients. Combines with dietary phosphate to form insoluble calcium phosphate, which is excreted in feces. Marketed in a variety of dosage forms and is relatively inexpensive.

Adult

1-2 g PO divided bid/qid taken with meals

Pediatric

45-65 mg/kg/d PO divided qid taken with meals

May decrease effects of tetracyclines, atenolol, salicylates, iron salts, and fluoroquinolones; large intakes of dietary fiber may decrease calcium absorption and levels; enhances effects/toxicity of digitalis

Documented hypersensitivity; renal calculi, hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, renal or cardiac disease, patients with digitalis toxicity

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria may occur at therapeutic doses


Calcium acetate (PhosLo, Calphron)

Indicated for treatment of hyperphosphatemia secondary to CRF. Effectively normalizes phosphate concentrations in dialysis patients. Combines with dietary phosphate to form insoluble calcium phosphate, which is excreted in feces.

Adult

2 tabs PO tid with meals; titrate up until serum phosphate is 6 mg/dL, as long as hypercalcemia does not develop; may require as many as 4 tab PO tid

Pediatric

Not established

May increase effect of quinidine; may decrease effects of tetracyclines, atenolol, salicylates, iron salts, and fluoroquinolones; IV administration antagonizes effects of verapamil; large intakes of dietary fiber may decrease calcium absorption and levels; enhances effects/toxicity of digitalis

Documented hypersensitivity; hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, renal calculi

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria may occur at therapeutic doses

Vitamins

Essential for normal metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and normal DNA synthesis. Used in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and renal osteodystrophy.


Paricalcitol (Zemplar)

For treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in ESRD. Reduces PTH levels, stimulates calcium and phosphorous absorption, and stimulates bone mineralization.

Adult

0.04-0.1 mcg/kg IV bolus 3 times/wk; adjust dose based on PTH levels

Pediatric

<5 years: Not established
5-19 years: 0.04-0.08 mcg/kg IV 3 times/wk; adjust dose based on PTH levels

Do not use phosphate or vitamin D-related compounds concomitantly with paricalcitol; caution if administered with digoxin (digitalis toxicity is potentiated by hypercalcemia)

Documented hypersensitivity; hypercalcemia; vitamin D toxicity

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in breastfeeding; adverse effects include GI tract distress, dry mouth, lightheadedness, edema, chills, or fever


Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)

Two known sites of action are intestine and bone. Other evidence indicates that it also acts on kidneys and parathyroid gland. Vitamin D-3 must be converted to calcitriol in liver and kidneys before it is fully active on its target tissues. Some evidence suggests that uremic patients have vitamin D–resistant state because of a failure of their kidney to metabolically activate vitamin D-3 to calcitriol, which increases calcium levels by promoting absorption of calcium in intestines and retention in kidneys.

Adult

0.25 mcg PO qd, increase at 4- to 8-wk intervals by 0.25 mcg prn

Pediatric

Initial: 15 ng/kg/d PO
Maintenance: 5-40 ng/kg/d PO

Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease absorption; magnesium-containing antacids and thiazide diuretics can increase effects

Documented hypersensitivity; hypercalcemia; malabsorption syndrome

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Adequate response depends on adequate dietary calcium intake; maintain adequate fluid intake

Iron salts

Used to correct iron deficiency symptoms.


Ferrous sulfate (Feosol)

A nutritionally essential inorganic substance necessary for hemoglobin formation and oxidative processes of living tissue. Effectively treats iron deficiency anemia.

Adult

325 mg PO qd, increase to tid prn

Pediatric

<15 kg: 5 mg/kg/d PO
15-30 kg: Half of adult dose
>30 kg: Administer as in adults

Absorption is enhanced by ascorbic acid; interferes with tetracycline absorption; food and antacids impair absorption

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

GI upset; iron toxicity observed with ingestion of large amounts and can be fatal, especially in children; parenteral (IV) administration may cause several reactions, including headaches, malaise, fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, arthralgia, and urticaria; can cause severe anaphylaxis; others include phlebitis at infusion site

Antidotes

Used to reduce serum potassium levels.


Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)

Exchanges sodium for potassium, binds it in the gut (primarily in the large intestine), and decreases total body potassium. PO onset of action ranges from 2-12 h and is longer when PR.

Adult

25-50 g PO q6h in 25-50 mL sorbitol
25-50 g PR q6h in 25-50 mL sorbitol as retention enema

Pediatric

1.0 g/kg PO q6h in sorbitol
2.0 g/kg PR q6h in sorbitol as retention enema

Systemic alkalosis may occur if administered concurrently with magnesium hydroxide, aluminum carbonate or similar antacids, and laxatives

Documented hypersensitivity; hypernatremia

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in patients who can be adversely affected by a small increase in sodium loads (eg, those with severe hypertension, severe congestive heart failure, and marked edema); constipation with the possibility of fecal impaction may occur; treat constipation with 10-20 mL of 70% sorbitol q2h or prn to produce at least 1-2 watery stools qd

Antidiabetic agents

Stimulate cellular uptake of potassium.


Insulin (Humulin R, Novolin R)

Stimulates cellular uptake of potassium within 20-30 min. Administer glucose along with insulin to prevent hypoglycemia. Monitor blood sugar levels frequently.

Adult

10 U IV and 50 mL D50W bolus or 500 mL D10W over 1 h

Pediatric

0.5-1.0 g/kg (as D50W or equivalent) IV followed by 1 U of regular insulin per 3 g glucose

Medications that may decrease hypoglycemic effects of insulin include acetazolamide, AIDS antivirals, asparaginase, phenytoin, nicotine isoniazid, diltiazem, diuretics, corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, thyroid estrogens, ethacrynic acid, calcitonin, oral contraceptives, diazoxide, dobutamine phenothiazines, cyclophosphamide, dextrothyroxine, lithium carbonate, epinephrine, morphine sulfate, and niacin; medications that may increase hypoglycemic effects of insulin include calcium, ACE inhibitors, alcohol, tetracyclines, beta-blockers, lithium carbonate, anabolic steroids, pyridoxine, salicylates, MAOIs, mebendazole, sulfonamides, phenylbutazone, chloroquine, clofibrate, fenfluramine, guanethidine, octreotide, pentamidine, and sulfinpyrazone

Documented hypersensitivity; hypoglycemia

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

Hyperthyroidism may increase renal clearance of insulin and patient may need more insulin to treat hyperkalemia; hypothyroidism may delay insulin turnover, requiring less insulin to treat hyperkalemia; monitor glucose carefully; dose adjustments may be necessary in patients diagnosed with renal or hepatic dysfunction

Phosphate binders

Used to bind phosphate when calcium carbonate or acetate cannot be used because of a high serum calcium level.


Sevelamer (Renagel)

Cationic polymer that binds intestinal phosphate, which is excreted in the feces. Not absorbed and does not contain calcium or aluminum ions. Binding of bile salts may also occur, which may result in lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Adult

800-1600 mg PO with each meal

Pediatric

Not established

May reduce absorption of coadministered drugs

Documented hypersensitivity; bowel obstruction, hypophosphatemia

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in patients with dysphagia, severe GI motility disorders, or swallowing disorders; can cause hypophosphatemia in patients with low or normal serum phosphate levels; when changes in absorption of PO medications may have clinical consequences (eg, antiseizure or antiarrhythmic drugs), medications should be taken 1 h before or 3 h after a dose of sevelamer


Lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol)

Noncalcium, nonaluminum phosphate binder indicated for reduction of high phosphorus levels in patients with end-stage renal disease. Directly binds dietary phosphorus in upper GI tract, thereby inhibiting phosphorus absorption.

Adult

Initial: 250-500 mg PO tid pc (chewable tabs); adjust dose q2-3wk to target serum phosphorus level
Maintenance: 500-1000 mg PO tid pc

Pediatric

Not established

Drugs known to interact with antacids (eg, alendronate, amprenavir, ciprofloxacin, itraconazole, tetracycline, thyroid hormones) should not be administered within 2 h

Documented hypersensitivity; bowel obstruction; hypophosphatemia

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Deposited into developing bone, including growth plate (long-term effects unknown); common adverse effects typically diminish over time but include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting; in clinical trials, dialysis graft occlusion occurred more frequently than with placebo; caution with GI motility diseases (eg, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis) or recent GI surgery

More on Uremia

Overview: Uremia
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Uremia
Treatment & Medication: Uremia
Follow-up: Uremia
References
Further Reading

References

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Keywords

uremia, chronic renal failure, end-stage renal disease, ESRD, CRF, end-stage renal failure, renal failure, RF, kidney failure, chronic kidney failure, end-stage kidney disease, end-stage kidney failure, anemia, uremic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, CKD, azotemia, uremic pericarditis, acidosis, hyperkalemia, uremic endocrine abnormality, uremic heart disease, uremic anorexia, uremic encephalopathy, primary glomerular disease, glomerulonephritis

focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, FSGS, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, systemic glomerular disorder, diabetes, lupus, amyloidosis, Goodpasture disease, Goodpasture's disease, thrombotic thrombocytopenicpurpura, TTP, hemolytic uremic syndrome, HUS, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, interstitial disease, cystitis, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, glomerulonephropathies, glomerulonephropathy

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

A Brent Alper Jr, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine, Section of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine
A Brent Alper Jr, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Physicians, American Society of Hypertension, American Society of Nephrology, National Kidney Foundation, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Rajesh G Shenava, MD, Fellow, Department of Nephrology, Tulane University Medical Center
Rajesh G Shenava, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Society of Nephrology, National Kidney Foundation, and Renal Physicians Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Bessie A Young, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington; Director of Home Hemodialysis, Northwest Kidney Center, Seattle
Bessie A Young, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association, American Society of Nephrology, International Society of Nephrology, and National Kidney Foundation
Disclosure: NxStage Grant/research funds Principal Investigator; Amgen Grant/research funds Principal Investigator

Medical Editor

Donald A Feinfeld, MD, FACP, FASN, Consulting Staff, Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Beth Israel Medical Center
Donald A Feinfeld, MD, FACP, FASN is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American Society of Hypertension, American Society of Nephrology, and National Kidney Foundation
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Managing Editor

Eleanor Lederer, MD, Consulting Staff, Louisville VA Hospital; Professor of Medicine; Interim Chief of Nephrology; Director of Nephrology Training Program; Director, Metabolic Stone Clinic; Director of Outpatient Clinics, Kidney Disease Program, University of Louisville School of Medicine
Eleanor Lederer, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Federation for Medical Research, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Transplantation, International Society of Nephrology, Kentucky Medical Association, National Kidney Foundation, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Rebecca J Schmidt, DO, FACP, FASN, Professor of Medicine, Section Chief, Department of Medicine, Section of Nephrology, West Virginia University School of Medicine
Rebecca J Schmidt, DO, FACP, FASN is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, American Society of Nephrology, International Society of Nephrology, National Kidney Foundation, Renal Physicians Association, and West Virginia State Medical Association
Disclosure: Abbott Grant/research funds Speaking and teaching; Genzyme Honoraria Consulting; Amgen Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Ortho Biotech Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Chief Editor

Vecihi Batuman, MD, FACP, FASN, Professor of Medicine, Section of Nephrology-Hypertension, Tulane University School of Medicine; Chief, Medicine Service, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
Vecihi Batuman, MD, FACP, FASN is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Society of Hypertension, American Society of Nephrology, and International Society of Nephrology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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