October 21-25, 2025
New England Journal of Medicine (IF: 176.1)
Featured Article: Disparities in Kidney Disease and the Race-Neutral eGFR
Published: October 25, 2025
Authors: Angelica Bocour, M.P.H., Erin Lewis, M.D., Silas Lee, M.S., Leo G. Eisenstein, M.D.
Type: Perspective Article
Key Findings:
The race-adjusted estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has historically reduced Black patients’ access to kidney transplants. NYC Health+Hospitals is conducting a comprehensive study examining the effects of implementing race-neutral eGFR algorithms across their public hospital system.
Clinical Impact:
This research addresses a critical health equity issue in nephrology, potentially influencing how kidney function is assessed nationwide and improving transplant access for underserved populations.
Clinical Relevance: High – Directly impacts clinical decision-making and health equity in kidney care
BMC Nephrology (IF: 2.3)
1. Association of Incident Dialysis Modality with Patient Survival
Published: October 24, 2025
Authors: Luca Nardelli, Matteo Passerini, Dalia Zubidat, et al.
Type: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Key Findings:
Comprehensive analysis comparing peritoneal dialysis (PD) versus hemodialysis (HD) outcomes shows nuanced survival differences based on patient characteristics and comorbidities. The choice of dialysis modality significantly impacts long-term patient outcomes.
Clinical Impact:
Provides evidence-based guidance for clinicians and patients making dialysis modality decisions, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment approaches.
Clinical Relevance: High – Essential for dialysis treatment planning
2. Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology: Real-World Study
Published: October 24, 2025
Authors: Joshua Storrar, Sayyid Raza, Ivona Baricevic-Jones, et al.
Type: Research Article
Key Findings:
Analysis of CKD cases where conventional diagnostic workup fails to identify etiology. The study identifies patterns and potential diagnostic approaches for these challenging cases, which represent a significant portion of CKD patients.
Clinical Impact:
Improves diagnostic strategies for unexplained CKD cases and highlights the need for advanced diagnostic techniques in nephrology practice.
Clinical Relevance: Moderate – Important for diagnostic workup protocols
3. Iptacopan in C5 Blockade Refractory Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Published: October 24, 2025
Authors: Matthew D. Nguyen, Stefan Ciurea, Sheetal Desai, et al.
Type: Case Report
Key Findings:
First reported case of factor B inhibition using iptacopan in a patient with aHUS refractory to C5 blockade, associated with Castleman’s disease. The treatment showed promising results in this complex case.
Clinical Impact:
Expands therapeutic options for treatment-resistant aHUS cases and demonstrates the potential of alternative complement pathway targeting.
Clinical Relevance: Moderate – Relevant for rare disease management
4. Heat Stress and Serum Creatinine Changes in CKD Patients
Published: October 22, 2025
Authors: Namrata Rao, Ahmad Shakeb, Abhilash Chandra, et al.
Type: Research Article
Key Findings:
Study from Northern India demonstrates that heat wave conditions significantly impact kidney function in CKD patients, with heat stress symptoms predicting serum creatinine changes. This research is particularly relevant given increasing global temperatures.
Clinical Impact:
Highlights the importance of climate considerations in CKD management and the need for protective strategies during extreme weather events.
Clinical Relevance: High – Increasingly important with climate change
Kidney International (IF: 19.9)
1. New Potential Therapeutic Targets in Metabolic Disorder-Associated Kidney Disease
Published: October 23, 2025
Authors: Li et al.
Type: Mini Review
Key Findings:
Comprehensive review of emerging therapeutic targets for metabolic syndrome-related kidney disease, including novel pathways involved in diabetic kidney disease progression and potential intervention points.
Clinical Impact:
Identifies future directions for drug development in diabetic kidney disease, potentially leading to new treatment options for this growing patient population.
Clinical Relevance: High – Addresses major cause of CKD globally
2. Optimizing Cardiovascular Outcomes in Pediatric Dialysis
Published: October 25, 2025
Authors: Shroff et al.
Type: Mini Review
Key Findings:
Evidence-based strategies for managing cardiovascular risk in children on dialysis, addressing the unique challenges of pediatric kidney failure and long-term cardiovascular health.
Clinical Impact:
Provides guidance for improving long-term outcomes in pediatric dialysis patients, focusing on cardiovascular risk reduction strategies.
Clinical Relevance: High – Critical for pediatric nephrology practice
Nature Portfolio Journals
1. Inhibition of PGK1 Ameliorates Acute Kidney Injury
Published: October 24, 2025
Journal: Nature Communications
Type: Basic Research
Key Findings:
Novel mechanism discovered where PGK1 interaction with PKM2 contributes to renal injury through phosphorylation, dimer formation, and nuclear translocation. Targeting this pathway shows therapeutic potential for AKI.
Clinical Impact:
Identifies a new therapeutic target for acute kidney injury treatment, potentially leading to novel interventions for this common and serious condition.
Clinical Relevance: High – AKI affects millions globally
2. Exosomal miR-122-5p Ameliorates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis
Published: October 21, 2025
Journal: Cell Death & Disease
Type: Basic Research
Key Findings:
Tubular cell-derived exosomal miR-122-5p regulates fibroblasts and reduces renal interstitial fibrosis, offering a novel approach to treating kidney fibrosis through extracellular vesicle therapy.
Clinical Impact:
Opens new avenues for treating kidney fibrosis, a major cause of progressive kidney disease, through targeted exosome-based therapies.
Clinical Relevance: Moderate – Important for fibrosis research
📊 Clinical Practice Guidelines and Updates
KDIGO 2025 Guidelines Released
1. IgA Nephropathy and IgA Vasculitis Management
Status: Recently Published
Scope: Updated guidelines covering new developments in IgAN assessment and therapy
Key Updates:
- New risk stratification approaches
- Updated treatment algorithms
- Evidence-based therapeutic recommendations
- Pediatric considerations
Clinical Impact:
Provides standardized, evidence-based approach to managing the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide.
2. Nephrotic Syndrome in Children
Status: Recently Updated
Scope: Comprehensive guidance for pediatric nephrotic syndrome management
Key Updates:
- Steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant treatment protocols
- Long-term management strategies
- Quality of life considerations
- Family-centered care approaches
📋 Key Takeaways for Clinicians
High Priority
- Health Equity: Review and address potential biases in kidney function assessment and treatment access
- Climate Adaptation: Develop strategies for protecting kidney patients during extreme weather events
- Personalized Care: Emphasize individualized treatment approaches based on patient characteristics and preferences
Moderate Priority
- Diagnostic Innovation: Stay informed about advances in diagnosing unexplained CKD
- Rare Disease Management: Maintain awareness of novel treatments for complex kidney diseases
- Pediatric Considerations: Implement cardiovascular risk reduction strategies in pediatric patients
Research and Development
- Therapeutic Targets: Monitor development of treatments targeting PGK1, exosomal therapies, and metabolic pathways
- Clinical Trials: Consider patient eligibility for trials investigating novel AKI and fibrosis treatments
- Guideline Implementation: Prepare for implementation of updated KDIGO guidelines
This weekly review compiled from major nephrology journals and research databases. Next review scheduled for November 1, 2025.
Prepared by: Kidney-HUB Nephrology Research Review Team
Date: October 25, 2025
Contact: For questions or additional information about specific studies mentioned in this review