KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology

In the third episode of the KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology FSGS series, host Dr. Kirk Campbell (University of Pennsylvania) sits down with world-renowned glomerular disease expert Dr. Jai Radhakrishnan (Columbia University) to navigate the shifting landscape of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) management.The conversation dives deep into the diagnostic complexities of FSGS, moving beyond histological patterns to understand the diverse drivers of podocyte injury. Dr. Radhakrishnan shares his practical clinical algorithm, offering a roadmap for balancing supportive care, selective immunosuppression, and the integration of novel, non-immunosuppressive therapies. Join Drs. Campbell and Radhakrishnan as they discuss the robust pipeline of emerging agents in this field.

Join Dr. Kirk Campbell (University of Pennsylvania) and Dr. Alessia Fornoni (University of Miami) for an in-depth conversation on the evolving landscape of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The first episode of this three-part FSGS series explores the transition from traditional histological classifications to a more precise clinical and molecular understanding of the disease. Dr. Campbell and Dr. Fornoni discuss the definition and pathogenesis of FSGS as well as clinical management and the future of treatment. In this episode of KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology, Dr. Kirk Campbell speaks with Dr. Alessia Fornoni about the evolving understanding of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) as a podocytopathy driven by podocyte injury. The discussion explores advances in FSGS classification, the role of angiotensin II and endothelin-1 signaling in disease progression, emerging insights into disease mechanisms, and how new targeted therapies may help preserve podocyte function and slow the progression of kidney disease. This episode is part of a special three-part KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology series exploring advances in podocyte biology, disease mechanisms, emerging therapies, and the evolving clinical management of FSGS.

This third episode in KDIGO’s four-part IgAN series explores how to apply KDIGO guidance in real-world IgAN care through two illustrative patient cases. Building on earlier episodes in the series, the discussion highlights dynamic risk assessment, treatment selection, and monitoring strategies, along with practical decisions about RAS inhibitors versus DEARAs, TRF-budesonide versus systemic glucocorticoids, and the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. The episode also addresses complex scenarios, including rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, acute kidney injury, pediatric IgAN, pregnancy, and treatment considerations in resource-limited settings. The episode is hosted by Dana Rizk, MD (University of Alabama at Birmingham, US), and features Gaia Coppock, MD (University of Pennsylvania Medicine, US), and Andrew Lazar, MD (University Hospitals of Cleveland, US). Previous episodes in the series feature KDIGO IgAN Guideine Co-Chair Brad Rovin, MD (The Ohio State University College of Medicine, US), and Shikha Wadwani, MD (Cedars-Sinai, US). The fourth and final episode will be released in December 2025 and will focus on the challenges of implementing evidence-based guidance, emerging therapies, and key research needs.This podcast series was supported by Travere.

In this second installment of KDIGO’s three-part podcast series on APOL1 kidney disease, host Kirk Campbell, MD (University of Pennsylvania, United States), welcomes Barry Freedman, MD (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, United States) for a practical discussion on patient management. They examine how APOL1 risk variants influence progression, review current therapeutic approaches, and explore emerging targeted treatments designed to improve care and outcomes for affected individuals.Learn more and access resources from the KDIGO Controversies Conference on APOL1 Kidney Disease: https://kdigo.org/conferences/apol1-kidney-disease/This podcast was supported by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

This second episode in KDIGO’s four-part IgAN series addresses the treatment revolution in IgAN. Join Dana Rizk, MD (University of Alabama at Birmingham, US), and Shikha Wadhwani, MD (University of Texas Medical Branch, US) in understanding how disease pathophysiology is fueling a wave of new therapies that go beyond traditional supportive care. Key topics include what's changed since the KDIGO 2021 Guideline, the four-hit hypothesis and its role in driving novel therapies, key factors to consider when selecting treatments, and the evolving role of traditional approaches alongside newer agents.The first episode in this series (Episode #24) features KDIGO IgAN Guideline Co-Chair, Brad Rovin, MD (University of Ohio Medicine, US). Future episodes (Episode #29 and Episode #30) feature Shikha Wadwani, MD (Cedars Sinai, US), Andrew Lazar, MD (University Hospitals of Cleveland, US), Gaia Coppock, MD (University of Pennsylvania Medicine, US), and Suneel Udani, MD (Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana, US), and cover lessons from IgAN Case Files, and challenges and strategies to implementing KDIGO IgAN Guideline recommendations.This podcast was supported by Travere.

What does life with a rare kidney disease really look like?Marianne Silkjaer Nielsen (Founder of CompCure, Denmark) offers a powerful voice for patients and caregivers. She reflects on the long diagnostic journey, the challenges of managing rare kidney disease, and the need for better awareness, advocacy, and international registries to improve outcomes.This episode is part of a four-part KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology series on complement-mediated kidney diseases, hosted by Dr. Carla Nester (University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, United States).This series was supported by Apellis and Sobi.

How do patients with C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) present, and why is confirming the diagnosis so complex? Dr. David Kavanagh (National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, United Kingdom) walks through the diagnostic process, the shortcomings of traditional immunosuppression, and the promise of emerging therapies like alternative pathway inhibitors. He also tackles one of the toughest challenges: managing post-transplant recurrence.This episode is part of a four-part KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology series on complement-mediated kidney diseases, hosted by Dr. Carla Nester (University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, United States).This series was supported by Apellis and Sobi.

Episode 19 is the third episode in KDIGO's three-episode series on acute kidney injury (AKI), hosted by Dr. Kathleen Liu (University of California at San Francisco, United States). In this episode, Dr. Liu and Dr. Claudio Ronco (International Renal Research Institute of San Bortolo Hospital, Italy) discuss recent advancements and best practices surrounding Extracorporeal Blood Purification within the complex scenario of multiorgan support. This thought-provoking discussion, explores: Recent clinical trials suggesting minimal benefits of early CRRT in AKI for critically ill patients. The conversation delves into whether these findings translate to patients experiencing multiorgan failure, exploring the potential differentiating factors. The potential of CRRT to extend beyond renal support. The discussion explores how CRRT might offer support to other vital organs in the setting of multiorgan system failure. The role of current CRRT technology in eliminating inflammatory mediators. Dr. Ronco sheds light on the capabilities of current technology and its potential impact on the inflammatory response. Join Dr. Liu and Dr. Ronco for an insightful exploration of extracorporeal blood purification’s evolving role in optimizing care for critically ill patients. This episode is supported by an independent educational grant from Baxter.

This is the first episode in KDIGO's new 3-episode series on acute kidney injury (AKI), hosted by Dr. Kathleen Liu (University of California at San Francisco, United States). In this episode, Dr. Liu is joined by Dr. Jay Koyner (University of Chicago, United States) to discuss the emerging field of persistent acute kidney injury (AKI). They delve into the question: what exactly is persistent AKI, and how does it differ from severe AKI? Dr. Liu and Dr. Koyner explore the key factors clinicians should consider when evaluating a patient's risk of developing persistent AKI. They also highlight the latest developments in this area of nephrology research, leaving listeners with valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of persistent AKI. Join us as we discuss: What is persistent AKI, and how is it distinguished from severe AKI? What clinical factors should be considered when assessing a patient's risk of persistent AKI? What are some of the new developments in the field of persistent AKI research? How can this knowledge be applied to improve patient care? This episode is supported by an independent educational grant from Baxter.

Join host Dr. Peter Lin (Canadian Heart Research Centre, Canada) in conversation with Dr. Joel Topf (Oakland University, William Beaumont School of Medicine, USA) as they discuss how to combat CKD progression and the role of non-pharmacological vs pharmacological interventions. This episode will explore whether foundational therapies are underused and how to tailor the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. This episode is supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca.

Join host, Dr. Peter Lin (Canadian Heart Research Centre, Canada) and Dr. Lekha Tummalapalli (Weill Cornell Medicine, United States) as they discuss the importance of early CKD detection. This episode explores risk factors, screening for CKD, and country specific factors to take into account when screening for CKD. This episode is supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca. Show Notes: https://kdigo.org/conferences/early-identification/ https://www.theisn.org/blog/2023/05/22/new-quick-guide-to-early-ckd-identification-and-intervention-for-primary-care-settings-available-in-50-languages-by-year-end/ https://www.theisn.org/initiatives/ckd-early-screening-intervention/

In this episode, host Dr. Vladimir Tesar (General University Hospital, Prague) and Dr. David Jayne (Addenbrooke's Hospital, United Kingdom) discuss the roles of various agents in the induction and maintenance treatment of ANCA- associated vasculitis. They will explore the use of rituximab and complement inhibition in treating ANCA-associated vasculitis. This episode will address the gaps in knowledge and ongoing research in the field of ANCA-associated vasculitis. This episode is supported by Amgen.

Join host, Dr. Marlies Ostermann (Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, United Kingdom), in conversation with Dr. Sandra Kane-Gill (University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, United States) as they discuss the importance of drug stewardship when treating critically ill patients. This episode will examine various terms such as drug-induced acute kidney injury, drug-associated acute kidney injury, and nephrotoxicity. Dr. Kane-Gill will also discuss how multiorgan support may influence drug dosing and aspects of nutrition and micronutrient supplementation for patients with AKI. This episode is supported by an independent educational grant from Baxter.