Kidney Commute

This episode features authors of the KDOQI US Commentary on the KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Lupus Nephritis. Experts Dr. Gabriel Contreras and Dr. Sayna Norouzi joins host, Dr. Osama El Shamy to explore key guideline updates and how the recommendations can be applied in clinical practice. They discuss current approaches to diagnosis, newer therapies, treatment strategies based on disease class, and care for patients with a membranous component. The conversation also examines long-term complications, thrombotic microangiopathy, and practical challenges clinicians may encounter when implementing the updated recommendations. Please click here to access the commentary.

ANCA-associated vasculitis is a rare autoimmune disease that can rapidly damage the kidneys, lungs, and other organs. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential. In this episode of Kidney Commute Pit Stop, host Dr. Osama El Shamy is joined by rheumatologist Dr. Anisha Dua, nephrologist Dr. Duvuru Geetha, and kidney transplant recipient Melissa Rubio. Together they explore common signs and clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, the role of ANCA testing and kidney biopsy, and why timely treatment initiation is critical to preserving organ function. Melissa shares her inspiring journey from diagnosis at age 17 through dialysis, kidney transplantation, and recovery. Her story highlights the importance of patient education, family support, and multidisciplinary care. Whether you are a member of the nephrology or rheumatology care team, this episode provides practical insights to help recognize ANCA-associated vasculitis earlier, support timely diagnosis, and improve patient outcomes. This episode is supported by Amgen. Please click here, to view more information and resources on ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV). Upon completion of this podcast, please complete the survey at https://nkf.jotform.com/261964216947872

Disclosure: The content and opinions of the podcast are those of the guests; these are not claims or recommendations for Kate Farms products. Plant-based nutrition has emerged as an important component of kidney care, but questions remain about how plant-based enteral formulas can best support people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this episode of Kidney Commute: Pit Stop, host Dr. Raphy Rosen is joined by Brandon Kistler, PhD, RD, and Rachel Wontor, MS, RDN, CD, CNSC, to explore the growing role of plant-based enteral nutrition in clinical practice. The discussion examines the key features of plant-based formulas, including standard, renal-specific, peptide, and specialty options, and reviews how these products compare with traditional formulas in meeting nutritional needs. The panel also discusses when renal formulas may or may not be necessary, current evidence related to effectiveness and patient acceptance, insurance coverage considerations, and practical approaches for implementing plant-based enteral nutrition in healthcare settings. Clinicians will gain actionable insights to help support individualized nutrition care for people with CKD. After listening to the podcast, please take a moment to complete the quick survey at https://nkf.jotform.com/261534175734863

IgA nephropathy and IgA vasculitis remain complex and evolving areas in nephrology care. In this episode, experts discuss key insights from the KDIGO guidelines and KDOQI commentary published in AJKD, focusing on updated approaches to risk stratification, disease progression, and treatment decision making. The conversation highlights the role of supportive care, immunosuppressive therapy considerations, and emerging therapeutic options, while addressing variability in clinical practice and patient management challenges. This episode provides practical, evidence based perspectives to help clinicians navigate the nuances of IgAN and IgAV care and apply guideline recommendations in real world settings. Please view the AJKD article here.

Kidney care rarely takes center stage in Congress, but a recent hearing is bringing renewed attention to prevention, innovation, and patient access. In this episode, host Raphy Rosen is joined by Dr. Suzanne Watnick, who testified as a witness at the March 18 Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing, along with Dr. Dan Weiner. Together, they unpack key themes across CKD, dialysis, and transplantation, and explore what emerging legislative efforts could mean for patients and providers. Tune in for an inside look at how kidney care is shaping national health policy.

Hosted by Dr. Sam Kant, this Kidney Commute: Pit Stop episode explores the Cerebronephrology region of NephMadness 2026 and the emerging concept of the brain–kidney axis. Drs. David Drew and Colton Jensen examine how chronic kidney disease and ESKD with dialysis contribute to cognitive impairment—an underrecognized complication affecting a large proportion of patients. From early microvascular injury, albuminuria, and hypertension in CKD to cerebral hypoperfusion, ischemia, and structural brain changes during dialysis, this discussion highlights the bidirectional relationship between kidney and brain health. Join us as we unpack where brain injury begins and what this means for earlier recognition and improved patient care. For more information on the Cerebronephrology Region of NephMadness please go to: https://ajkdblog.org/2026/03/01/nephmadness-2026-cerebronephrology-region/

Advances in genetics have transformed how we understand kidney disease, and the discovery of APOL1 has been a major milestone. In this episode of Kidney Commute: Pitstop, host Dr. Osama El Shamy is joined by Meyeon Park, MD, MAS and Denay Richards, PhD to explore the role of APOL1 genetic variants in kidney disease development and progression. The discussion covers the epidemiology of APOL1, the interplay between genetic risk and environmental factors, and scenarios in which APOL1 genetic testing may be considered. Speakers also address how test results are communicated to patients and families, implications for disease management, emerging research into APOL1 targeted therapies, and the significance of newly introduced ICD 10 codes for APOL1 mediated kidney disease. After listening to the podcast, please complete the survey at https://kidneyforms.tfaforms.net/4728148. This educational episode is supported by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Is dialysis nephrology’s greatest achievement or its original sin? In this Kidney Commute: Pit Stop episode, host Dr. Osama El Shamy, welcomes Dr. Andrew Cohen, to discuss a provocative question that challenges how the field of nephrology has evolved. Drawing from Dr. Cohen’s recent AJKD publication, the conversation explores key historical milestones, including early innovations, the 1972 Medicare amendment, and the rise of corporatized dialysis care. Together, they examine how these forces have shaped trainee perceptions, workforce recruitment, and the identity of nephrology today. The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on how the field can refocus priorities, embrace innovation, and chart a more balanced path beyond dialysis-centered care. AJKD Article: https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(25)00711-5/abstract

In this Kidney Commute: Pitstop episode, host Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF, is joined by Kaice LaFavers, PhD, and Pranav Garimella, MBBS, MPH, to explore uromodulin. They discuss its role in infection defense, immune modulation, AKI and sepsis, genetic insights, and evolving methods to study its multiple forms. A concise, science driven look at why uromodulin matters in kidney health.

Obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are deeply interconnected as each condition increases the risk and severity of the other. In part 1 of this episode, our interprofessional panel of experts explores the science behind this bidirectional relationship and the epidemiologic data underscoring their connection. Listeners will gain insight into the underlying pathophysiology, including the roles of inflammation, altered kidney hemodynamics, and lipotoxicity. Through practical discussion and dissection of the literature, this episode highlights the importance of recognizing obesity as both a cause and consequence of CKD, and the crucial role nephrology professionals play in interrupting this cycle early. Please be sure to visit the National Kidney Foundation's Obesity in the Nephrology Clinic page for additional information and access to an infographic designed to support clinical care for managing obesity in individuals living with CKD: https://www.kidney.org/professionals/tools/obesity-nephrology-clinic Supported by Novo Nordisk

In this episode, we explore the evolving role of surrogate endpoints in the management of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), with a particular focus on the significance of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Of the completed Phase 3 trials in IgAN, one used time-weighted average eGFR, an area under the curve-based measure that reflects the average change in eGFR from baseline over a specified period, in this case, over the full 2-year study period. The other trial used total eGFR slope to describe the overall rate of change over 2 years. But what do these endpoints mean outside the setting of a clinical trial? Expert insights shed light on how proteinuria and eGFR trends can inform prognosis and guide treatment decisions in clinical practice over the long term. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to interpret eGFR changes over time and apply this knowledge to optimize patient care. Designed for nephrology professionals, this episode offers practical, evidence-based perspectives on integrating these surrogate endpoints into the care of patients with IgAN. Supported by Calliditas Therapeutics Upon completion of the podcast, please take a moment to complete a brief survey: https://kidneyforms.tfaforms.net/4728109

In this Kidney Commute: Pitstop episode, host Dr. Osama El Shamy speaks with Drs. Susie Hu and Anthony Chang about the first AJKD Core Curriculum update since 2016 on localized renal masses. They unpack risk factors, incidental findings, treatment strategies, and the vital role nephrologists play—alongside urology and pathology—in preserving kidney function and improving patient care. AJKD Article: https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-63862500973-4/fulltext