DALLAS -- New guidance for diabetic kidney disease will be a central part of the discussion at this year's National Kidney Foundation meeting.

Last October, four major diabetes and kidney organizations -- the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the American Diabetes Association, the NKF, and the American Society of Nephrology -- published a joint statement on advances in diabetic kidney disease in the journal Diabetes Care, which was the result of an earlier consensus conference.

Adam Whaley-Connell, DO, of the University of Missouri, a co-author of the statement and chair of the scientific program committee for this year's meeting, will discuss the paper, along with other colleagues, at a session on Friday.

"We're excited about advances in kidney care, especially in diabetes," Whaley-Connell told MedPage Today, adding that hypertension management will also be a key area of discussion, given that the so-called JNC8 guidelines are still an area of controversy.

Data Points

Researchers are anticipating the latest data from the U.S. Renal Data System (USRDS) on mortality and other outcomes for renal patients. In January, the database showed that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may finally be on the decline, as new cases of the disease fell for the third year in a row.

A large meta-analysis from researchers at the Mayo Clinic will discuss the importance hydration in the prevention of kidney stones, and a national survey paints a picture of outcomes for women who are dialyzed while pregnant.

A late-breaking trials session will feature two studies on Saturday morning: one on Neutrolin, a catheter lock solution, and another on a novel recombinant pancreatic elastase for fistula patency.

Other Hallway Discussions

Whaley-Connell said this year's meeting is taking a look into an issue relevant to its host state: disparities in kidney care. Texas' status as a border state raises questions about whether patients have access to care, Whaley-Connell said, adding that there are several other socio-economic and ethnic concerns that local nephrologists must tackle in practice.

Nephrologists will also be asking questions about hyperkalemia treatment, which has become a hot area for drug development. Currently, only sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is available to treat high potassium levels, but two new drugs have reported data from late-stage trials -- ZS-9 and patiromer -- and may soon be clinically available.

High phosphorus levels have also been thrown into the spotlight with the approval last September of ferric citrate (Auryxia), which is looking to take over some market share from the old staple sevelamer.

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