Top 5 Most-Read CKD Content of 2022

The top 5 most-read articles about chronic kidney disease (CKD) featured on AJMC.com this year included a discussion about the ability of sodium-glucose contransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to address CKD in patients with diabetes and included an article on the link between kidney function and dementia incidence, among other top stories.

Here are the 5 most viewed CKD articles of 2022.

5. Use of Anticoagulants Has Increased for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation, CKD

The use of direct oral anticoagulants increased in patients with atrial fibrillation and all stages of CKD, excluding severe and end-stage CKD, according to this article published in September that covered study findings. Use of warfarin decreased from 90.8% to 10.7% from 2013 to 2018 whereas the proportion of the study population that began treatment with direct oral anticoagulants increased from 9.2% to 89.3%.

Read the full article here.

4. Families Need Knowledge, Health Care Support When Caring for Patients With Kidney Failure, Review Finds

Psychological burden from uncertainty and anxiety linked to lack of knowledge on the diagnosis and prognosis of CKD was common in families caring for patients receiving comprehensive conservative care, according to an article written in March. The authors of the review wrote that incorporating family members in the care process through a paradigm shift in society and improved quality of health care would be vital in shifting the view of the family as only a resource for patient care.

Read the full article here.

3. Finerenone Reduces Heart Failure Risk in Patients With CKD, T2D

Use of the drug finerenone was demonstrated to reduce the odds of developing heart failure and could improve other heart failure–related outcomes in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to this article published in March that covered study findings. Screening for albuminuria and receiving early treatment could also reduce the burden of heart failure in patients with CKD and T2D.

Read the full article here.

2. SGLT2 Inhibitors, Combination Therapy Needed to Stem the Tide of CKD in Diabetes

A discussion with Katherine R. Tuttle, MD, FASN, FACP, FNKF, which was published in August as part of our coverage of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology meeting, focused on creating a more holistic approach to glucose control in a way that would protect the heart and the kidneys. Tuttle said that SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated benefits to the heart, kidneys, and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes in cardiovascular outcome trials.

Read the full article here.

1. Poor Kidney Function Significantly Linked With Dementia Incidence

A 10-year follow-up of a cohort study found that poor and declining kidney function is associated with a higher risk of dementia in older adults, according to an article published in February that reported on the results. The study also found that the association could not be attributed to stroke and persisted after accounting for major cardiometabolic conditions. Previous studies had demonstrated a link between cognitive impairment and end-stage renal disease and CKD.

Read the full article here.