Pitstop: Updates in Kidney Transplantation

Reproductive health conversations belong in kidney care. In this Kidney Commute: Pitstop episode from the National Kidney Foundation, co-hosts Drs. Raphy Rosen and Anna Gaddy join Drs. Silvi Shah and Saieda Alleyne to explore reproductive health in chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Based on the AJKD Core Curriculum, the discussion examines pregnancy counseling, contraception, fertility and assisted reproduction, and care during dialysis and after kidney transplantation. The panel also considers medication questions and collaboration with obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine. Tune in for a conversation about helping kidney care professionals feel more prepared to discuss patients' reproductive goals and know when to involve other specialists.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is expanding how nephrologists assess patients—looking beyond the kidneys to inform care. In this Kidney Commute: Pitstop episode, a panel of POCUS experts explores recent advances, practical applications, and ongoing debates. The conversation also covers barriers to adoption, training and credentialing, and the evolving role of POCUS in nephrology education and everyday practice.

Join Drs. Osama El Shamy and Adina Voiculescu for a discussion on how the diagnosis and management of renal artery stenosis have evolved over time. The episode explores available imaging techniques, including the role of ultrasound, and reviews lessons from clinical trials. Listeners will also hear about current medical management, endovascular and surgical treatment options, expected outcomes, recurrence, and collaborative decision-making in patient care.

Kidney transplantation continues to evolve. These advances bring new opportunities and questions for clinicians and patients. In this episode of Kidney Commute: Pit Stop, host Dr. Sam Kant is joined by Dr. Vineeta Kumar. Dr. Kumar is a tenured professor of medicine and the Robert and Cutessa Bourge Endowed Professor in Transplant Nephrology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. They discuss the origins, current state, and future of xenotransplantation. The conversation addresses infection, rejection, and recent clinical advances. They also explore transplant tolerance, biomarkers, post-transplant weight gain, and strategies to improve living kidney donation. Tune in for a practical look at the innovations and challenges shaping the future of kidney transplantation.

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.  

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is often overlooked when critically ill patients need urgent or emergent dialysis. This episode explores patient selection, contraindications, and how PD compares with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The panel also discusses informed consent, program challenges, and the transition from the hospital to home. Patient advocate Andreas Price shares his personal experience beginning PD and adjusting to treatment.   Click here to claim CE credits. 

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 

Hyperphosphatemia affects a significant proportion of patients receiving dialysis and remains a complex challenge for kidney care teams. In this episode of Kidney Commute Pit Stop, Anna Gaddy welcomes nephrologist Jessica Kendrick, clinical pharmacist Kimberly Holdener, and renal nutrition expert David St-Jules to explore what phosphorus management looks like in 2026. The panel discusses the evolution of the "renal diet," emerging evidence on phosphorus bioavailability, the impact of food additives and processing, and how individualized nutrition counseling can improve patient outcomes. They also review traditional phosphorus binders, challenges with adherence and pill burden, and the emerging role of tenapanor, a first-in-class phosphorus blocker. Listeners will gain practical insights for helping patients navigate phosphorus management while maintaining a balanced, patient-centered approach to nutrition and quality of life. This episode is supported by Ardelyx. Please click here, to view a clinical bulletin update on managing hyperphosphatemia in patients on dialysis. Upon completion of the podcast, please complete this short survey: https://nkf.jotform.com/261544521599868

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 

Phosphate additives are commonly used in processed and convenience foods, yet many patients and healthcare professionals remain unaware of how significantly they contribute to phosphorus burden in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Elevated phosphorus levels can negatively impact bone, cardiovascular, and overall kidney health, making phosphorus management an important aspect of kidney care. In this episode of Kidney Commute, an interprofessional panel featuring a nephrologist, dietitian, policy expert, and patient advocate discusses the clinical impact of phosphate additives, the differences between naturally occurring phosphorus and additive-based phosphorus, and the practical challenges patients face when trying to identify hidden phosphorus sources in foods and medications. The discussion also explores socioeconomic barriers, food labeling limitations, and ongoing policy and advocacy efforts aimed at improving phosphorus transparency and patient education. Listeners will gain practical strategies and insights to better support phosphorus management in clinical practice and daily life.